"I'm with you," repeated Rogers, hesitatingly. "I'm fed up with this 'ere contraption."
Ranworth made a step forward and planted himself squarely in front of the first speaker.
"Look here, Payne," he said sternly. "You saved our lives some little time ago, and we are grateful. Now you are trying to undo all the good you have done, and threaten to imperil the success of the undertaking. Perhaps you are still feeling the effects of the night on the ice. So do your duty, and I'll overlook your behaviour."
"Supposin' I don't feel inclined?" demanded Payne.
"Then I shall take steps to compel you."
Payne laughed insolently.
"Remember we are two to one," he said. "You can't reckon them two youngsters; they don't count when it comes to the compelling part of the show."
With a quick movement Ranworth stepped backwards for a couple of paces and whipped out a revolver.
"Either you'll knuckle under before I count ten, or you are a dead man, Payne," he said in level tones. "One—two—three——"
"Might just as well have a bullet in my hide as——"