The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1909-09-24


rotunda of San Franciscos best hotel
the morning after his arrival. He had
finished with his newspaper and
was gazing out upon the little park
across the street filled with palms and
beds of bright-hued flowers. Neither
Col Powley nor Jack Cleland had ap-
peared, and he was rather glad when
the young mining man he had met on
the train came upon him. and he was
reused from his self-absorption by a
CHEEKY greeting. Looking up, he saw
that young Hopkins no longer wore
corduroys and heavy hunting boots,
but was blue-serged, green-hatted and
patent-leathered, and altogether sporty
looking enough to belong to his own
set.
"All alone, see," remarked Hopkins
as he touched Floyd upon the shoulder.
If you've not been to breakfast, I'd
like to have you join me-"
I'D be pleased to-" assented Floyd,
who had grown hungry waiting for his
friends. Those fellows who came
with me must be taking an extra por-
ton of sleep this morning. I'll not
wait any longer for them"
Down in the grillroom a breakfast
was served, the equal of which is not
to be had in any other city in. the
United States, excepting, perhaps,
New Orleans. By the time Floyd and
Hopkins had lit their cigarettes they
were conversing as old friends.
oh, look who's arrived" burst out
Tony the Tout upon catching sight, of
Floyd and his party. IF it isn't the
Big Doctor, and l haven't seen. him
since Hamburg was two-year-old"
Hello, Tony" answered Floyd,
smiling at the rough enthusiasm Of his
old race track acquaintance. Never
thought I'd have the pleasure of run
ming into you out here
Quit your kiddin' and save that
smooth talk, because you'll need it in
this bunch. These native sons have a
brand Of salve that'll make yours go
some if you want to keep the runnin'
gear of business creased. Now that
you've got here, saw you first and
you're my meal ticket, so don't forget
1t. It's our bankroll,' and we are 60.
Ing to do the betting-not just you
alone, but We, Us &, Co."
"All right, Tony" assented Floyd;
but you'll not find me doing any
heavy betting"
That's all right. I'll see to that
part of it. I've got bird here in the
first race thatll make all the others
look like lot of pug dogs chasing a
jack rabbit. Well start in light
though, and run our bank roll up Buy
ticket for fifty on this one. If any
of these other hustlers try to put the
bee on you, just give me the Hey,
Rube,' and I'll be there to shoe them
away"
Tony, while not keeping too close to
Floyd and, making a nuisance OF him
self, still kept within safe call, watch
ing him as hen would watch chick
en-. True to his word, he directed the
small amount of betting that was done
during the afternoon, except that
Floyd would not plunge as Tony hoped
to have him do. After the last race of
the day, the happy tout was given
percentage of the winnings and in
thankful tones told Floyd that it was
the first real money he had possessed
in weeks: He could now see his way
clear to pay room rent, long overdue,
and purchase railroad transportation
back to the east when the racing sea.
son came to an end.
And say whispered Tony, in can.
fidential tones, find out tonight what
business that young man who was
with you this afternoon has with old
Tom Camp. They were of in a cor.
ner for q long time and If your friend
amt some wise fish he's apt to be bit"
The one to whom Tony alluded was
George Hopkins. He had seen the
young mining man with Floyd, and
presuming him to be! an old friend,
was taking steps to warn him of any
deal that he might have on with one
Thomas Camp, owner, trainer and be.
lieved-to-be hacker Of books on the
track where he ran his own horses.
Several times Camp had come danger
ously near to being ruled of the turf
for queer-looking races, but some sc.
cret pull had seemed to save him each
time.
That night after dinner Floyd, in
conversation with young Hopkins, eau
tiously led the. talk up to Tom Camp,
and then asked the fat-footed question
as to whether Hopkins had entered or
was about to enter into any deal.
Well, I'm rather ashamed of it, be-
cause It does look like crooked DEAL"
returned Hopkins; but I'm lot loser
on the game, first and last, and it looks
like a chance to get even, so was 60
ing to take it. If you know anything
about Camp, you know he has some of
the best horses on the track. He, says
he's been in hard luck this winter and
lost several thousand dollars bucking
the faro bank. His proposition is for
me to put in $4,000 to help back
book. He will put in $4,000 of his own
money. making good strong bank
roll. The books are all making money
now, and besides the even break we:
would get in on the regular play;
Camp says he can fix race or two SO
we can win some sure money. He Is
certain that we can pull out $4,000
each in week.
That all listens well." broke in
Floyd.
What's the matter with it?" ques-
toned HOPKINS. Il DON'T know why
I'm telling you all this, anyway. You
might queer my game for all know"
mo, I'll do nothing Of the kind" an
swered Floyd. But PHI bet you five
hundred now that if don't save you,
Camp will trim you for whatever YOU