“That laugh was nearly fatal. With a snarl of rage the first man sprang to the bed, and, seizing the old man by the throat, raised a gleaming knife.
“‘Curse you, take that,’ he hissed, and the knife was about to descend when the shadow sprang upon him and wrenched the weapon from his hand.
“‘We will have no murder done while I am here, Dan Flynn.’
“The first man released his grip on the old man’s throat and turned upon the man who had seized him. His surprise when he recognized him was evident.
“‘Red Morgan! What are you doing here?’
“‘The same thing you are, Dan, only I don’t intend to see any violence done an old and helpless man.’
“‘What are you doing here?’ again growled the other.
“‘On the same lay as you, Dan, only you got here first. I needed the thousand, but it’s all off now, and we’d better mosey.’
“‘And not swipe the stuff while we are here?’
“At this point old Mr. Peters took a hand in the game. He touched a button that had been conveniently arranged in the head-board of his bed, and the room was instantly flooded with light.