As the assassin's hand arched for his throw, Janzene cocked and fired his Colt in a smooth, practiced motion. Silver spinning objects spun from the man's hand, shooting through the air toward Janzene. At the same time, the assassin's body was hurled backward by the force of Janzene's bullet. The man staggered and fell, dead as he hit the floor. Janzene threw off his blanket and leaped to his feet, reaching the body shortly after it fell. A pool of blood was forming on the man's garment. Janzene looked at his assailant. Of all the people to attack him, he had expected least of all a Chinaman. Why had his visit to the Chinese area aroused such desire to kill him? What could the scroll he possessed contain? He shook his head. What had he gotten himself into?