You've the making of a good
outlaw, Bucky," he smiled tauntingly, "and if you follow your natural
bent you'll have some of your old friends after you, good and hard.
You'd better steer clear of that though, and try your hand at being
honest for once. M'sieur Janette wants to give you this chance, and
you'd better make good time. So get a move on, Bucky. You'll need a
blanket and a little grub, that's all."
"Steele, you don't mean this! Good God, man--" Nome had half risen to
his feet. "You don't mean this!"
With his free hand Philip took out his watch.
"I mean that if you are not gone within fifteen minutes I'll march you
over to Breed and the colonel, tell them the story of M'sieur Janette,
here, and hold you until we hear from headquarters," he said quickly.
"Which will it be, Nome?"
Like one stunned by a blow Nome rose slowly to his feet. He spoke no
word as he carefully filled his pack with the necessities of a long
journey. At the door, as he opened it to go, he turned for just an
instant upon Steele, who was still holding the revolver in his hand.
"Remember, Bucky," admonished Philip in a quiet voice, "it's all for the
good of yourself and the service."
Fear had gone from Nome's face. It was filled now with a hatred so
intense that his teeth shone like the fangs of a snarling animal.
"To hell with you," he said, "and to hell with the service; but
remember, Philip Steele, remember that some day we'll meet again.
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