Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-11-29

Iuo uTsI place, CAME U inquire SOllc-
itously regarding the state of your
health during my absence, and Incl
dentally to ask why you are exhibit.
ing so great an interest in Miss Nadia
Gillis."
Slavin Strengthened up, his great
hands clinching nervously, drops Of
perspiration appearing on his red for
head. 81 don't understand your damn.
ed fun"
Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly.
"Slavin, you greatly discourage me.
The last time | was here you exhibit
ed so fine sense of humor that was
really quite proud Of you. Yet, truly,
| think you do understand this joke.
Your memory can scarcely be failing
at your age.-Make another 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 a second-Where's Silent
Murphy"
You devil" Slavin roared, what
do you mean?"
With revolver hand resting on the
table, the muzzle pointing at the 81
ants heart, Hampton leaned forward,
utterly remorseless now, and keen as
an Indian on the trail.
do you know who | ann"
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 am here to be played
with? Answer"
Slavin gulped down something
which seemed threatening to choke
him, but he burst not lift a hand to
wipe the sweat from his face. IF
If | didn't have this beard on you
might guess. I thought you knew me
all the time"
Hampton stared at him, still puz-
zled. 81 have certainly seen you some
where. | thought that from the first
Where was it,"
81 was in D Troop, Seventh cav
airy"
ID Troop? Brant's troop"
The big gambler nodded. That's
how l knew you, Captain" he said,
speaking with greater ease, "but |
never had no reason to say anything
about it round here. You was alters
decent 'nough ter me-"
"Possibly"-and it was plainly evi.
dent from his quiet tone Hampton had
steadied from his first surprise,-"the
boot was on the other leg, and you
had some good reason not to say any
thing"
Slavin did not answer, but he wet
his lips with his tongue, his eyes on
the window.
who is the fellow Murphy
HE was corporal in that same
troop, sir" The ex-cavalryman drop
ped insensibly into his old form OF
| speech. He knew you too, and we
talked 1t over, and decided to keep
still, because it was none of our affair
anyhow"
Where is he now"
"He left last night with army dis.
patches for Cheyenne"
Hampton's eyes hardened percepti
bly,, and his fingers closed more tight
ly about the butt Of his revolver. "You
lie, Slavin! The last message did not
reach here until this morning. That
fellow is hiding somewhere in this
camp, and the two of you have been
trying to get at the girl. Now, damn
you. what is your little gamer"
The big gambler was thinking hard
er then, perhaps. than he had ever
thought in his life before. He knew
Hampton would kill him II he needed
to do so, but he likewise realized thai
he was not likely to fire until he had
gained the information he was seek
ing. II he only knew how much infor
nation the other possessed II would
be easy enough. AS he did not, hs
must WELD his weapon blindly.
You're maxim a devil Of a fuss
over little or nothin'," he growled
Stimulating a tone Of disgust. 81 AIM
never he'd no quarrel with ye, except
In fer the way ye managed ter skin
me at the table bout two years ago
/ don't give two screeches in hell fol
who you are; an besides, reckon you
amt the only ex-convict arranging Da
kota either fer the matter o. that. Nc
more does Murphy. We amt nc
bloomin' detectives, an we amt buck
In In no business O yourn; ye kin Just
bet your sweet life on thet."
Where is Murphy, then? l wish Il
see the fellow"
Il told you he'd gone. Maybe ht
didn't git away till this mornin', but
he's gone now all right. What II
thunder do ye want O. him? l reckon
l kin tell ye all that Murphy knows
For q breathless moment neithel
spoke. Hampton lingering his gun ner
vously, his eyes lingering ON that bru