His right hand froze on the butt of his gun and his face convulsed with impotent rage, for he knew, as both the others knew, that long before that gun was clear of the holster the bullet from Pierre's gun would be on its way. But Pierre threw his arms wide, and standing so, his shadow made a black cross on the wall behind him. He even smiled to tempt the big man further. CHAPTER 24 Jacqueline ran between and caught the hand of her father, crying: "Are you going to finish the work of McGurk before he has a chance to start it? He hunted the rest down one by one. Dad, if you put out Pierre what is left? Can you face that devil alone?" And the old man groaned: "But it's his luck that's ruined me. It's his damned luck which has broken up the finest fellowship that ever mocked at law on the ranges. Oh, Jack, the heart in me's broken. I wish to God that I lay where Gandil lies. What's the use of fighting any longer? No man can stand up against McGurk!" And the cold which had come in the blood of Pierre agreed with him. He was a slayer of men, but McGurk was a devil incarnate. His father had died at the hand of this lone rider; it was fitting, it was fate that he himself should die in the same way. The girl looked from face to face, and sensed their despondency. It seemed that their fear gave her the greater courage. Her face flushed as she stood glaring her scorn. "The yellow streak took a long time in showin', but it's in you, all right, Pierre le Rouge." "You've hated me ever since the dance, Jack. Why?" "Because I knew you were yellow--like this!" He shrugged his shoulders like one who gives up the fight against a woman, and seeing it, she changed suddenly and made a gesture with both hands toward him, a sudden gesture filled with grace and a queer tenderness. She said: "Pierre, have you forgotten that when you were only a boy you stood up to McGurk and drew blood from him? Are you afraid of him now?" "I'll take my chance with any man--but McGurk--" "He has no cross to bring him luck." "Aye, and he has no friends for that luck to ruin. Look at Gandil, Jack, and then speak to me of the cross." "Pierre, that first time you met you almost beat him to the draw. Oh, if I were a man, I'd--Pierre, it was to get McGurk that you rode out to the range. You've been here six years, and McGurk is still alive, and now you're ready to run from his shadow." "Run?" he said hotly. "I swear to God that as I stand here I've no fear of death and no hope for the life ahead." She sneered: "You're white while you say it. Your will may be brave, but your blood's a coward, Pierre. It deserts you." "Jack, you devil--" "Aye, you can threaten me safely. But if McGurk were here--" "Let him come." "Then give me one promise." "A thousand of 'em." "Let me hunt him with you." He stared at her with wonder. "Jack, what a heart you have! If you were a man we could rule the mountains, you and I." "Even as I am, what prevents us, Pierre?"