He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its dangers.  He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel, across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.

“Red Slavin?” he said.  “Well, now see here, Hampton, we don’t want no trouble in this shebang.”

“I ’m not here seeking a fight, Jim,” returned the inquirer, genially.  “I merely wish to ask ‘Red’ an unimportant question or two.”

“He’s there in the back room, I reckon, but he’s damn liable to take a pot shot at you when you go in.”

Hampton’s genial smile only broadened, as he carelessly rolled an unlighted cigar between his lips.

“It seems to me you are becoming rather nervous for this line of business, Jim.  You should take a good walk in the fresh air every morning, and let up on the liquor.  I assure you, Mr. Slavin is one of my most devoted friends, and is of that tender disposition he would not willingly injure a fly.”

He walked to the door, flung it swiftly and silently open, and stepping within, closed it behind him with his left hand.  In the other glittered the steel-blue barrel of a drawn revolver.

“Slavin, sit down!”

The terse, imperative words seemed fairly to cut the air, and the red-bearded gambler, who had half risen to his feet, an oath upon his lips, sank back into his seat, staring at the apparition confronting him as if fascinated.  Hampton jerked a chair up to the opposite side of the small table, and planted himself on it, his eyes never once deserting the big gambler’s face.

“Put your hands on the table, and keep them there!” he said.  “Now, my dear friend, I have come here in peace, not war, and take these slight precautions merely because I have heard a rumor that you have indulged in a threat or two since we last parted, and I know something of your impetuous disposition.  No doubt this was exaggerated, but I am a careful man, and prefer to have the ‘drop,’ and so I sincerely hope you will pardon my keeping you covered during what is really intended as a friendly call.  I regret the necessity, but trust you are resting comfortably.”

“Oh, go to hell!”

“We will consider that proposition somewhat later.”  Hampton laid his hat with calm deliberation on the table.  “No doubt, Mr. Slavin,—­if you move that hand again I ’ll fill your system with lead,—­you experience some very natural curiosity regarding the object of my unanticipated, yet I hope no less welcome, visit.”

Slavin’s only reply was a curse, his bloodshot eyes roaming the room furtively.

“I suspected as much,” Hampton went on, coolly.  “Indeed, I should have felt hurt had you been indifferent upon such an occasion.  It does credit to your heart, Slavin.  Come now, keep your eyes on me!  I was about to gratify your curiosity, and, in the first place, I came to inquire solicitously regarding the state of your health during my absence, and incidentally to ask why you are exhibiting so great an interest in Miss Naida Gillis.”