"Wright may think we're whipped," Billings was saying; "but that's where he makes a big mistake. He can't drive us out of this town, no matter how much he may blow, an' it won't be many days before we'll show what's what."
"There's little chance for us the way things look now," one of the party said, with a laugh.
"How do you know? The folks 'round here have seen what I can do, an' they'll soon find out that there's a good deal of fight left."
As he said this Billings looked first at one and then another to note the effect of his bold words, and in doing so chanced to see Skip, who immediately made a series of what he intended should be mysterious gestures.
"What's the matter with you?" the man asked, angrily; but instead of replying, Skip placed his finger on his lips and quickly left the room.
It was several moments before the leader understood he was wanted, and when this fact dawned upon him he followed, meeting the boy a few yards from the entrance.
"Was you cuttin' up them monkey shines for me?" he asked in a surly tone.
"Of course."
"You jest said as how you'd like to get square with the company."