The Pole rested back, with feet on the table and eyes closed, but the other--the younger man--was watching him closely, an unlighted cigar gripped in his teeth.
"So, you've come out of it," the latter said unpleasantly.

"I'd begun to think Mike had handed you a real knock-out that time.

Ready to answer a few questions ?" West, his brain clearing rapidly, sat up straighter in the chair, determined to play out his part the best he could.
"Perfectly ready," he replied struggling to control his voice.

"Only I should like to know what all this means?
Why attack me ?" "You'll find that out soon enough, Captain; but first I'll do the questioning." "Not until I know one thing, at least--what has become of the man who was with me ?" "Well, I might as well tell you," carelessly.

"He got hurt; the fool compelled me to hit him with a gat; so he's out of it, and you might as well come through clean--that guy isn't going to help you any." "You mean you killed him ?" "Well, he's out of the game; that's enough.