Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/166

 instant, and the two men on the ground in a heap, with Howie insensible on top. The thud of their fall had been the only sound.

"Pull him off, sir!" gasped Dawson. "He's paid me out!"

Fullarton tugged at the great limbs one after the other—at his own riding-boots pinching the ruffian's feet—until Dawson was free to rise but did not move.

"His shooter, sir, his shooter!"

Fullarton found it—loaded in every chamber—and signed to the deaf man to get up. He shook his head.

"My leg's broke, sir! He's paid me out."

His left foot lay as if it did not belong to him. Fullarton knelt and examined.

"It's true," said he. "We must shift him too. Lend a hand, Irralie." As the girl did so a smile broke over the deaf man's face.

"I didn't know whether I'd do it till I did it," said he; "but I didn't want no bribes! It's all I can do for you. You