INTO THE BLACK WATER The contemptuous, utterly indifferent manner in which he voiced his villainous purpose, would have crazed any man.

Perhaps he intended that it should, although it was my belief that he merely expressed himself naturally, and with no thought of consequences.

The man was so steeped in crime as to be ignorant of all sense of honor, all conception of true manhood.

But to me this utterance was the last straw, breaking down every restraint, and leaving me hot, and furious with anger.

I forgot the muzzle of the pistol pressed against my side, and the menacing threat in Kirby's low voice.