The mystery
paralyzed them; the boldness of the move terrorized them. Indeed,
Thatford, who was usually a pretty nervy man, edged toward the door, but
Oscar called out:
"Hold on, mister, don't go. Remember this lackey here was to afford you
some excellent amusement. He looks as though he were just the man to
keep his word. He shall keep it, and afford you the amusement he
promised. I will aid him. See, he is all ready; he is stripped for the
fun. I do not need to strip. Give him a sword, give me a sword and we'll
have gore; yes, we'll have gore. I will punish him, and then, gentlemen,
I will be prepared to mix the gore. Yes, we shall have lots of
amusement; it will be a roaring farce."
One of the men appeared to recover his nerve and said:
"Say, mister, you call us thieves, but I reckon you are a thief. You
have undoubtedly arranged a good little game of your own."
"Oh, yes, I've arranged a good little game. I invited yonder fellow to
my house to engage in a game of draw. I had three dummies ready to run
on and make a trumped-up accusation. I attempted to force a duel on the
man I had inveigled into my house. I had a disguised swordsman in the
garb of a lackey to do the murder act. Oh, yes, I am a thief, and I
planned well--so well that I have you gentlemen all at my mercy.
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