The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER TX.
At the Occidental,


through the darkness down the silent
road, his only guide those dim yellow
lights Pickering in the distance.
1t 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 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 a man who had fully de
cided upon his course. he swung UPS
the broad wooden steps of the Ccci-
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 70 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. 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-
voices. 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 az the first glimpse Of the money
openly displayed before them. This
was apparently not so bad for a 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 semblance of a smile.
"Ah, Bob" he exclaimed, with an
evident effort at cordially; been won
dering if you wouldn't show up before
the night was over. You'Se the very
fellow to make this four-haaded af-
fair, provided you carry sufficient
stuff"
Hampton came easily forward into
the full glow of the swinging oil lamp,
his manner CoClly deliberate, his face
expressionless. Il feel no desire to in
trude, he explained. quietly, watching
the uplifted faces. Il believe I 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 MI Hamp-
ton, permit me to present Judge
Halves. of Denver, and Mr.. Edgar VII
lis, president Of the T. P. & R. have
no idea what they are doing In this
hell-hole of town. but they are dead
game sports, and have been trying
my best to amuse then while they're
here"
Hampton bowed, instantly recogniz-
ing the names.
Glad to assist" he murmured, sink
ing into vacant chair. What limit?"
we have had no occasion to discuss
that matter as yet" volunteered
Halves, sneeringly. However, If you
have scruples re might settle upon
something within reason"
Hampton ran the undealt pack care
lessly through his fingers, his lips
smiling pleasantly, "Oh, never mind,
If it chances - go above my pile III
drop out. Mes awhile. hardly believe
there is any cause for you to be nod.
est on my account"
The play opened quietly and with
some restraint, the faces of the men
remaining impass!ve their watchful
glances evidencing nothing either Of
success or failure. Hampton played
with extreme caution for some time,
his eyes studying keeniy the others
about the table, seeking some deeper
understanding of the nature Of his OPP
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-
fined purpose, and he felt 10 inclina-
ton to accept unnecessary chances
with the tickle Goddess of Fortune. To
one trained In the calm observation of
small things, and long accustomed to
weigh his adversaries with care, it was
not extremely difficult TO class the two
strangers, and Hampton smiled softly
on observing the size Of the rolls
rather SYSTEMATICALLY exhibited by
them. His satisfaction was in noways
lessened by the sound Of their voices,
when incautiously raised In anger
over some unfortunate play. He i'm.
mediately recognized them as the iden-
teal individuals who had loudly and
vainly protested over his occupancy of
the best rooms at the hotel. He
chuckled griUpU,