“You’re sure of that?” Noddy smiled just a little.
“Oh yes... of course,” Darius agreed, speaking now to Noddy’s back as he was dismissed once more, and over the growing sound of laughter running through the crowded room.
“With such unseasoned and raw candidates to cull from,” he continued unexpectedly, “it must be a little like shooting fish in a barrel for someone like you, a man of your nerve and skill. That’s all I meant.” This time the room went silent before Darius finished speaking.
Noddy rose from his chair, his hand on the butt of a pistol snugged within the sash he wore round his narrow waist. “Do you mean to draw me out?” he asked. “Take care that I don’t answer that call, or you may find yourself joining those boys you seem so concerned about!” Noddy cut a handsome figure, b
