Page:West of Dodge (1926).pdf/185

 the boys hadn't took a shot at Gus Sandiver when he was throwin' his gun down on you?"

Hall got up, almost eagerly. He put out his hand in a quick, impulsive gesture, which Burnett plainly mistook for an overture of peace. He twitched his crooked lips in a derisive grin, backing out of reach.

"If you know who it was, send him to me," Hall requested earnestly, his appealing hand enforcing the sincerity of his words. "I'm under a great obligation to that man. I want to thank him."

"He's not out for any thanks," Burnett returned stiffly.

"Tell him, anyhow, Burnett, that I do thank him. He meant well, but I wasn't in any danger. Sandiver's gun was empty when I rushed him. He fired his last shot at Nance."

Burnett looked foolish, flushing angrily at this confident declaration, coming so close on the acknowledgment of service to the unknown shooter. He doubtless had overlooked the doctor's possession of Sandiver's gun immediately after the shooting. It took the sting out of his insolence, the triumph out of his bluff.

"Like hell!" he said, stalling for a new foothold.

"Yes. The shells are lying right there on the floor where they fell when I broke the gun. The gun was empty when I put it in Sandiver's hand. He couldn't have hurt a fly."

Hall pushed the door open, pointing to the empty cartridges.

"That would be darn poor evidence to save your neck on if you was up for murder," Burnett said.

"I'm not up for murder, Burnett."