its resting place. He flung the chauffeur's body away from him;
there was a sharp 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