A coward
is one who is afraid, and the man who is not afraid has no reason to carry
a weapon.
"Renshaw," added Tom, "there's just one circumstance in which I would
carry a pistol---and that is, if I were carrying large sums of other
people's money. If I were a pay-master, or a bank messenger, I'd carry
a pistol, but under no other circumstances, outside of military service,
would I carry a weapon. But---are you thoroughly awake, now?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then, Mr. Renshaw, get up and hide that pistol somewhere. While you're
about it, listen to me. Some scoundrel has blown out a large portion of
our retaining wall to-night. I left Hazelton on guard at the point and
came ashore to get out the motor boat, 'Morton.' Before I could return
I heard Hazelton's call for help, and---he has disappeared! There's
wicked work on hand to-night. You'll have to get up and help me. Be quick
with your dressing. We've work to do to-night, and all of it is man's
work."
Tom hastily added such other particulars as were needed. Renshaw, while
he dressed hurriedly, listened with a horror that he took no pains to
conceal.
"Evarts claims that it's revenge work, on the part of some of our men,
because Hazelton and I stopped gambling in the camp," Tom continued.
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