Once more McGurk fired, but his wound made his aim wide and the bullet merely tore up a splinter beside Pierre's head.

A fusillade from Boone and his men answered, but the outlaw had leaped back through the door.
"He's hurt," thundered Boone.

"By God, the charm of McGurk is broken.
Dick, Bud, Gandil, take the outside of the place.

I'll force the door." Wilbur and the other two raced through the door and raised a shout at once, and then there was a rattle of shots.

Big Patterson leaned over Pierre.
He said in an awe-stricken voice: "Lad, it's a great work that you've done for all of us, if you've drawn the blood from McGurk." "His left shoulder," said Pierre, and smiled in spite of his pain.
"And you, lad ?" "I'm going to live; I've got to finish the job.