And if we die . . . well”—and he saw them, as one rat, stare at the livid wound across his chest—“death ain’t so bad. Shall I tell you about the Bone Rat? Me and the Bone Rat, we’ve got a little . . . understanding. He waits for those who break and run, who hide, who falter. But if you stare right into his eyes, he’ll give you a nod and pass on.”
