The bondage of the gang might be a
terrible thing through the future, but the present need blinded him to
what might come.
He said: "Suppose I stop raising questions or making a fight, but give
you my hand and call myself a member--"
"Of the family? Exactly. If you did that I'd know it was because you
were wantin' something, Pierre, eh?"
"Two things."
"Lad, I like this way of talk. One--two--you hit quick like a two-gun
man. Well, I'm used to paying high for what I get. What's up?"
"The first--"
"Wait. Can I help you out by myself, or do you need the gang?"
"The gang."
"Then come, and I'll put it up to them. You first."
It was equally courtesy and caution, and Pierre smiled faintly as he
went first through the door. He stood in a moment under the eyes of
five silent men.
The booming voice of Jim Boone pronounced: "This is Pierre. He'll be
one of us if he can get the gang to do two things. I ask you, will you
hear him for me, and then pass on whether or not you try his game?"
They nodded.
Pages:
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100