see her direct all her attention to Slim, when Phil Marvin seemed the one
about to draw.

"I ain't even nearin' my gun," asserted Slim truthfully. "It's Phil
that's got a strangle hold on his."

"You're waiting for him to draw," said the girl calmly enough. "I know
you, Slim. Phil, don't be a fool. Drop your hand away from that gat!"

He hesitated; she stepped directly between him and his enemy of the
moment and jerked the gun from its holster. Then she faced Slim.
Obviously Phil was not displeased to have the matter taken out of his
hands; obviously Slim was not so pleased. He looked coldly up to the
girl.

"This is between him and me," he protested. "I don't need none of your
help, Kate."

"Don't you? You're going to get it, though. Gimme that gun, Slim Dugan!"

"I want a square deal," he complained. "I figure Phil has been crooking
the dice on me."

"Bah! Besides, I'll give you a square deal."

She held out her hand for the weapon.

"Got any doubts about me being square, Slim?"

"Kate, leave this to me!"