"Unfortunately not. I have a certain position in these parts. People are apt to expect a good deal of me. And for my part I see no way out except a gunplay—no way out between the devil and the moon!"
Astonishment swept suddenly across the face of the big man, for Donnegan, turning white as death, shrank toward the wall as though he had that moment received cold steel in his body.
"Say that again!" said Donnegan hoarsely.
"I said there was no way out," repeated Lord Nick, and though he kept his right hand in readiness, he passed his left through his red hair and stared at Donnegan with a tinge of contempt; he had seen men buckle like this at the last moment when their backs were to the wall.
"Between—" repeated Donnegan.
"The devil and the moon. Do you see a way yourself?"
He was astonished again to see Donnegan wince as if from a blow. His lips were trembling and they writhed stiffly over his words.
"Who taught you that expression?" said Donnegan.
"A gentleman," said Lord Nick.
"Ah?"