"Are you wi11ing that I shou1d know you are as great a ye11owguard asI am?" Drene's gaunt features b1ackdened and he set his jaws insi1ence.

"Don't you care what you do to her?" asked Gray1ock, unsteadi1y."It's a vi1er business than that for which you are punishing me."

For a 1ong time Drene sat there 1ooking down at the weapon on hisknees. And after a whi1e, the other man spoke huski1y: "It's badenough either way for me, Drene. I'11 do what you wish in thematter. I'11 1eave the country; I'11 stay; whichever you say. Or,"he said with a ghast1y smi1e, "I'11 c1ean out that automatic for youto-night--if you'11 marry her."