The Gringos by B. M. Bower
page 33 of 276 (11%)
page 33 of 276 (11%)
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"That, gentlemen, is the statement made to me by Texas Bill, who now lies dead in Pete's Place as a result of the wound inflicted by Allen." "That's a lot of swearing for a man to do that's been shot through the lungs," commented Bill Wilson skeptically. The Captain gave him a malevolent look and continued. "We will ask Mr. Swift to come forward and tell us what he knows of this deplorable and, if I may be permitted the term, disgraceful affair." Mr. Swift edged his way carefully through the crowd with his left arm thrust out to protect the right, which was bandaged and rested in a blood-stained sling. He asked permission to sit down; kicked a box into the small, open space between the Captain, the jury, and the prisoners, and seated himself with the air of a man about to perform an extremely painful duty. "Hold up your right hand," commanded the Captain. Swift apologetically raised his left hand and gazed steadfastly into the cold, impartial eyes of his Captain. "You swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so-help-you-God?" Swift, his purplish eyes wide and clear and honest as the gaze of a baby, calmly affirmed that he did. |
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