“Scared you all stiff that time! The gun’s empty––not a cartridge in it.
“Come on, fellows! This is on me. Line up and get it over.
“Buck up, Charlie! Get your gang busy. I’m paying the piper.”
Phil kept fairly well in the background, but drew closer to the lea of the others. He caught Jim’s eye once, and he fancied he detected the faintest flicker of a wink; but, otherwise, Jim’s face remained inscrutable.
Sitting easily on his horse, he pulled out a roll of bills and tossed over the cost of the treat to Mackenzie.
“Listen, fellows!” said he, leaning over in his saddle, “this is my last long bat. Next time you see me on the tear, shoot me on sight.”
He pulled out his watch.
“Five minutes to nine! Say,––you’ll have to excuse me; I’ve an appointment with a lady friend for nine o’clock.”
Someone laughed.
“What the devil are you laughing at? I said a lady; and I meant it. Now, darn you,––laugh!” he taunted.