Morgan thought a moment, then said, “Fair enough.” The four men began to catch some of Dillon’s confidence.
“Dig down,” Dillon said, spreading a fin on the table. “I want some working expenses. This is all I got. Dig down.”
Each contributed. Between the five of them they put up a hundred dollars. Dillon put the bills in his pocket. Gurney went out on to the verandah and fetched in the drinks. They all had a shot except Dillon.
Butch said, “How you goin’ to handle this?”
Dillon tapped on the table with his fingernails. “I’m goin’ to tell Franks to take a dive.”
Butch said, “For God’s sake, he’ll knock your guts out.”
Dillon shook his head. “He won’t.” He pushed back his chair. “I guess that’s all.” The others, except Butch, got to their feet. Dillon said, “Suppose you boys blow, I wantta talk to Butch.”
Gurney moved to the verandah. “Maybe we’ll get together some other time,” he said.
“Yeah,” Dillon nodded his head; “you might look round tomorrow.”
Butch sat waiting until the others disappeared into the night. Dillon came back from the verandah. He stood looking at Butch thoughtfully. Then he closed the door and came over.