Five thousand dollars for a single word! It warmed the very heart of Lee Hardy.
Silent, as he moved away, seemed singularly thoughtful.

He hesitated a moment with bowed head at the door--then whirled and shoved a six-gun under the nose of Hardy.

The latter leaped back with his arms thrust above his head, straining at his hands to get them higher.
"My God, Jim!" "You're a low-down, lyin' hound!" Hardy's tongue clove to the roof of his mouth.
"Damn you, d'you hear me ?" "Yes! For God's sake, Jim, don't shoot!" "Your life ain't worth a dime!" "Give me one more chance an' I'll play square!" A swift change came over the face of Silent, and then Hardy went hot with terror and anger.

The long rider had known nothing.

The gun play had been a mere bluff, but he had played into the hands of Silent, and now his life was truly worth nothing.
"You poor fool," went on Silent, his voice purring with controlled rage.