Walking unsteadily, his brother advanced toward him. Vince forced his aching body to rise and faced Vernon.
“It was a good fight,” said Vernon, “while it lasted.”
He grinned, wryly. Vince noted that one of his front teeth was missing and that bloodstains were about his mouth.
“Our last good fight, kid,” said Vince.
The pirates rimmed them in a tight circle, watching them warily.
“Why don’t they polish us off, kid?” asked Vince.
“Orders from Robinson,” Vernon explained, “he is still alive.”
“What’s that!”
“Robinson is still alive.”
“The hell you say,” exclaimed Vince. “He’s the first man I ever knew who could outlive old Kan’s trick.”