Part 23 (1/2)
”So I judge.”
”Come! This won't do. I'm a determined man. That map I'm going to have.
Unless you want the scene to close with the final exit of John Sedgwick, find for me the map.”
”Suppose I tell you that I haven't it?”
”I shall believe you, since the evidence would support the a.s.sertion. I should then ask who has it?”
”You certainly are a man of one idea. I think I've never had the pleasure of talking with you that you didn't switch the conversation back to that map.”
He raised the revolver.
”I asked a question.”
There was a step outside, followed by a knock on the door. ”Come in,” I sang out instantly.
Bothwell's furious gaze came back from the door just as I leaped. A bullet crashed through the skylight, for my arm had deflected his. I wrapped myself about him in silent struggle for the weapon. We swayed against the bed and went down upon it hard, our weight tearing through the springs. Desperately I clung to his arm to keep the weapon from pointing at me.
”Let go, Sedgwick,” a voice ordered.
Sinewy fingers had tightened on Bothwell's throat and a strong hand had wrenched the revolver from him.
Panting, I struggled to my feet. My opportune friend covered the Russian with his own weapon and drawled out a warning.
”Don't you now, Mr. Pirate, or I'll certainly have to load you up with lead.”
Bothwell lay on the bed, his breast heaving from his exertions. In no man's looks have I ever seen a more furious malice, but he had sense enough to recognize that this was our moment.
”If it ain't b.u.t.ting in, what were you gentlemen milling around so active about this warm day?” asked Yeager.
”Same old point of difference. Captain Bothwell wanted a map.”
Tom laughed gently.
”Sho! You hadn't ought to be so blamed urgent, cap. It don't buy you anything.”
The Russian struggled with his rage, fought it down, and again found his ironic smile.
”I am under the impression that it would have bought me a map if it had not been for your arrival, sir.”
”Too bad I spoiled yore game, then.”
”For the present,” amended the defeated man. ”I am a person of much resource, Mr. Sedgwick will tell you.” Then, with a glance at the bit of plaster on my head: ”He still wears a souvenir to remind him of it.”
”My little adventure at San Pedro. I always, credited you with that, captain. Thanks.”
”You're entirely welcome. More to follow,” he smiled.