There was an instant of pause, and then Harrigan answered: "I can't take your hand, Hovey."
McTee set his teeth. To have his plans upset when all so far had gone with perfect smoothness was maddening.
"Why not?" asked Hovey sharply.
"It's just a queer hunch I've always had. I don't like the idea of takin' any oath. I'm a man of action, Hovey. When the night comes, give me a club, and you'll see where I stand!"
There was a subdued, purring danger in his voice which made Kate tremble. Evidently it convinced Hovey.
"I guess you're right, Harrigan. I don't want to doubt you; God knows we got a need for men like you when the time comes. The other lads think there'll be nothin' to it, but I know Henshaw—I know!"
"It'll be a hard nut to crack. I don't make any mistake about that," said Harrigan; "but if we work cool and with a rush, we'll sweep them off their feet."
"Now you're talkin'," said Hovey. "Speed is the thing we want most.
Speed, and no quarter."
"You'll need no urging for that. The boys are all set to kill. Have the officers many revolvers?"
"Not many. Salvain has one, and so has Henshaw. I don't think the rest pack any. Harrigan, I've got a weight off my mind, knowing that you're sure with us. And you'll get any share of the loot you want to name."