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"That is because they are hidden under my sleeves"

"A-h-h!" said he, and I saw the stick quiver in his grip

"As I said before, you are a very observant ot eyes, and can see as much as ain

"Yes," I nodded; "you also possess legs, and can probably walk

fast?"

"Ah!--and run, too, if need be," he added significantly

"Then suppose you start"

"Start where?"

"Anywhere, so long as you do start"

"Not wi'out you, my buck! I've took a powerful fancy to you, and

that there five hundred pounds"--here his left hand shot out and

graspedo' me And no

tricks, mind--no tricks, or--ah!--would ye?" The heavy stick

whirled up, but, quick as he, I had caught his wrist, and now

presented my pistol full in his face

"Drop that stick!" said I, pressing the ainst his forehead as I spoke At the touch of the

cold steel his body suddenly stiffened and grew rigid, his eyes

opened in a horrified stare, and the stick clattered down on the

road