The Rebellers by Jane Roberts

Author:Jane Roberts [Roberts, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ace Books
Published: 1963-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

A flicker of amusement crossed Toby's broad face. He turned toward Sloat with mock deference. Sloat towered above him physically, but in vitality and determination there was no comparison between them. Fitch watched angrily, waiting for a chance to make a move. Gunny had him covered and Toby was waving his gun tantalizingly in front of Sloat. Fitch scowled. If he jumped one of the men, would Sloat take care of the other one? One thing gave him hope. He didn't actually know Sloat too well. Toby expended himself, showed all his cards, while Sloat's reserve at least hinted at latent strength. If only he could get Sloat mad enough to use it!

"I knew if I left you two alone a while, I'd find out what the score was," Toby said. "Fitch and I have the guts to come to some kind of a decision, Sloat, even if the decisions put us on different sides of the fence. But you're a perfect example of official ineptitude. The funny part is, you're the best they have to offer."

"This is rule by reason? A gun?" Fitch said.

"I told you that sometimes I have to use methods I dislike."

"You're enjoying yourself if you ask me."

"More than you are, that's for sure," Gunny said, with a laugh. He paced up and down, smirking, all energy and aggressiveness.

"Men like Gunny don't use reason," Fitch said.

"No, but they act. They aren't scared to make a move," Toby snapped. "And don't try anything, Fitch. I'd hate to shoot but I would if it were necessary. You're just looking for a chance to jump me, I know that. But do you think that Sloat would back you up? Look at him, go ahead. Take a good look."

Sloat stared back at them, dignified and impassive. The insult didn't seem to mar his deliberateness at all, but Fitch knew suddenly that if he was going to move, he'd have to do it alone. Sloat was too damned conscientious and too slow. If he waited for him, he might wait till hell froze over.

Quickly, Fitch lunged for Toby. He caught him by surprise and knocked the gun from his hand, but he'd forgotten how quickly Gunny could move. With that nervous agility Gunny dived at him and threw him down. Toby picked the gun up, and covered Sloat. Then he said, "You're cocky, I'll say that. Okay. Gunny, let him up."

Gunny had his gun only inches from Fitch's face. For a moment Fitch thought that Gunny was going to let him have it just for kicks, but Gunny sprang to his feet. "Hell, I could have had you easy," he said with a leer.

"All right, Gunny, you know where to take Sloat,“ Toby said. "Sorry to put you under lock and key, Sloat, but you're pretty important to us, in your official capacity, that is." He made no attempt to hide his disgust for the other man. Then he turned to Fitch with a grin. "I've got an excellent idea for diversion.

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