“How far is Panther Pete’s home from this place?”
Garland hesitated; not because he did not know, but to pretend a hesitation he did not feel.
“Speak up!” commanded Wild Bill tartly.
“I don’t know jes’ how far,” said Garland.
“You could lead us to the place, of course?”
“Y-es, I—guess I could.”
“We’ll have you do that. You’ve just come from there?”
“Y-es.”
“Bear in mind,” said Wild Bill, “that, if any trickery is played, you’ll be dropped first thing with a bullet through you. There will be no fooling.”
Garland’s face paled a little. These men had a reputation for being quick and sure shots, and he knew the danger he had placed himself in. Then his nerve returned.