Part 31 (1/2)

”You'll do nothing of the kind,” retorted Kells. ”You dug for that gold and it's yours.”

”Well, boss, then say a quarter share to you and the same to me--and divide the rest among the gang.”

”No!” exclaimed Kells, violently.

Joan imagined he was actuated as much by justice to Cleve as opposition to Gulden.

”Jim Cleve, you're a square pard if I ever seen one,” declared Pearce, admiringly. ”An' I'm here to say thet I wouldn't hev a share of your nugget.”

”Nor me,” spoke up Jesse Smith.

”I pa.s.s, too,” said Chick Williams.

”Jim, if I was dyin' fer a drink I wouldn't stand fer thet deal,” added Blicky, with a fine scorn.

These men, and others who spoke or signified their refusal, attested to the living truth that there was honor even among robbers. But there was not the slightest suggestion of change in Gulden's att.i.tude or of those back of him.

”Share and share alike for me!” he muttered, grimly, with those great eyes upon the nugget.

Kells, with an agile bound, reached the table and pounded it with his fist, confronting the giant.

”So you say!” he hissed in dark pa.s.sion. ”You've gone too far, Gulden.

Here's where I call you!... You don't get a gram of that gold nugget.

Jim's worked like a dog. If he digs up a million I'll see he gets it all. Maybe you loafers haven't a hunch what Jim's done for you. He's helped our big deal more than you or I. His honest work has made it easy for me to look honest. He's supposed to be engaged to marry my daughter.

That more than anything was a blind. It made my stand, and I tell you that stand is high in this camp. Go down there and swear Blight is Jack Kells! See what you get!... That's all.... I'm dealing the cards in this game!”

Kells did not cow Gulden--for it was likely the giant lacked the feeling of fear--but he overruled him by sheer strength of spirit.

Gulden backed away stolidly, apparently dazed by his own movements; then he plunged out the door, and the ruffians who had given silent but sure expression of their loyalty tramped after him.

”Reckon thet starts the split!” declared Red Pearce.

”Suppose you'd been in Jim's place!” flashed Kells.

”Jack, I ain't sayin' a word. You was square. I'd want you to do the same by me.... But fetchin' the girl into the deal--”

Kells's pa.s.sionate and menacing gesture shut Pearce's lips. He lifted a hand, resignedly, and went out.

”Jim,” said Kells, earnestly, ”take my hunch. Hide your nugget. Don't send it out with the stage to Bannack. It'd never get there.... And change the place where you sleep!”

”Thanks,” replied Cleve, brightly. ”I'll hide my nugget all right. And I'll take care of myself.”

Later that night Joan waited at her window for Jim. It was so quiet that she could hear the faint murmur of the shallow creek. The sky was dusky blue; the stars were white, the night breeze sweet and cool. Her first flush of elation for Jim having pa.s.sed, she experienced a sinking of courage. Were they not in peril enough without Jim's finding a fortune?

How dark and significant had been Kells's hint! There was something splendid in the bandit. Never had Joan felt so grateful to him. He was a villain, yet he was a man. What hatred he showed for Gulden! These rivals would surely meet in a terrible conflict--for power--for gold.

And for her!--she added, involuntarily, with a deep, inward shudder.

Once the thought had flashed through her mind, it seemed like a word of revelation.