GUNMAN'S RECKONING

By

Max Brand

1921

GUNMAN'S RECKONING

1

The fifty empty freights danced and rolled and rattled on the rough roadbed and filled Jericho Pass with thunder; the big engine was laboringand grunting at the grade, but five cars back the noise of thelocomotive was lost. Yet there is a way to talk above the noise of afreight train just as there is a way to whistle into the teeth of astiff wind. This freight-car talk is pitched just above the ordinarytone--it is an overtone of conversation, one might say--and it isdistinctly nasal. The brakie could talk above the racket, and so, ofcourse, could Lefty Joe. They sat about in the center of the train, onthe forward end of one of the cars. No matter how the train lurched andstaggered over that fearful road bed, these two swayed in their placesas easily and as safely as birds on swinging perches. The brakie hadtouched Lefty Joe for two dollars; he had secured fifty cents; and sincethe vigor of Lefty's oaths had convinced him that this was all the moneythe tramp had, the two now sat elbow to elbow and killed the distancewith their talk. 

"It's like old times to have you here, " said the brakie. "You used toplay this line when you jumped from coast to coast. "

"Sure, " said Lefty Joe, and he scowled at the mountains on either sideof the pass. The train was gathering speed, and the peaks lurchedeastward in a confused, ragged procession. "And a durned hard ride it'sbeen many a time. "

"Kind of queer to see you, " continued the brakie. "Heard you was risingin the world. "

He caught the face of the other with a rapid side glance, but Lefty Joewas sufficiently concealed by the dark. 

"Heard you were the main guy with a whole crowd behind you, " went on thebrakie. 

"Yeh?"

"Sure. Heard you was riding the cushions, and all that. "

"Yeh?"

"But I guess it was all bunk; here you are back again, anyway. "

"Yep, " agreed Lefty. 

The brakie scratched his head, for the silence of the tramp convincedhim that there had been, after all, a good deal of truth in the rumor. He ran back on another tack and slipped about Lefty. 

"I never laid much on what they said, " he averred. "I know you, Lefty;you can do a lot, but when it comes to leading a whole gang, like theysaid you was, and all that--well, I knew it was a lie. Used to tell 'emthat. "

"You talked foolish, then, " burst out Lefty suddenly. "It was allstraight. "

The brakie could hear the click of his companion's teeth at the periodto this statement, as though he regretted his outburst. 

"Well, I'll be hanged, " murmured the brakie innocently. 

Ordinarily, Lefty was not easily lured, but this night he apparently wasin the mood for talk. 

"Kennebec Lou, the Clipper, and Suds. Them and a lot more. They was allwith me; they was all under me; I was the Main Guy!"

What a ring in his voice as he said it! The beaten general speaks thusof his past triumphs. The old man remembered his youth in such a voice. The brakie was impressed; he repeated the three names. 

"Even Suds?" he said. "Was even Suds with you?"

"Even Suds!"

The brakie stirred a little, wabbling from side to side as he found amore comfortable position; instead of looking straight before him, hekept a side-glance steadily upon his companion, and one could see thathe intended to remember what was said on this night. 

"Even Suds, " echoed the brakie. "Good heavens, and ain't he a man foryou?"

"He was a man, " replied Lefty Joe with an indescribable emphasis. 

"Huh?"

"He ain't a man any more. "

"Get bumped off?"

"No. Busted. "

The brakie considered this bit of news and rolled it back and forth andtried its flavor against his gossiping palate. 

"Did you fix him after he left you?"

"No. "

"I see. You busted him while he was still with you. Then Kennebec Louand the Clipper get sore at the way you treat Suds. So here you are backon the road with your gang all gone bust. Hard luck, Lefty. "

But Lefty whined with rage at this careless diagnosis of his downfall. 

"You're all wrong, " he said. "You're all wrong. You don't know nothin'. "

The brakie waited, grinning securely into the night, and preparing hismind for the story. But the story consisted of one word, flung bitterlyinto the rushing air. 

"Donnegan!"

"Him?" cried the brakie, starting in his place. 

"Donnegan!" cried Lefty, and his voice made the word into a curse. 

The brakie nodded. 

