Not a man among them but knew the result of an attack upon him. Bullets swift and sure, in the brains or hearts of some; certain vengeance, sooner or later, upon all. To avoid, on all possible occasions, an open encounter with an officer of the law, is the natural instinct of the crook. Besides, Stanhope was never off his guard; his presence, alone[61] among them, was sure indication that they were in more danger than he. [61] So reasoned the astonished scoundrels, instantly, instinctively. “Look here, boys,” Stanhope’s cool voice broke in upon their silence; “I’m here on a little private business which need not concern you, unless you make me trouble. This man,” nodding down at the prostrate ex-convict, “is my game. I’m going to take him out of this, and if you raise a hand to prevent it, or take a step to follow me, you’ll find yourselves detained for a long stretch.” He threw back his head and gave a long, low whistle. “Hear that, my good sirs. That’s a note of preparation. One more such will bring you into close quarters. If you are not back at those tables, every man of you, inside of two minutes, I’ll give the second call.” Some moved with agility, some reluctantly, some sullenly; but they all obeyed him. “Now, Pap, come out and help me lift this fellow. Are you badly hurt, my man?” The wounded man groaned and permitted them to lift him to his feet. “He can walk, I think,” went on Stanhope, in a brisk, business-like way. “Lean on me, my lad.” Then, turning to the bar keeper and thrusting some money into his hand: “Give these fellows another round of drinks, Pap. Boys, enjoy yourselves; ta-ta.” And without once glancing back at them he half led, half supported, the wounded man out from the bar-room, up the dirty stone steps, and into the dirtier street. “Boys,” said the bar keeper as he distributed the drinks at[62] Stanhope’s expense, “you done a sensible thing when you let up on Dick Stanhope. He’s got the alley lined with peelers and don’t you forget it.” [62] For a little way Stanhope led his man in silence. Then the rescued ex-convict made a sudden convulsive movement, gathered
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