Frederick said finally:
"We'll go with you then, but we'll take no part in what you do."
"Agreed," was the stern answer.
He turned to Oliver and said:
"Give me your revolver. I may need it."
"It's mine," the boy replied. "I'll not give it up."
The old man looked the stalwart figure over in a quick glance of appraisement. Brown had been a man of iron strength in his day but his shoulders were stooped and he knew he was no match for the fierce strength of youth. Yet his hesitation was only for an instant.
With the sudden spring of a panther he leaped on the boy and attempted to take the pistol by force. The son resisted with fury.
Frederick, alarmed lest the pistol should be discharged in the struggle, managed to slip it from his brother's belt.
The match was not equal.