Borlasse

Only Borlasse witnesses the effect of his own speech; which, though but whispered, has proved so impressive.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

The volunteered confessions of Borlasse -- the tale of his hostility to

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

A rattlesnake sounding its harsh "skirr" under the chair on which the stranger is sitting could not cause him to start up more abruptly than he does, when Borlasse says: --

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

Once inside his sleeping apartment, Borlasse shuts the door, points out

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

The spot chosen is the same as was occupied by Borlasse and his band.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

Despite the thieve's confidence with which Borlasse has inspired him, this reference to his future brings up its darkness, with its dangers; and he pauses before making response.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

They know nothing of Borlasse, or how he has baffled them.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

There is barely room for all on the bit of open ground by the embouchure of the ford road; and they get clumped into a dense crowd -- in its midst their chief, Borlasse, conspicuous from his great bulk of body.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

Borlasse is less so than any of his fellow-tipplers.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850

And from what our friend here says, "Borlasse nods to the half-blood, Fernand, who is seen seated on horseback beside him," the settlers can't muster over forty fightin 'men.

The Death Shot A Story Retold Mayne Reid 1850