pair of eyes, peering from the gloom like the orbs of a jungle tiger
gathering himself for a spring. Nothing could be seen but the glow of
the eyes, that seemed to have something of the phosphorescence of the
cat species, but he could not mistake the meaning of what he saw.

Jack had partly lowered his revolver, after the first glance around the
room, but it now came to a level again with the suddenness of lightning
and was pointed straight at the gleaming eyes, as he spoke in a low,
deadly tone:

"Come forth or I'll send a bullet through your infernal brain!"

Never was man more fairly caught. In the language of the West, Jack
Everson had the drop on him, and none could be more alive to the fact
than the fellow who was thus taken at disadvantage. It was merited
punishment for his foolhardiness in inviting his own discomfiture. At
first the chances of the two were equal, but the white man was more
alive to the situation.

The Asiatic showed his appreciation of the situation by stepping
forward into the lamplight.

Incredible as it may seem, he not only held a pistol in his right hand,
but it was half raised and pointed at Jack Everson.




CHAPTER VIII.