Duane heard MacNelly's question, and it struck him peculiarly. He had seemed to be planning and speaking mechanically. As he was confronted by the fact it nonplussed him somewhat, and he became thoughtful, with lowered head.
“Where'll you wait, Duane?” insisted MacNelly, with keen eyes speculating.
“I'll wait in front, just inside the door,” replied Duane, with an effort.
“Why?” demanded the Captain.
“Well,” began Duane, slowly, “Poggin will get down first and start in. But the others won't be far behind. They'll not get swift till inside. The thing is—they MUSTN'T get clear inside, because the instant they do they'll pull guns. That means death to somebody. If we can we want to stop them just at the door.”
“But will you hide?” asked MacNelly.
“Hide!” The idea had not occurred to Duane.
“There's a wide-open doorway, a sort of round hall, a vestibule, with steps leading up to the bank. There's a door in the vestibule, too. It leads somewhere. We can put men in there. You can be there.”
Duane was silent.
“See here, Duane,” began MacNelly, nervously. “You shan't take any undue risk here. You'll hide with the rest of us?”