"Where'm I hit?"
"Just above the belt."
"Bleedin' much?"
"No."
"Who—who shot me?"
"You're not shot at all, captain," interposed Payne. "You looked so wicked with that knife, I just happened to tap you in a vital spot, that's all."
"Wal—I ain't shot, sure 'nough!" exclaimed the relieved captain after inspecting his mid-section. "What'd he hit me with, boys?"
Roger held up his hard brown fist.
"Sorry to do it, friend, but a man with a knife makes me see red."
The scarred man spoke up: "If you're sheriff's men, and if you think we're going back with you——"