Page:The Black Cat v01no02 (1895-11).pdf/44

42 "Step this way. I'll show you where 'Ready' was killed."

We strolled to the gangway. He pointed to a little bullet hole in the casement.

"There were three shots fired. 'Ready' fired one and I—"

I looked up quickly into his patriarchal face. He paled, and fixed his eyes on me.

"I didn't mean to say so much, friend; but I believe you are a square man. This spot has a fascination for me. And it is twenty years ago, twenty—years—ago."

His head drooped. He seemed to be thinking of something beside what he uttered.

"I understand you," I said.

I pressed his hand, and went to bed.