"Them that get tangled with Donnegan don't last long. You ought to knowthat. "

At this the grief, hate, and rage in Lefty Joe were blended and causedan explosion. 

"Confound Donnegan. Who's Donnegan? I ask you, who's Donnegan?"

"A guy that makes trouble, " replied the brakie, evidently hard put to itto find a definition. 

"Oh, don't he make it, though? Confound him!"

"You ought to of stayed shut of him, Lefty. "

"Did I hunt him up, I ask you? Am I a nut? No, I ain't. Do I go alongstepping on the tail of a rattlesnake? No more do I look up Donnegan. "

He groaned as he remembered. 

"I was going fine. Nothing could of been better. I had the boystogether. We was doing so well that I was riding the cushions and I wentaround planning the jobs. Nice, clean work. No cans tied to it. But oneday I had to meet Suds down in the Meriton Jungle. You know?"

"I've heard--plenty, " said the brakie. 

"Oh, it ain't so bad--the Meriton. I've seen a lot worse. Found Sudsthere, and Suds was playing Black Jack with an ol gink. He was trimmin'him close. Get Suds going good and he could read 'em three down and bury'em as fast as they came under the bottom card. Takes a hand to do thatsort of work. And that's the sort of work Suds was doing for the oldman. Pretty soon the game was over and the old man was busted. He tookup his pack and beat it, saying nothing and looking sick. I startedtalking to Suds. 

"And while he was talking, along comes a bo and gives us a once-over. Heknew me. 'Is this here a friend of yours, Lefty? he says. 

"'Sure, ' says I. 

"'Then, he's in Dutch. He trimmed that old dad, and the dad is one ofDonnegan's pals. Wait till Donnegan hears how your friend made the cardstalk while he was skinning the old boy!

"He passes me the wink and goes on. Made me sick. I turned to Suds, andthe fool hadn't batted an eye. Never even heard of Donnegan. You knowhow it is? Half the road never heard of it; part of the roads don't knownothin' else. He's like a jumpin tornado; hits every ten miles and don'tbend a blade of grass in between. 

"Took me about five minutes to tell Suds about Donnegan. Then Suds letout a grunt and started down the trail for the old dad. Missed him. Dadhad got out of the Jungle and copped a rattler. Suds come back halfgreen and half yeller. 

"'I've done it; I've spilled the beans, ' he says. 

"'That ain't half sayin' it, ' says I. 

"Well, we lit out after that and beat it down the line as fast as wecould. We got the rest of the boys together; I had a swell job plannedup. Everything staked. Then, the first news come that Donnegan was afterSuds. 

"News just dropped on us out of the sky. Suds, you know how he is. Strong bluff. Didn't bat an eye. Laughed at this Donnegan. Got a hold ofan old pal of his, named Levine, and he is a mighty hot scrapper. From aknife to a toenail, they was nothing that Levine couldn't use in afight. Suds sent him out to cross Donnegan's trail. 

"He crossed it, well enough. Suds got a telegram a couple days latersaying that Levine had run into a wild cat and was considerable chawedand would Suds send him a stake to pay the doctor?

"Well, after that Suds got sort of nervous. Didn't take no interest inhis work no more. Kept a weather eye out watching for the coming ofDonnegan. And pretty soon he up and cleaned out of camp. 

"Next day, sure enough, along comes Donnegan and asks for Suds. We keptstill--all but Kennebec Lou. Kennebec is some fighter himself. Twohundred pounds of mule muscle with the brain of a devil to tell what todo--yes, you can lay it ten to one that Kennebec is some fighter. Thatday he had a good edge from a bottle of rye he was trying for a friend. 

"He didn't need to go far to find trouble in Donnegan. A wink and a grinwas all they needed for a password, and then they went at each other'sthroats. Kennebec made the first pass and hit thin air; and before hegot back on his heels, Donnegan had hit him four times. Then Kennebecjumped back and took a fresh start with a knife. "

Here Lefty Joe paused and sighed. 

He continued, after a long interval: "Five minutes later we was all busytyin' up what was left of Kennebec; Donnegan was down the road whistlin'like a bird. And that was the end of my gang. What with Kennebec Lou andSuds both gone, what chance did I have to hold the boys together?"

