Part 75 (1/2)
”I cheated.”
”Cheated?”
”Yes.”
”How?”
”When I s.n.a.t.c.hed ther first card drawn from ther hand o' ther man what drawed it. It war ther ace o' spades, an' it condemned yer ter die.”
”But there were two cards drawn.”
”No! Thar war one card drawed, an' that war all!”
”But--but you showed two!”
Muriel nodded.
”That war whar I cheated,” he said, simply. ”I had ther red card in my hand ready ter do ther trick ef a black card war drawed. In that way I knowed I could give yer two shows ter escape death.”
The boys were astounded by this revelation, but they did not doubt that Muriel spoke the truth. His manner showed that he was not telling a falsehood.
And this strange boy--this remarkable leader of moons.h.i.+ners--had done such a thing to save them!
More than ever, they marveled at the fellow.
Once more Muriel's arms were folded over his breast, and he was leaning gracefully against the door, his eyes watching their faces.
For several moments both boys were stricken dumb with wonder and surprise. Frank was not a little confused, thinking as he did how he had misunderstood this mysterious youth. Even now Frank could not understand him. It seemed most unaccountable that he should do such a thing for two lads who were utter strangers to him.
A sound like a bitter laugh came from behind the sable mask, and Muriel flung out one hand, with an impatient gesture.
”I know what you-uns is thinkin' of,” declared the young moons.h.i.+ner. ”Ye wonder why I done so. Wal, I don't jes' know myself, but I promised Kate ter do my best fer ye.”
”You have kept your promise!” cried Frank, ”kept it n.o.bly! Muriel, you may be a moons.h.i.+ner, you may be the leader of the Black Caps, but I am proud to know you! I believe you are white all the way through!”
”Thar!” exclaimed the youth, with a show of satisfaction, ”that makes me feel better. But it war Kate as done it, an' she's ther one ter thank; but it ain't likely you-uns'll ever see her ag'in.”
”Then, tell her,” said Frank, swiftly, ”tell her for us that we are very thankful--tell her we shall not forget her. I'll never forget her.”
Muriel moved uneasily. He seemed about to speak, and then checked himself.
”You will tell her?” said Frank, appealingly.
”I'll tell her,” nodded Muriel, his voice sounding a bit strange. ”Is that all you-uns want me ter tell her?”
”Tell her I would give much to see her again,” came swiftly from Frank's lips. ”She's promised to be my friend, and right well has she kept that promise.”
”That's all?” questioned the boy moons.h.i.+ner.
”That is all.”