Raymond S. Spears

“ Rillard, trembling, and with tears in his eyes thanked them all. Old Mississip' had overwhelmed him with its menace. He had thought the eyes were a wildcat's when he fired, but he let it go that he had fought a duel with a man—and won.
"I'm leaving the river," he told the two when they were back on their boats. "Here's where I quit. Toskin, I'm leaving the Jungle in your charge. I haven't any confidence in that blamed Mendova murder boat. I'm not superstitious, but I've had experience! You take the Jungle—you and Dona, here. Burn that blamed shanty boat!" ”

“ In his heart he gave over to Toskin, taking a bit of self-congratulation as a man might, at his self-abnegation. From that hour he saw the distraught thoughtfulness of the young man dreaming of the girl whose river way and feminine beauty had caught up his heart. They went together down the river, Rillard playing the skipper for the lover. The old man owed it to the girl to see that she should be forever cared for, now that on his carelessness rested the tragic consequence of the river wreck. ”

“ Dona caught up a rifle from the corner of the cabin, and Toskin took it as he, too, ran to back up Rillard. The girl closed the door.
"All right!" Rillard cried as he threw a flashlight beam on the ground behind the drifting. "I got him!"
Every advantage had been with Mad Tom Maiton. He had figured it all out with meticulous care. One thing alone had escaped his attention—was the fact that his own eyes would flare brightly in the dark when the boat door opened. He had waited to shoot the two men, but as he glared the fire of his eyes had betrayed him.
"Good Lord, it's a man!" ”