2

The brakie heard this recital with the keenest interest, nodding fromtime to time. 

"What beats me, Lefty, " he said at the end of the story, "is why youdidn't knife into the fight yourself and take a hand with Donnegan"

At this Lefty was silent. It was rather the silence of one which cannottell whether or not it is worth while to speak than it was the silenceof one who needs time for thought. 

"I'll tell you why, bo. It's because when I take a trail like that itonly has one end I'm going to bump off the other bird or he's going tobump off me"

The brakie cleared his throat

"Look here, " he said, "looks to me like a queer thing that you're onthis train"

"Does it" queried Lefty softly "Why?"

"Because Donnegan is two cars back, asleep. "

"The devil you say!"

The brakie broke into laughter

"Don't kid yourself along, " he warned. "Don't do it. It ain'twise--with me. "

"What you mean?"

"Come on, Lefty. Come clean. You better do a fade off this train. "

"Why, you fool--"

"It don't work, Joe. Why, the minute I seen you I knew why you was here. I knew you meant to croak Donnegan. "

"Me croak him? Why should I croak him?"

"Because you been trailing him two thousand miles. Because you ain't gotthe nerve to meet him face to face and you got to sneak in and take acrack at him while he's lying asleep. That's you, Lefty Joe!"

He saw Lefty sway toward him; but, all stories aside, it is a very boldtramp that cares for argument of a serious nature with a brakie. Andeven Lefty Joe was deterred from violent action. In the darkness hisupper lip twitched, but he carefully smoothed his voice. 

"You don't know nothing, pal, " he declared. 

"Don't I?"

"Nothing, " repeated Lefty. 

He reached into his clothes and produced something which rustled in therush of wind. He fumbled, and finally passed a scrap of the paper intothe hand of the brakie. 

"My heavens, " drawled the latter. "D'you think you can fix me with abuck for a job like this? You can't bribe me to stand around while youbump off Donnegan. Can't be done, Lefty!"

"One buck, did you say?"

Lefty Joe expertly lighted a match in spite of the roaring wind, and bythis wild light the brakie read the denomination of the bill with agasp. He rolled up his face and was in time to catch the sneer on theface of Lefty before a gust snatched away the light of the match. 

They had topped the highest point in Jericho Pass and now the long traindropped into the down grade with terrific speed. The wind became ahurricane. But to the brakie all this was no more than a calm night. Histhoughts were raging in him, and if he looked back far enough heremembered the dollar which Donnegan had given him; and how he hadpromised Donnegan to give the warning before anything went wrong. Hethought of this, but rustling against the palm of his right hand wasthe bill whose denomination he had read, and that figure ate into hismemory, ate into his brain. 

After all what was Donnegan to him? What was Donnegan but a worthlesstramp? Without any answer to that last monosyllabic query, the brakiehunched forward, and began to work his way up the train. 

The tramp watched him go with laughter. It was silent laughter. In themost quiet room it would not have sounded louder than a continual, lighthissing noise. Then he, in turn, moved from his place, and worked hisway along the train in the opposite direction to that in which thebrakie had disappeared. 

He went expertly, swinging from car to car with apelike clumsiness--andsurety. Two cars back. It was not so easy to reach the sliding side doorof that empty car. Considering the fact that it was night, that thetrain was bucking furiously over the old roadbed, Lefty had a notaltogether simple task before him. But he managed it with the sameapelike adroitness. He could climb with his feet as well as his hands. He would trust a ledge as well as he would trust the rung of a ladder. 

Under his discreet manipulations from above the door loosened and itbecame possible to work it back. But even this the tramp did withconsiderable care. He took advantage of the lurching of the train, andevery time the car jerked he forced the door to roll a little, so thatit might seem for all the world as though the motion of the train alonewere operating it. 

For suppose that Donnegan wakened out of his sound sleep and observedthe motion of the door; he would be suspicious if the door opened in asingle continued motion; but if it worked in these degrees he would behypersuspicious if he dreamed of danger. So the tramp gave five wholeminutes to that work. 

When it was done he waited for a time, another five minutes, perhaps, tosee if the door would be moved back. And when it was not disturbed, butallowed to stand open, he knew that Donnegan still slept. 

