The Strange Case of Cavendish

he slender figure moving after the rotund Timmons up the uncarpeted

lls, the springless bed, the crack-nosed pitcher standing disconsolate in a blue wash-basin of tin; the little round mirror in a once-gilt frame with a bullet-hole thr

, and bustled in back of the

asked. "If I'd a knowed she wus

he train, and Carson asked me to escort her up-town-it was

ked around. I reckon she's a good sport, all r

idea; I take it t

, can he? Donovan," he mused, peering at

tective, Pete. I'll give you anot

erve the newcomer. He was a burly, red-faced man, who had evidently been drinking heavily, yet was not greatly under the influence of liquor, dressed in a checked suit of good cut and fashion, but hardly in the best of taste. His hat, a Stetson, was pushed back on his head, and an

g over to the desk, "the marshal tells me a dame bl

ook forward, with one fin

ain't the one you was lookin' f

t's no name ever I heard

n; I ain't seen one f

or l

ir with a bit o' red in it, an' a pair o' gr

ruck his fist on

woman has come to this hole clear from New

he stove there might give yer all the information yer want. He brought her up from the dapoo, an' kin talk English. Say, Jim, thi

lightly forward, and knocking the ashes out of his pip

d, evidently not wholly at ease. "I was expecting a young wom

cott dryly. "As the lan

n is a

effect he was disappointed, for t

is altogether a business matter. This young woman whom I expect is com

sparkled, yet wi

ready been informed, I believe, that the person relative to whom you inquire is a Miss Stella Donovan, of New York;

-certain

f so, I have not the slightest objection to telling you that it consists entirely of acting as her escort from the station to the hotel. I do not kno

mained silent, his face turning purple, as a suspi

re, is none of your damn business, and if you so much as mention her name ag

card-players, chose to assume an air of indifference

idn't mean anything; there's no harm d

shook h

choose my own company. But let me tell you something, Beaton, for your own good. I know you

ry ta

d that I may know how to use it. That suspicion is correct. Moreover, you will discover this same ability more or less prevalent throughout this section. However, I am not looking for trouble; I am trying to avoid it. I

ess. Still his was naturally the instinct of the New York gunman, seeking for some adv

id, "I'll go get the dri

flash of flame, the speeding bullet striking the stove, and the next instant Beaton, his hand still helplessly imprisoned within the coat-pocket, was hurled back across the card-table, the players scattering to get out of the way. All the pent-up dislike in

et trick was a new one out here, did you? Come, give the gun up! O

to the floor, Westcott still retaining the advantage of position, and twice he struck, driving his clenched fist home. Suddenly he became aware that some

rawn weapons fronting him. "Help Beaton up, Joe. Now, look yere, Mr. Bully Westcott," and the speaker shook his gun threaten

an unpleasant s

work going on in this camp, it is quite probable you and you

r business; we're h

that is my gun which Moore has in his hand. I cann

if that's goin' t

it? Eastern capital becoming interested. I've heard rumour

nd a scar over one eye, partially concealed by his ha

v', an' I reckon thet's just about as good. Tryin' ter ke

and more than ten days ago Moore and Edson made a trip into my tunnel while I happened to be away; t

gets out here, I su

l be

ott. I know you haven't got a cent left to go on with, and nowhere to get eny except through him." He laughed. "Ain't that right? Well, then, yer chances look mi

no choic

ible enough; give

nded the emptied weapon over to Westcott. His manner was purposely insu

urs might blow in. I got some curiosity myself as to why that girl showed up ter-night under yer guidance, an'

question Mi

ll just fer the climate. Come on, boys, let's liquor. Big Jim Wes

pipe from his pocket and filled it slowly. He realised his defeat

rom behind the des

ked. "Didn't wing

the bullet. He shot

ll the ro

ference. "Lacy and I have got two mining claims tapping the same lead, that's all. There'

ve really

es

n? Hes she got enyt

out of the hands of that bunch. Give me a lamp