“They don’t, eh? Who’s major domo of this outfit?”
“I’m going to stay right here in this valley to-night. See?”
“What’s eatin’ you, man?”
“And every night so long as Melissy Lee stays.”
MacQueen watched him with steady, hostile eyes. “So it’s the girl, is it? Want to cut in, do you? 267 Oh, no, my friend. Two’s company; three’s a crowd. She’s mine.”
“No.”
“Yes. And another thing, Mr. Boone. I don’t stand for any interference in my plans. Make a break at it and you’ll take a hurry up journey to kingdom come.”
“Or you will.”
“Don’t bank on that off chance. The boys are with me. You’re alone. If I give the word they’ll bump you off. Don’t make a mistake, Boone.”
The Arkansan hesitated. What MacQueen said was true enough. His overbearing disposition had made him unpopular. He knew the others would side against him and that if it came to a showdown they would snuff out his life as a man does the flame of a candle. The rage died out of his eyes and gave place to a look of cunning.