It was time then for action, and Lefty Joe prepared for the descent intothe home of the enemy. Let it not be thought that he approached thismoment with a fallen heart, and with a cringing, snaky feeling as a manmight be expected to feel when he approached to murder a sleepingfoeman. For that was not Lefty's emotion at all. Rather he was overcomeby a tremendous happiness. He could have sung with joy at the thoughtthat he was about to rid himself of this pest. 

True, the gang was broken up. But it might rise again. Donnegan hadfallen upon it like a blight. But with Donnegan out of the way would notSuds come back to him instantly? And would not Kennebec Lou himselfreturn in admiration of a man who had done what he, Kennebec, could notdo? With those two as a nucleus, how greatly might he not build!

Justice must be done to Lefty Joe. He approached this murder as astatesman approaches the removal of a foe from the path of publicprosperity. There was no more rancor in his attitude. It was rather theblissful largeness of the heart that comes to the politician when heunearths the scandal which will blight the race of his rival. 

With the peaceful smile of a child, therefore, Lefty Joe lay stretchedat full length along the top of the car and made his choice of weapons. On the whole, his usual preference, day or night, was for a revolver. Give him a gat and Lefty was at home in any company. But he had reasonsfor transferring his alliance on this occasion. In the first place, abox car which is reeling and pitching to and fro, from side to side, isnot a very good shooting platform--even for a snapshot like Lefty Joe. Also, the pitch darkness in the car would be a further annoyance to goodaim. And in the third and most decisive place, if he were to miss hisfirst shot he would not be extremely apt to place his second bullet. ForDonnegan had a reputation with his own revolver. Indeed, it was saidthat he rarely carried the weapon, because when he did he was alwaystempted too strongly to use it. So that the chances were large thatDonnegan would not have the gun now. Yet if he did have it--if he, Lefty, did miss his first shot--then the story would be brief and bitterindeed. 

On the other hand, a knife offered advantages almost too numerous to belisted. It gave one the deadly assurance which only comes with theknowledge of an edge of steel in one's hand. And when the knife reachesits mark it ends a battle at a stroke. 

Of course these doubts and considerations pro and con went through themind of the tramp in about the same space of time that it requires for adog to waken, snap at a fly, and drowse again. Eventually, he took outhis knife. It was a sheath knife which he wore from a noose of silkaround his throat, and it always lay closest to his heart. The blade ofthe knife was of the finest Spanish steel, in the days when Spanishsmiths knew how to draw out steel to a streak of light; the handle ofthe knife was from Milan. On the whole, it was a delicate and beautifulweapon--and it had the durable suppleness of--say--hatred itself. 

Lefty Joe, like a pirate in a tale, took this weapon between his teeth;allowed his squat, heavy bulk to swing down and dangle at arm's lengthfor an instant, and then he swung himself a little and landed softly onthe floor of the car. 

Who has not heard snow drop from the branch upon other snow beneath?That was the way Lefty Joe dropped to the floor of the car. He remainedas he had fallen; crouched, alert, with one hand spread out on theboards to balance him and give him a leverage and a start in case heshould wish to spring in any direction. 

Then he began to probe the darkness in every direction; with everyglance he allowed his head to dart out a little. The movement was like achicken pecking at imaginary grains of corn. But eventually he satisfiedhimself that his quarry lay in the forward end of the car; that he wasprone; that he, Lefty, had accomplished nine-tenths of his purpose byentering the place of his enemy unobserved. 

3

But even though this major step was accomplished successfully, Lefty Joewas not the man to abandon caution in the midst of an enterprise. Theroar of the train would have covered sounds ten times as loud as thoseof his snaky approach, yet he glided forward with as much care as thoughhe were stepping on old stairs in a silent house. He could see a vagueshadow--Donnegan; but chiefly he worked by that peculiar sense ofdirection which some people possess in a dim light. The blind, ofcourse, have that sense in a high degree of sensitiveness, but eventhose who are not blind may learn to trust the peculiar and invertedsense of direction. 

With this to aid him, Lefty Joe went steadily, slowly across the firstand most dangerous stage of his journey. That is, he got away from thesquare of the open door, where the faint starlight might vaguely serveto silhouette his body. After this, it was easier work. 

