Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/202

186 Jake," responded Russell, grasping his own weapon as he spoke, though the tones of his voice did not change.

"I guess not just yet."

"Yes, you will. I mean just what I say."

Robert could hear the words and instantly was excited, aware that a crisis of some kind was at hand. Josh stared stupidly first at Russell and then at the landlord, but apparently his excitement had deprived him of the power of utterance. Jacob's face slightly changed, but he did not betray any fear, at least by any movement on his part.

"Jake, you know me well enough to understand that I mean what I say, don't you?" began Russell.

"I think I 've heard ye talk before, if that's what ye mean."

"Now, Jake, there's just one chance for you. If you take it, all well and good; but if you don't you 'll have no one to blame but yourself. Now then, whose horse is that in your barn?"

"You 've got one there yourself," responded the landlord quietly.

"That won't do, Jake. You must answer my question. No, I 'll answer it myself and then I 'll ask you another. You have in your