Willie could smile even when facing a gun.
That smile had upset more than one man's aim and saved Willie's life.
Jones fully realized the value of his disconcerting smile.
Tad's reflections were interrupted by the voice of one of the outlaws.
"They're here," said the voice. "I'd like to take a pot at them."
"It'll be your last if you try it," threatened Jones. "This is the
only safe retreat we've got. We don't propose to give it away by any,
such fool play as shooting at a Ranger from it, much as we'd like to
get rid of some of those fellows. They're crowding us pretty close.
And right here, I've got a proposition to make. By the way, Gregg,
what are they doing?"
"Looking for trails."
The outlaw captain smiled grimly.
"Let 'em look. Precious little trail they'll find, and precious little
good it'll do them if they do find it."
"Joe said those stones weren't where he'd left them."
"That's all right. Probably some of those boys have been fooling
around here. They're a nosey crowd. But there's no chance that they
have discovered anything yet. Give them time and they may. Once we
break up the Ranger camp the boys will take French leave mighty quick.
It will be too warm for them here. As I was about to say, I have a
proposition to make to you. Until things quiet down a little it is
my suggestion that we get across the Rio Grande and go into retreat
there in our old joint.
Pages:
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193