Of course, when he alighted on the floor of the car, the knife had beentransferred from his teeth to his left hand; and all during his progressforward the knife was being balanced delicately, as though he were notyet quite sure of the weight of the weapon. Just as a prize fighterkeeps his deadly, poised hands in play, moving them as though he fearsto lose his intimate touch with them. 

This stalking had occupied a matter of split seconds. Now Lefty Joe roseslowly. He was leaning very far forward, and he warded against the rollof the car by spreading out his right hand close to the floor; his lefthand he poised with the knife, and he began to gather his muscles forthe leap. He had already taken the last preliminary movement--he hadswung himself to the right side a little and, lightening his left foot, had thrown all his weight upon the right--in fact, his body wasliterally suspended in the instant of springing, catlike, when theshadow which was Donnegan came to life. 

The shadow convulsed as shadows are apt to swirl in a green pool when astone is dropped into it; and a bit of board two feet long and someeight inches wide cracked against the shins of Lefty Joe. 

It was about the least dramatic weapon that could have been chosen underthose circumstances, but certainly no other defense could havefrustrated Lefty's spring so completely. Instead of launching out in acompact mass whose point of contact was the reaching knife, Leftycrawled stupidly forward upon his knees, and had to throw out his knifehand to save his balance. 

It is a singular thing to note how important balance is to men. Animalsfight, as a rule, just as well on their backs as they do on their feet. They can lie on their sides and bite; they can swing their claws evenwhile they are dropping through the air. But man needs poise and balancebefore he can act. What is speed in a fighter? It is not so much anaffair of the muscles as it is the power of the brain to adapt itselfinstantly to each new move and put the body in a state of balance. Inthe prize ring speed does not mean the ability to strike one lightningblow, but rather that, having finished one drive, the fighter is inposition to hit again, and then again, so that no matter where theimpetus of his last lunge has placed him he is ready and poised to shootall his weight behind his fist again and drive it accurately at avulnerable spot. Individually the actions may be slow; but the series ofefforts seem rapid. That is why a superior boxer seems to hypnotize hisantagonist with movements which to the spectator seem perfectly easy, slow, and sure. 

But if Lefty lacked much in agility, he had an animallike sense ofbalance. Sprawling, helpless, he saw the convulsed shadow that wasDonnegan take form as a straight shooting body that plunged through theair above him. Lefty Joe dug his left elbow into the floor of the carand whirled back upon his shoulders, bunching his knees high over hisstomach. Nine chances out of ten, if Donnegan had fallen flatwise uponthis alert enemy, he would have received those knees in the pit of hisown stomach and instantly been paralyzed. But in the jumping, rattlingcar even Donnegan was capable of making mistakes. His mistake in thisinstance saved his life, for springing too far, he came down not inreaching distance of Lefty's throat, but with his chest on the knees ofthe older tramp. 

As a result, Donnegan was promptly kicked head over heels and tumbledthe length of the car. Lefty was on his feet and plunging after thetumbling form in the twinkling of an eye, literally speaking, and he wasonly kept from burying his knife in the flesh of his foe by a sway ofthe car that staggered him in the act of striking. Donnegan, the nextinstant, was beyond reach. He had struck the end of the car andrebounded like a ball of rubber at a tangent. He slid into the shadows, and Lefty, putting his own shoulders to the wall, felt for his revolverand knew that he was lost. He had failed in his first surprise attack, and without surprise to help him now he was gone. He weighed hisrevolver, decided that it would be madness to use it, for if he missed, Donnegan would instantly be guided by the flash to shoot him full ofholes. 

Something slipped by the open door--something that glimmered faintly;and Lefty Joe knew that it was the red head of Donnegan. Donnegan, soft-footed as a shadow among shadows. Donnegan on a blood trail. Itlowered the heartbeat of Lefty Joe to a tremendous, slow pulse. In thatmoment he gave up hope and, resigning himself to die, determined tofight to the last gasp, as became one of his reputation and nationalcelebrity on "the road. "

Yet Lefty Joe was no common man and no common fighter. No, let the shadeof Rusty Dick, whom Lefty met and beat in his glorious prime--let thisshade arise and speak for the prowess of Lefty Joe. In fact it wasbecause he was such a good fighter himself that he recognized hishelplessness in the hands of Donnegan. 

