Page:Arthur Stringer - Gun Runner.djvu/188

 has settled the whole case. But it hasn't. And I guess it's not going to."

He rose to his feet heavily and slowly and thoughtfully, and then turned to McKinnon.

"Remember, I'm not trying to hold you in any way. You're free. You can do what you like. But if anything unexpected should happen, just bear in mind I gave you a chance to stand in with me, and you wouldn't take it!"

"Is that a threat?" asked McKinnon.

"Threats? Why should I make threats? Talking's cheap, and there's been a good deal of it handed round here to-night. And, as you say, we've rather tired the lady."

There was no longer any trace of mockery in his voice as he drew himself up and spoke more directly to the younger man.

"And now I'm going to turn in. But don't you forget that I'm still trying to be a friend o' yours!"

"I know it!" said the younger man, meeting his eyes without flinching.

"Then there's nothing we need to worry about," declared Ganley. And before the other quite realised it the man in the black raincoat, with a benevolent and all-forgiving arm-wave, crossed the room to the cabin door. No one spoke as he passed out through it and closed it after him.