"
"Take them off if you want to," returned Matin, grinning evilly. "You
won't need to put them on again."
"Think not?" said Hal. "You never can tell about those things, Matin."
"Trying to be funny, are you?" returned Matin. "Well, go ahead. You won't
lie funny long--not to anyone but me. I'm going to shoot you."
"Don't suppose you would let me draw my own gun first, would you?"
asked Hal.
"No. What do you think I am?"
"Just a coward; that's all," said Hal, quietly.
"Coward, am I?" exclaimed Matin, taking a quick step forward.
"Correct," replied Hal. "It's about your size to shoot a man in the
back. I have had dealings with your kind before. You're afraid to take
an even chance."
"It's not that I'm afraid," said Matin. "It's just that I want to make
sure. I failed twice before."
"Then it was you who tried to shoot me in here one night, eh?" asked Hal.
"Yes; and I would have succeeded had it not been for your friend. When I
have disposed of you I shall settle with him also."
"I don't think so, Matin."
"You don't? What's to prevent me?"
"Why," said Hal, "when I am through with you, you will be in no condition
to settle with anyone.
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