I was about to call out when I saw Matin coming
toward me with drawn knife. I drew my revolver quietly and waited. I
wanted him to get close enough so I would not miss. My arm was doubled
under me and I wasn't certain at that distance."
"Is he dead?" asked Chester as Hal bent over the body.
"No," said Hal. "I didn't shoot to kill him. I shot him through the
shoulder."
"Then he should regain consciousness pretty quick," declared Chester.
"Oh, he's conscious right now," said Hal. "He's just shamming a bit.
Isn't that so, Matin?"
Matin sat up.
"What of it?" he demanded.
"Nothing," returned Hal, "except that the next time you come near me,
except in the performance of duty, you will not get off so lightly."
"Are you going to let him go?" asked Jules, in surprise.
"What did you expect me to do with him?" demanded Hal.
"Shoot him again."
Hal was forced to smile at the grimness of the boy's tones.
"No," he said quietly, "I have done him injury enough for one time.
Let him go."
"But he will try to kill you again!"
"If he does, he will wish he hadn't," was Hal's reply.
He turned and prodded Matin with the toe of his boot. "Get up and get out
of here," he said sharply.
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