The next instant he was on his feet.
A moment before his face had been as gentle as that of a mother leaning over a sick child; but one glimpse of the threat in the contorted brows of Mac Strann set a gleam in his own eyes, an answer as distinct as the click of metal against metal.

Not a word had been said, but Jerry, who had lain with his eyes closed, seemed to sense a change in the atmosphere of peace which had enwrapped him the moment before.

His eyes flashed open; and he saw his burly brother.
But Mac Strann had no eye for any saving Dan Barry.
"Are you the creepin', sneakin' snake that done--this ?" "You got me figured right," answered Dan coldly.
"Then, by God------" began the roaring voice of Mac, but Jerry Strann stirred wildly on the bed.
"Mac!" he called, "Mac!" His voice went suddenly horribly thick, a bubbling, liquid sound.

"For God's sake, Mac!" He had reared himself up on one elbow, his arm stretched out to his brother.

And a foam of crimson stood on his lips.
"Mac, don't pull no gun! It was me that was in wrong!" And then he fell back in the bed, and into the arms of Mac, who was beside him, moaning: "Buck up, Jerry.