“Ah, Archibald, the plot thickens! First we meet Beauty; now we meet the Beast. Point that gun the other way, my friend. It might go off and frighten my long-eared friend here. He’s delicate, and I don’t like to have his nerves shocked.”
“H’ist them mits before I drill ya!”
Ross felt the muzzle of the gun jammed into his ribs, and a practised hand quickly searched his body. His automatic, carried for the sole purpose of exterminating rattlesnakes, was transferred to the other’s pocket.
The vicious attitude of the gunman was far too real to be taken lightly. There was no doubt that he meant business.
“Ya can let ’em down now,” said the gunman, stopping back.
Ross turned and surveyed his captor.
“If you don’t mind telling me,” he asked coldly, “to whom am I indebted for this early morning call?”
“Stow the flip gab. All I know is tha big boss said to bring ya in, an’ I’m bringin’ ya.”
“Then I’m to understand that I’m a captive?”
“Understan’ anythin’ ya please. Now git travelin’.”