Part 30 (2/2)
”You're a fine pair,” he said loudly, ”a fine pair. Letting a two-by-four sheriff run you. Ha-ha, it's a joke!”
”You go slow, you hear!” directed Skinny s.h.i.+ndle.
Dan Slike's eyes slid round to survey Skinny. ”Me go slow?” he drawled, ”Who'll make me? You? Not you or Rafe either. Wanna know why? Because I'm the best man in the room, that's why. Wanna argue the matter?”
Apparently neither Skinny nor Rafe cared to argue. At least they made no audible reply to the challenge.
Dan Slike nodded a satisfied head. ”Now that's settled, let's go back to business. About that three thousand--yes or no?”
Skinny looked at Rafe. Rafe looked at Skinny. Skinny shook his head.
Rafe nodded his. Dan Slike, missing nothing of the byplay, smiled delightedly. His thin lips curled into a crooked sneer.
”There seems to be a difference of opinion,” said Dan Slike. ”Give it a name.”
”Three thousand is too much,” averred Skinny s.h.i.+ndle.
”You'll only have to pay half of it,” said Rafe.
”But this payment in advance--I don't like it,” objected Skinny s.h.i.+ndle.
Dan Slike's boots came down from the table. They came down with a certain amount of speed, yet curiously enough they made not the slightest noise as soles and heels struck the floor. Dan Slike's chair creaked as his body turned ever so slightly sidewise.
”s.h.i.+ndle,” said he softly, ”you ain't thinking I wouldn't keep my part of the bargain if I take your money, are you?”
”No, oh, no,” Skinny rea.s.sured him hastily. ”Of course you would.”
”This being so,” pursued Dan Slike, ”what's the difference whether you pay me now or later?”
”Why, none,” admitted Skinny, finding himself fairly cornered. ”None whatever. I--we will pay you what you ask.”
”Spoken like a li'l man,” fleered Dan Slike, and switched his gaze to Tuckleton's face. ”Second the motion, Rafe?”
”On one condition.”
”Let's have it?”
”You finish both jobs within thirty days.”
”No, not thirty days, old-timer, nor yet forty-five. Sixty.”
”Thirty.”
”Sixty days from to-night and the three thousand dollars, half gold, half bills, in my pocket by noon to-morrow.”
”Oh, h.e.l.l, all right!” Rafe cried, tossing up helpless hands. ”Come around here to-morrow noon and get your money.”
Dan Slike nodded. ”Guess I'll be going, Rafe--No, nemmine dinner, I ain't hungry now.”
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