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"One of us, either him or me, never leaves this valley alive," he

announced.

Jed laughed softly and handed back the revolver. "That's the way

to talk. My friend, if you mean that, you'll need your gun.

Here's hoping you beat him to it."

"It won't be an even break this time if I can help it."

"I gather that it was, last time."

"Yep. We drew together." Struve interlarded his explanation with

oaths. "He's a devil with a gun. See that?" He held up his right

band.

"I see you're shy your most useful finger, if that's what you

mean."

"Fraser took it off clean at twenty yards. I got him in the hand,

too, but right or left he's a dead shot. He might 'a' killed me

if he hadn't wanted to take me alive. Before I'm through with him

he'll wish he had."

"Well, you don't want to make any mistake next time. Get him

right."