“My Gawd, Dodge, what'd you bust in here fer?” he said, plaintively, and slowly stepped forward. His action was that of a man true to himself. He meant he had been sponsor for Duane and now he would stand by him.
“Back, Fletcher!” called Duane, and his voice made the outlaw jump.
“Hold on, Dodge, an' you-all, everybody,” said Fletcher. “Let me talk, seein' I'm in wrong here.”
His persuasions did not ease the strain.
“Go ahead. Talk,” said Poggin.
Fletcher turned to Duane. “Pard, I'm takin' it on myself thet you meet enemies here when I swore you'd meet friends. It's my fault. I'll stand by you if you let me.”
“No, Jim,” replied Duane.
“But what'd you come fer without the signal?” burst out Fletcher, in distress. He saw nothing but catastrophe in this meeting.
“Jim, I ain't pressin' my company none. But when I'm wanted bad—”
Fletcher stopped him with a raised hand. Then he turned to Poggin with a rude dignity.