feet and excited exclamations.  Hampton glanced about superciliously, shrugging his shoulders in open contempt—­all this was far too coarse, too small, to awaken his interest.  He observed the various faces at the tables—­a habit one naturally forms who has desperate enemies in plenty—­and then walked directly toward the rear of the room.  A thick, dingy red curtain hung there; he held back its heavy folds and stepped within the smaller apartment beyond.

Three men sat at the single table, cards in hand, and Hampton involuntarily whistled softly behind his teeth at the first glimpse of the money openly displayed before them.  This was apparently not so bad for a starter, and his waning interest revived.  A red-bearded giant, sitting so as to face the doorway, glanced up quickly at his entrance, his coarse mouth instantly taking on the semblance of a smile.

“Ah, Bob,” he exclaimed, with an evident effort at cordiality; “been wondering if you wouldn’t show up before the night was over.  You’re the very fellow to make this a four-handed affair, provided you carry sufficient stuff.”

Hampton came easily forward into the full glow of the swinging oil lamp, his manner coolly deliberate, his face expressionless.  “I feel no desire to intrude,” he explained, quietly, watching the uplifted faces.  “I believe I have never before met these gentlemen.”

Slavin laughed, his great white fingers drumming the table.

“It is an acquaintance easily made,” he said, “provided one can afford to trot in their class, for it is money that talks at this table to-night.  Mr. Hampton, permit me to present Judge Hawes, of Denver, and Mr. Edgar Willis, president of the T. P. & R. I have no idea what they are doing in this hell-hole of a town, but they are dead-game sports, and I have been trying my best to amuse them while they’re here.”

Hampton bowed, instantly recognizing the names.

“Glad to assist,” he murmured, sinking into a vacant chair.  “What limit?”

“We have had no occasion to discuss that matter as yet,” volunteered Hawes, sneeringly.  “However, if you have scruples we might settle upon something within reason.”

Hampton ran the undealt pack carelessly through his fingers, his lips smiling pleasantly.  “Oh, never mind, if it chances to go above my pile I ’ll drop out.  Meanwhile, I hardly believe there is any cause for you to be modest on my account.”

The play opened quietly and with some restraint, the faces of the men remaining impassive, their watchful glances evidencing nothing either of success or failure.  Hampton played with extreme caution for some time, his eyes studying keenly the others about the table, seeking some deeper understanding of the nature of his opponents, their strong and weak points, and whether or not there existed any prior arrangement between them.  He was there for a purpose, a clearly defined purpose, and he felt no inclination to accept unnecessary