, 1908-09-10
cHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.
The Door Opens, and Closes Again.
In one sense Hampton had greatly
enjoyed Miss S%pencer's call. Her
bright. fresh face. her impulsive
had their effect pom him. changing
for the time being the gloomy trend
of his thoughts.
But gradually the slight smile Of
amusement faded from his eyes.
Something. which he mad supposed
lay securely hidden behind years and
distance, had all at m 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 Of the past to cause serious
trouble. This effort by Slavin to hold
personal communication with the girl
was evidently made for some definite
purpose. Hampton decided to have a
f~ace-to-face interview with the man
himself; he was accustomed to fight
his battles in the open. and to a finish.
A faint hope, which had been growing
DINNER and DINNER with every pass
ing year. began to flicker once again
within his heart. He desired to see
this man Murphy. and to learn exactly
what he knew.
He entered the almost deserted sa-
loon opposite the hotel. across the
threshold of which he had not stepped
for two years, and the man behind the
bar glanced up app~rehensively.
Red Slavin?" he said. Well, now,
~Aa hAra Uopnptnp Ua dN-tt -,on -.
trouble In this s%hebang."
I'm not here seeking . fight, Jim."
returned the inquirer. genially. II
merely wish to ask Red an unimpor-
tant question or two"
He's there in the back room, I
reckon. but he's damn liable to take Q
pot shot at you when you go in"
Hsmpton's genial smile only broad
ered. as he c%arelessly rolled an m
light cigar between his lips.
He walked to the door. flung II
swiftly and silently open. and step
ping within. closed It behind him with
hts left hand. In the other glittered
the s%teel-blue barrel of q drawn revolt
yer.
"Slavin. sit DOWN."
The terse. imperative words seemed
fairly to cut the air. and the red
bearded gambler. who had half risen
to his feet, an oath upon his lips. sank
I. back into his seat. staring at the ap-
partition confronting him As II fasci-
Aassa-
Put your hands on the table AMI
keep them there" he said. Now. my
dear friend. l have come here in
peace, not war, and take these slight
precautions merely because l have
heard a rumor that you have INDUCED
in a threat or two since we last part
led, and l know something of your i'm
petuous disposition. l regret the ne
<csssity. but trust you are resting COM
sfortably."
"Oh. 60 to hell"
I'VE will consider that proposition
somewhat later" Hampton laid his
hat with calm elaboration on the
table. mo doubt, Mr.. Slavin.-if you
move that hand again I'll fill your sys-
tenn with lead-you experience some
very natural curiosity regarding the
object of my unanticipated, yet l hope
no ess welcome visit"
Slavin's only reply was a curse. his
bloodshot Eyes roaming the room fur
lively.
II suspected - much" Hampton
went on, coolly. Indeed, l should
have felt hurt had you been indiner-
emit upon such an occasion. 1t does
credit to your heart. Slavin. Come
now. keep your eyes on me! l was
about to crafty your curiosity. and. In
the first place, l came to inquire solic-
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
ellis"
Slavin Strengthened up. his great
hands clinching nervously. drops OF
4 Precipitation 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 l wal here you exhibit
ed SO fine a sense OF humor that was
really quite proud Of you. Yet, truly.
l think you do understand this joke.