Dillon took his roll of money out of his pocket and thumbed it through. He had two thousand dollars and two fifty notes.
Roxy watched him. “Maybe he’d take the two grand an’ call it square.”
Dillon’s hand shook with fury. “We give him this dough an’ he can still turn us in,” he said.
Roxy shook his head. “I guess he ain’t that low. I know Joe, he wouldn’t do that.”
Dillon got to his feet. “I do the payin’ an’ save your hide,” he snarled. “Ain’t you got any dough?”
Roxy looked uncomfortable. “Hell, Bud,” he said, “I ain’t gotta nickel. I’m in this with you…. Didn’t I tip you what was happenin’?”
Dillon shrugged and walked towards the house. Joe saw them coming and came out walking to meet them.
Dillon said slowly, “Listen. This five grand reward comes tough on a guy like you. We wouldn’t like you to lose by it.”
Joe’s eyes glistened. “You got me wrong, Mister,” he said hastily. “I ain’t hankerin’ after the reward. I guess I’m glad to hide you guys up. I only said I’d lost the dough you gave me an’ was a bit short.”
Dillon’s eyes hated him. “We figgered maybe two grand would set you up.”