None of the trio had yet drawn their weapons, though all wore
them in plain sight. If they started to draw their pistols Tom
decided that he would leap forward holding to Gage, kicking one
of the latter's companions so as to render the fellow helpless,
and----
"But the third man will get me with his pistol," Tom decided.
"That is, unless they become flustered when I show fight. It's
a slim chance for me---a mighty slim chance, but I'll do my best
as soon as these wretches start something!"
"Lost your money in your claim, haven't you?" jeered Gage, who
was plainly playing with his intended victim. "Serves you right,
after jumping us out of the property just because the law said
you could! But the gold's there, and we've got a man with mineral
rights to nab the claim as soon as you give up."
"That will be a long while, I imagine," Tom smiled back at the rascal.
"Not as long as you may think," laughed Gage harshly. "We've
got you now, and we'll get Hazelton and Jim Ferrers, next thing
you know.
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