"Maybe you think that's all we need," said Eagen hoarsely; "an' if that's the way you feel you won't find me backin' down when you start something. Just now I ain't forgetting that crazy fool with that rifle up there." "You didn't come here for a gun play, Eagen," said Rathburn. "You ain't plumb loco _every_ way. I take it you saw me makin' for this place an' followed me here. What do you want?" "I want to talk business," said Eagen with a hopeful note in his voice; "but you won't let me get started." "An' I won't have dealings with you," said Rathburn crisply. "That's what you think," sneered Eagen. "But you're in a tight corner, an' we can help you out. Long said to-day, I heard just now, that he'd put every deputy he had an' every man he could swear in as a special on your trail, and he'd get you." "The thing that I can't see," drawled Rathburn, "is what that's got to do with you. I suppose you're here as a missionary to tip me off. Thanks." Eagen had calmed down. He stepped closer to Rathburn and spoke in a low tone. "Here's the lay: They're after you, an' they're after us. I know you're no stool pigeon, an' I know I ain't takin' a chance when I tell you that we've got a big job comin' up--one that'll get us a pretty roll. It takes nerve to pull it off, even though certain things will make it easier. You might just as well be in on it. You can make it a last job an' blow these parts for good. You don't have to come in, of course; but it'll be worth your while. You've got the name, an' you might as well have what goes with it. I'll let you head the outfit an' shoot square all the way." Rathburn laughed scornfully. "When I heard you was out here, Eagen, I guessed it was something like this that brought you here. Maybe you're statin' facts as to this job which, you say, is coming up. But you lied when you said you'd shoot square, Eagen. I wouldn't trust you as far as you could throw a bull by the tail, an' there's half a dozen other reasons why you an' me couldn't be pardners!" Eagen stepped back with a snarl of rage. "I don't reckon you're entitled to what rep you've got!" he blurted hoarsely. "Right down under the skin, Rathburn, I believe you're soft!" "That's puttin' it up to me all fair an' square," Rathburn replied evenly. "I'll give it right back to you, Eagen." "Get that gun out of the window." "Mallory." "Right here, Rathburn, an' all set," came Mallory's voice. "Get that gun out of the window." "What's that? Don't you see there's three of 'em? You----" "Get that gun out of the window!" rang Rathburn's voice. "Let him play with it," Eagen said harshly. Mallory withdrew from the window, as Eagen reached for his left stirrup and swung into the saddle. "I see you ain't takin' it," Rathburn called to him with a jeering laugh. "An' I ain't forgettin' it?" Eagen shouted, as he drove in his spurs.