looked at this
gun he was staring directly into its muzzle. Obviously, this was a
time for watchful waiting only.

"We can't figure where you fit into this here game," Newman began.
"You ain't a bull; you don't work; and you don't steal."

Marsh laughed at this quaint appraisal of him.

"Well, what ARE you tryin' to pull off?" questioned Newman, his
bright, piercing eyes studying Marsh's face.

"You have me at a disadvantage," returned Marsh. "I do not know what
game you refer to in the first place. In the second, I cannot see
why the pursuit of my private business should interest you."

"Come on--come on!" remonstrated Newman. "I ain't got any time to
waste kiddin' around with you."

"Get down to the point then," advised Marsh.

"All right, I will," said Newman. "We don't mind these bulls.
They're bone-heads. I can run circles around any one of them. But
you're gettin' too damned close, and we want to know what you're
after."

"Thanks for the tip," replied Marsh. "If I were really interested in
you, the information you have just given me would be of great
value."

Newman eyed Marsh suspiciously for a moment.

"Don't worry," he said. "You're not goin' to bother us much. We've
arranged to take care of you, if you won't listen to reason. If
you're crooked, just lay off for awhile, that's all, and we'll see
you get what's right later. If you really are a bull, or are helpin'
these other bulls, then I'm warnin' you to back out gracefully
before it's too late. I came here with a flag of truce to give you a
chance, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble by bein' on the
square with me."

Bargaining with a known crook was not to Marsh's taste. If they were
in the dark as to his intentions and his status, let them remain so.
He guessed now that the gun in Newman's hands would not be used
except as a last resort to avoid personal capture. The man's idea
was to have his say, and then go as quietly as he had come, if
possible. Marsh's tense watching relaxed somewhat. There was no
immediate danger, and the future could adjust itself. He would like
to get this fellow now, but if not, then he would get him later.

"It is none of your business what work I am engaged in," said Marsh.
"Moreover, you can tell your gang for me to go straight to hell.
Now, take my advice and get out quick before you lose the
opportunity." Newman's lips parted in a vicious grin.

"You've got nerve, I'll say that for you," he commented.