But he was not so quick as Patsy, who darted forward and knocked his arm up.
The revolver went off, but the bullet, instead of crashing through the door and thus endangering Snell’s life, flew into the ceiling.
“Now then, gents,” began Bronco Bill, who didn’t want a disturbance in his place.
The leader was too mad to be stopped by talk.
Turning fiercely upon Patsy, he demanded:
“What in thunder do you mean, tenderfoot?”
“I was afraid you might hurt somebody,” responded the detective, quietly; “then you’d be sorry.”
“Sorry! me sorry!” roared the ruffian; “reckon you don’t know who you’re talking to. I’m Serpent Sam, of the Dead Hills, I am, and no man tells me what I shall or shan’t do. I’ll make you dance for your impudence, you measly tenderfoot!”