p click as he swiftly jammed the barrel
of the automatic back and let it fly into place.

The entire maneuver had been deftly executed, even yet the object of
the assault was speechless.

"Now then"--the passenger faced about in his seat and showed his teeth
in a smile--"it is customary to permit the condemned to enjoy the last
word. What have you to say for yourself?"

"I--got this to say. It's a hell of a joke--" the man exploded.

"Do I act as if I were joking?"

"If you think it's funny to jab a gun in a man's belly when he ain't
lookin'--"

"A gun? My simple friend, you have--or had--the only gun in this party,
and you may thank whatever gods you worship that you didn't try to use
it, for--I would have been rough with you. Oh, very rough! I might even
have made you eat it. Now, inasmuch as you may be tempted to embellish
this story with some highly imaginary details, I prefer that you know
the truth. This is the 'gun' I used to stick you up." With a rigidly
outthrust thumb Gray prodded the driver in the side. "Simple, isn't it?
And no chance for accidents." The speaker's shoulders were shaking.

"Well, I'll be damned!"

"Not a doubt of it!" chuckled the other. "Especially if you follow in
the course you have chosen. And a similar fate will overtake your pal,
Mallow. By the way, is that his right name?... Never mind, I know him
as Mallow. A shallow, trusting man, and, I hope, a better judge of
diamonds than of character. As for me, I look deeper than the surface
and am seldom deceived in people--witness your case, for example. I
knew you at once for a crook. It might save you several miles of bad
walking to tell me where Mallow is waiting to high-jack me.... No?"

"I dunno what you're ravin' about," growled the unhappy owner of the
automobile. "But, believe me, I'll have you pinched for this."

"How sharper than a serpent's tooth is ingratitude! And what bad taste
to prattle of prosecution. I sha'n't steal your car, it needs too much
overhauling. And I abominate cheap machines. It is true that I'm one
pistol to the good, but in view of the law against carrying lethal
weapons, surely you won't prefer charges against me for removing it
from your person. Oh, not that! It seems to me that I'm treating you
handsomely, for I shall even pay you the agreed price for this trip,
provided only you tell me where you expect to meet Mr. Mallow."

"Go to hell!"

"Very well. Oblige me now by getting out.... And make i