The movement was neither of affirmation nor denial: "He will not fire again." "It was more than one against one," persisted Philip.

"Does your oath compel you to keep silent about that, too ?" There was a note of irritation in his voice which was almost a challenge to Jean.

It did not prick the half-breed.

He looked at Philip a moment before he replied: "You are an unusual man, M'sieur," he said at last, as though he had been carefully measuring his words.

"We have known each other only a few days, and yet it seems a long time.