"No—of course not. Say, Judge, what d'you take me for, anyhow?"
"He must know it! You must tell him!"
"I? I'll be damned if I do!"
"Then I will."
"No, you won't either. Now, look here, Judge Houston, this is my affair; and if you interfere, your age and position won't make a blame bit of difference in what I might do to you. I'm bent and determined to save that youngster, and all your pious conscience and principles and fol-de-rol beliefs ain't going to keep me from it. You see what I mean, don't you? So don't fret me, any more!"
Without a moment's delay, the Captain turned towards Jervais' party with the magnificent bravado which was always at his command and called out:
"Shall we toss for the word, gentlemen?"
For a second a gold coin gleamed in the air and fell at the Captain's feet.
"Thank you, gentlemen," he bowed, with a flourish, "the honour is mine."
Then opening a large valise, he took out four pistols and handed them to Jervais' second, who handed them to Jervais. The selection was made.