It was no idle threat. The vicious gleam of the cold gray eye told that. But in place of fear Ramon’s face showed almost relief. “Very good, señor. There is nothing you could do that would suit me better.”
The cold eye flickered. “Hell! you’re too anxious. I couldn’t make up my mind to do it that quick—an’ there’s a few things I wanter find out. For one, what’s your idee in wanting to drill them young folks?”
Ramon told—this time without the fireworks.
Jake summed it briefly. “Promised you, then threw you down. That’s hard luck. But there’s one thing you Mexes can never get into your hot heads—the right of our little American queens to change their pretty minds as often as they damn please without any gent’s consent. You was damn lucky that she ever give you a smile. If I conclude to change my mind on plugging you, have it writ up large in your family tree that oncet an American girl let herself be engaged to you for nearly five minutes. Now supposing I refrain from my desire to make you into a corpse, d’you reckon you could keep a promise and not make any attempt on their lives?”
While he was talking Ramon’s face had stiffened in defiance. He shook his head. But instead of anger, a small gleam of admiration lit Jake’s hard eyes. Raising his gun, he aimed full at the other’s breast.
“You have just two minutes to make up your mind.”
“One minute!”
For a time it seemed as though he would have to shoot. But just before the time expired, Ramon spoke. “For myself, I do not care. But I have an old father and mother, whom my death would surely kill. I promise.”
“All right.” Jake dropped the rifle in the hollow of his arm. “I allow that I’m foolish for trusting a Mex, but the little Missy allus liked you. On her account we’ll take one chance. Here’s your cartridge—only don’t load till you’re off this range. An’ remember”—a cold flash emphasized the order—“after this our boundary is your dead-line. Cross it again—you’ll be shot like a panther, coyote, or other varmint.”
Returning to his horse, he watched the other mount and ride away. A glance in the opposite direction showed him Lee and Gordon, going hand in hand up the opposite slope. Till they had gained across to the next valley he remained where he was. Then, riding in their rear, with a sharp eye always behind, keeping the width of a valley between them, he followed home.