Evening star., 1909-09-12
CHAPTER XXI.
McCoppet Busies His Mind

7 T1NFORTUNATELYf for Bostwick, he knew
no ruffians in the camp,-none of the
Trimmers, who would perhaps accept a sum of
money to waylay man, bash him over the
head, and fitch required letters from his pocket
He not precisely willing, moreover, to
broach such an undertaking to the gambler.
This, after all, was his private affair.
The man had arrived at the truth concern
ing the letters with commendable skill IN de-
duction. He had himself destroyed Beth's
earlier letter to her brother for reasons of pol
icy. He had found her conduct cold, if not sus-
picious, this morning. How far she had been
excited to distrust himself or the mails, he
could not estimate. He certain, however.
that she had sent request to Van Buren to
carry letter to Glen. Her reasons for taking
precautions SO extraordinary were undoubtedly
significant. He was CALLED; his anger against
Van Buren was consuming. But first and fore
most he must block the harm Beth's letter to
her brother might accomplish For two days
more young Kent and Beth must remain in ig-
norance of what was being done through the
use of her money,-of the fact that no mine of
Glen's discovery was the object of the scheme
he was workir., and that none of his own al
legged money was being employed in the game.
He made up his mind to 60 to Starlight him
self; to be on hand when Van Buren should
arrive. With Glenville i'll, or injured, in his
bed, the case might offer very simple handling.
Further neglect of Glenville might indeed be
fatal, at juncture SO delicate. From every
cept Van Buren.
HE found McCoppet just returned from
launching Lawrence forth upon his work.
Three of the gamblers chosen men had accom-
panied the Governments surveyor. They had
taken Bostwick's car Instructions had been
simple enough: Push over the reservation line
to cover the Laughing Water claim by night of
the following day.
Searle was taken to the private den. Nc
$oI L. s.,fo
most brevity
Nothing for US to do but to wait till six
o'clock, day after tomorrow morning" he con-
cluded. Then play our cards-and play 'em
quick!''
you've taken nv carr" said Bostwick,
confusion for the moment. / wanted that car
for my own use. I've got to go to Starlight to-
morrow"
Sit down." said McCoppet, throwing away
his unsmoked cigar and taking another from
his pocket. Whats going on down in Star
Light"
Bostwick had no intention of divulging his
personal affairs; but there was something in
this that trenched upon company" concerns.
Van Buren's going over there to young
Kent" he admitted. 1--WE got to see him
first"
McCoppet looked up at him sharply. Young
Kent amt next to anything?" he demanded.
mot yet"
Look here! said the gambler. whose wits
were inordinately keen ''Is anything leaking,
Bostwick? What about the girl. the young
chump's sister, You're not putting her next to
the layout yeu."
Certainly not'' said Bostwick. "She
knows nothing. But it wouldn't be safe for
this mix-up to occur. At any rate, intend to
be there when Van Buren arrives
McCoppet rose, plunged his hands into his
pockets, and paced up and down reflectively.
"Someways I'm glad Van Buren's going" he
said. I've been trying to figure how l could
play the game to have him away when we
come to take the trick. He's terror in fight
l guess it's all right. Don't need you here.
You can copper any possible harm down there
at Starlight. and meantime I'll see if there's
any way can find of delaying Van Buren's re-
turn"