“Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “I ain’t never seen no one could juggle a six-gun like they say these birds could do, but I reckon there’s some truth in it. Leastways, there are some that can shoot pretty good.”
He, too, leaned back, with an air of self-satisfaction. Banker chuckled again.
“You’re both good ones,” he said. “This gent can shoot some, ma’am. He comes from Arkansas. But I ain’t a-worryin’ none about that. Old Jim’s luck’s still holdin’ good. I found this here mine, now, although you wouldn’t tell me where it was. Didn’t I?”
“I suppose so,” said Solange indifferently. “I do not care about the mine, monsieur. It is yours. But there is something that I wish and—I have money——”
The instant light of greed that answered this announcement convinced her that she had struck the right note. If the mine had been as rich as Golconda these men would have coveted additional money.
“You got money, ma’am?” Banker spoke whiningly.
“Money to pay for your service. You are brave men; men who would help a woman, I feel sure. 293 You, Monsieur Banker, knew my father and would help his daughter—if she paid you.”
The irony escaped him.
“I sure would,” he answered, eagerly. “What’s it you want, ma’am, and what you goin’ to pay fer it?”
She spoke quite calmly, almost casually.