Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-17
CHAPTER XII.

upon him. changing for the time being the
gloomy trend of his thoughts She was like
a draught Of pure spring air. and he had
gratefully breathed 1t In. and even longed
for more.
But gradually the slight smile Of amuse-
ment faded from his eyes. Something.
which he had supposed lay securely hidden
behind years and distance, had all at once
come back to haunt him-the unhappy
ghost OF an expiated crime. to do evil to
this girl Nadia. Two men, at least. knew
sufficient fthe past to cause serious trou-
BILE. This effort by Slavin to hold per-
sonaI communication with the girl was evil
IDENTIFY made for some definite purpose.
Hampton was unable to decide what that
purpose could be. He entertained no doubt
regarding the enmity Of the big gambler or
juries; but how much did he know? What
special benefit did he hope to gain from
comforting with Mazda ellis? Hampton de-
cided to have a face-to-face interview with
the man himself; he was accustomed to
fight his battles in the open, and to nm
ish. A faint hope. which had been grow
ing DINNER and DINNER with every pass
ing year. began to flicker once again within
his heart He desired to see this man Muir
ply, and to learn exactly what he knew.
He had planned his work. and was per-
fectly prepared to meet Its dangers. He
entered the almost deserted saloon oppo-
he had not stepped for two years, and the
man behind the bar glanced up apprehen-
sively.
here, Hampton, we don't want no trouble
in this shebang."
"Tm not here seeking a fight. JIM" re-
turned the inquirer, genially. Il merely
wish to ask Red an unimportant question
or two"
hut ho'a n
you when you 60 In.
Hampton's genial smile only broadened.
as he carelessly rolled an unlighted cigar
between his lips.
'tIt 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.
assure you. Mr.. Slavin is one Of my most
position he would not willingly in1ure
hy."
He walked to the door, flung it swiftly and
silently open, and stepping within. closed 1t
glittered the steel-blue barrel of drawn
revolver.
''slavin. sit DOWN.
The terse. imperative words seemed fairly
bier who had half risen to his feet an
oath upon his lips sank back into his seat
staring at the apparition confronting him
as IL fascinated Hampton jerked chair
up to the opposite side of the small table
and planted himself on 1t. his eyes never
once deserving the big gamblers face.
Put your hands on the table, and keep
them there! he said. Now. my dear
friend. have come here in peace. not war,
and take these slight precautions merely
because I have heard rumor that you
have INDUCED 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 sincerely
hope you will pardon my keeping you COW
cred during what is really intended as
friendly cali. I regret the necessity, but
trust you are resting comfortably.
1--WE will consider that proposition some
what 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 expe-
rience some very natural curiosity regard
ing the object of my unanticipated, yet
hope no less welcome, visit"
Slavin's only reply was curse, his blood
shot eyes roaming the room furtively.
81 suspected as much" Hampton went on.
coolly. Indeed, should have felt hurt
had you been Indifferent upon such an occa-
SION 1t does credit to your heart. Slavin.
Come now, keep your eyes on me! I was
about to crafty your curiosity, and. In the
first place, came to inquire solicitously
regarding the state of your health during
my absence. and incidentally to ask why
Miss Nadia Gillis'
Slavin Strengthened up, his great hands
clinching nervously. drops of PRECIPITATION
appearing on his red forehead II don't
Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly.
"Slavin you greatly discourage me. The
last time / was here you exhibited SO fine
sense Of humor that was really quite
understand this joke. Your memory can
scarcely be failing at your age. Make an
other motion like that and you die right
there! You know me. However, as you
seem to shy over my first question. I'll
honor you with second. Where's Silent
Murphy?'
Slavin's great square jaws set. frotan
oozing from between his thick lips, and for
an instant the other man believed that In
his paroxysm Of rage he would hurl him
self across the table. Then suddenly the
ungainly brute went limp, his face grown
haggard.
You devnr he roared. what do you
meant"
Surprised as Hampton was by this COM
plete breaking down, he knew his man far
too well to yield him the slightest oppor-
tunity for treachery. With revolver hand
resting on the table. the muzzle pointing
at the giants heart, he leaned forward, ut
terly remorseless now. and keen as an In
dian on the trail.
do you know who am?'
The horror in slavin's eyes had changed
to sullenness, but he nodded silently.
How do you know"
There was no reply, although the thick
lips appeared to move.
ANSWER me-, YOU red sneak! Do you
think I am here to be played with? An
swerp
Slavin gulped down something which
seemed threatening to choke him. but he
burst not lift a hand to wipe the sweat
from his face Tiff I didn't have this
beard on you might guess. I thought you
knew me all the time"
Hampton stared at him. still puzzled. II
have certainly seen you somewhere. I
thought that from the first. Where was
it?"
II was in D Troop, 7th Cavalry"
ID Troop? Brants troop?"
- The big gambler nodded. That's how I
knew you, captain" he said. speaking with
greater ease, .'but I never had no reason
to say anything about 1t round here. You
was alters decent 'nough ter me-"
"Possibly"-and 1t was plainly evident
from his quiet tone Hampton had steadied
from his first surprise-'the boot was on
the other leg, and you had some good rea-
SON not to say anything"
Slavin did not answer, but he wet his lips
with his tongue, his eyes on the window.
"Who is this fellow Murphyr'
HE was corporal in that same troop, sir."
mr.. droppad In aihiv info