Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-10-04
CHAPTER TX.
At thu Occidental.

through the darkness down the silent |
road, his only guide those dim yellow !
Q lights Pickering in the distance.
It was Saturday night, and the min
ing town was already alive. The one !
long, irregular street was jammed with |
constantly moving figures, the numer-
GUS saloons ablaze, the pianos sound
ing noisily, the shutting of feet in the
crowded dance-halls incessant.
Riot reigned unchecked, while the
quiet, sleepy town Of the afternoon
blossomed under the Pickering lights
into a saturnalia of unlicensed pleas.
ure, wherein the wages of sin were
death.
Hampton pushed his way through
the noisy throng with eyes ever watch
full for the faces. His every motion
was that of man who had fully de-
cided upon his course. He swung up
the broad wooden steps of the Occi
dental and entered the barroom, which
was crowded by jostling figures, the
eVer-moving mass as yet good-natured,
for the night was young. At the lower
end Of the long, sloppy bar he stopped
for moment to nod to the fellow be-
hind.
Anything going on tonight worth
while, JIM" he questioned, quietly.
Rather stiff game, they tell me, just
started in the back ROOM" was the
genial reply. 1.-TWO eastern suckers,
with Red Slavin sitting in"
The gambler passed on, pushing
rather unceremoniously through the
throng of perspiring humanity. The
large front room upstairs was ablaze
with lights, every game in full opera
ton and surrounded by crowds Of de-
Votees.' He 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 invol-
unfairly whistled softly behind his
teeth at the first glimpse of the money
openly displayed before them. This
was apparently not so bad for start
er, 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 sembiance of smile.
"Ah, Bob" he exclaimed, with an
evident effort at cordiality; been won
dering if you wouldn't show up before
the night was over. You're the very
fellow to make this four-handed af-
fair, 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. Il feel no desire to in
trude," he explained, quietly, watching
the uplifted faces. Il believe | have
never before met these gentlemen"
Slavin laughed, his great white
fingers drumming the table.
1T 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 tonight. Mr.. Hamp-
ton,. permit me to present Judge
Halves, of Denver, and Mr.. Edgar Will
lis, president of the T. p & R. l have
no idea what they are doing in this
hell-hole of town, but they are dead
game sports, and l have been trying
my best to amuse them while they're
here"
Hampton bowed, instantly recogniz.
ing the names.
Glad to assist" he murmured sink
ing into vacant chair. What limit
I'VE have had no occasion to discuss
that matter as yet" volunteered
} Halves, sneeringly. However, if you
have scruples we might settle upon
b something within reason"
Hampton ran the undealt pack care.
lesSly through his fingers, his lips
smiling PLEASANTLY. "Oh, never mind
II it chances to 60 above my pile III
drop out. Meanwhile, hardly believe
there is any cause for you to be mod
est on my account"
The play opened quietly and with
some restraint, the faces of the mer
remaining impassive, their watchfu
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 CD
ponents, their strong and weak points
and whether or not there existed any
prior arrangement between them. He
was there for purpose, a clearly de
lined purpose, and he felt no inclina
ton to accept unnecessary chances
with the tickle Goddess of Fortune. Tt
one trained in the calm observation o.
small things, and long accustomed t
j.. weigh his adversaries with care, it wa!
not extremely difficult to class the two
strangers, and Hampton smiled softly
on observing the size of the roll!
rather ostentatiously exhibited BY
them. His satisfaction was in noway!
lessened by the sound of their voices
when incautiously raised in angel
over some unfortunate play. He i'm
mediately recognized them as the iden
teal individuals who had loudly ant
Tainly protested over his occupancy c