Big Jeff flushed, cast a glance of defiance that included both Andrew and Scottie, and tossed off the whisky. It was a blow over the heart for Andrew; he had to finish his talking now, before Jeff Rankin was turned mad by the whisky. And if he worked it well, Jeff would be on his side. The madness would fight for Andrew. He said: "There's no more question about me being a leader for you. Personally, I'd like to have Jeff--not to follow me, but to be pals with me." Jeff cleared his throat and looked about with foolish importance. Not an eye wavered to meet his glance; every look was fixed with a hungry hate upon Andrew. "There's only one thing up between the lot of us: Do I keep Hal Dozier, or do you get him--to murder him? Do you fellows ride on your way free and easy, to do what you please, or do you tackle me in that room, eat my lead, and then, if you finish me, get a chance to kill a man that's nearly dead now? How does it look to you, boys? Think it over. Think sharp!" He knew while he spoke that there was one exquisitely simple way to end both his life and the life of Dozier--let them touch a match to the building and shoot him while he ran from the flames. But he could only pray that they would not see it. "And besides, I'll do more. You think you have a claim on Dozier. I'll buy him from you. Here's half his weight in gold. Will you take the money and clear out? Or are you going to make the play at me? If you do, you'll buy whatever you get at a high price!" "You forget--" put in Scottie, but Andrew interrupted. "I don't want to hear from you, Scottie. I know you're a snake. I want to hear from Jeff Rankin. Speak up, Jeff. Everything's in your hands, and I trust you!" The giant rose from his chair. His face was white with the effect of the whisky, and one spot of color burned in each cheek. He looked gloweringly upon his companions. "Andy," he said, "I--" "Wait a minute," said Scottie swiftly, seeing that the scales were balancing toward a defeat. "Let him talk. You don't have to tell him what to say," said Andrew. "I've got a right to put our side up to him--for the sake of the things we've been through together. Jeff, have I?" Jeff Rankin cleared his throat importantly. Scottie faced him; the others kept their unchanging eyes rivetted upon Andrew, ready for the gun play at the first flicker of an eyelid. The first sign of unwariness would begin and end the battle. "Don't forget this," went on Scottie, having Jeff's attention. "Andy is workin' to keep Dozier alive. Why? Dozier's the law, isn't he? Then Andy wants to make up with the law. He wants to sneak out. He wants to turn state's evidence!" The deadly phrase shocked Jeff Rankin a pace back toward soberness. "I never thought," he began.