“Well, boss, then say a quarter share to you and the same to me—and divide the rest among the gang.”
“No!” exclaimed Kells, violently.
Joan imagined he was actuated as much by justice to Cleve as opposition to Gulden.
“Jim Cleve, you're a square pard if I ever seen one,” declared Pearce, admiringly. “An' I'm here to say thet I wouldn't hev a share of your nugget.”
“Nor me,” spoke up Jesse Smith.
“I pass, too,” said Chick Williams.
“Jim, if I was dyin' fer a drink I wouldn't stand fer thet deal,” added Blicky, with a fine scorn.
These men, and others who spoke or signified their refusal, attested to the living truth that there was honor even among robbers. But there was not the slightest suggestion of change in Gulden's attitude or of those back of him.
“Share and share alike for me!” he muttered, grimly, with those great eyes upon the nugget.
Kells, with an agile bound, reached the table and pounded it with his fist, confronting the giant.