The faint glimmer of color had passed the door. It was dissolved indeeper shadows at once, and soundlessly; Lefty knew that Donnegan wascloser and closer. 

Of one thing he felt more and more confident, that Donnegan did not havehis revolver with him. Otherwise, he would have used it before. For whatwas darkness to this devil, Donnegan. He walked like a cat, and mostlikely he could see like a cat in the dark. Instinctively the oldertramp braced himself with his right hand held at a guard before hisbreast and the knife poised in his left, just as a man would prepare tomeet the attack of a panther. He even took to probing the darkness in astrange hope to catch the glimmer of the eyes of Donnegan as he moved tothe attack. If there were a hair's breadth of light, then Donneganhimself must go down. A single blow would do it. 

But the devil had instructed his favorite Donnegan how to fight. He didnot come lunging through the shadows to meet the point of that knife. Instead, he had worked a snaky way along the floor and now he leaped inand up at Lefty, taking him under the arms. 

A dozen hands, it seemed, laid hold on Lefty. He fought like a demon andtore himself away, but the multitude of hands pursued him. They weresmall hands. Where they closed they tore the clothes and bit into hisvery flesh. Once a hand had him by the throat, and when Lefty jerkedhimself away it was with a feeling that his flesh had been seared byfive points of red-hot iron. All this time his knife was darting; onceit ripped through cloth, but never once did it find the target. And halfa second later Donnegan got his hold. The flash of the knife as Leftyraised it must have guided the other. He shot his right hand up behindthe left shoulder of the other and imprisoned the wrist. Not only did itmake the knife hand helpless, but by bearing down with his own weightDonnegan could put his enemy in most exquisite torture. 

For an instant they whirled; then they went down, and Lefty was on top. Only for a moment. The impetus which had sent him to the floor was usedby Donnegan to turn them over, and once fairly on top his left hand wasinstantly at the throat of Lefty. 

Twice Lefty made enormous efforts, but then he was done. About his bodythe limbs of Donnegan were twisted, tightening with incredible force;just as hot iron bands sink resistlessly into place. The strangle-holdcut away life at its source. Once he strove to bury his teeth in the armof Donnegan. Once, as the horror caught at him, he strove to shriek forhelp. All he succeeded in doing was in raising an awful, sobbingwhisper. Then, looking death in the face, Lefty plunged into the greatdarkness. 

4

When he wakened, he jumped at a stride into the full possession of hisfaculties. He had been placed near the open door, and the rush of nightair had done its work in reviving him. But Lefty, drawn back to life, felt only a vague wonder that his life had not been taken. Perhaps hewas being reserved by the victor for an Indian death of torment. He feltcautiously and found that not only were his hands free, but his revolverhad not been taken from him. A familiar weight was on his chest--thevery knife had been returned to its sheath. 

Had Donnegan returned these things to show how perfectly he despised hisenemy?

"He's gone!" groaned the tramp, sitting up quickly. 

"He's here, " said a voice that cut easily through the roar of the train. "Waiting for you, Lefty. "

The tramp was staggered again. But then, who had ever been able tofathom the ways of Donnegan?

"Donnegan!" he cried with a sudden recklessness. 

"Yes?"

"You're a fool!"

"Yes?"

"For not finishing the job. "

Donnegan began to laugh. In the uproar of the train it was impossiblereally to hear the sound, but Lefty caught the pulse of it. He fingeredhis bruised throat; swallowing was a painful effort. And anindescribable feeling came over him as he realized that he sat armed tothe teeth within a yard of the man he wanted to kill, and yet he was aseffectively rendered helpless as though iron shackles had been locked onhis wrists and legs. The night light came through the doorway, and hecould make out the slender outline of Donnegan and again he caught thefaint luster of that red hair; and out of the shadowy form a singularpower emanated and sapped his strength at the root. 

Yet he went on viciously: "Sooner or later, Donnegan, I'll get you!"

The red head of Donnegan moved, and Lefty Joe knew that the younger manwas laughing again. 

"Why are you after me?" he asked at length. 

It was another blow in the face of Lefty. He sat for a time blinkingwith owlish stupidity. 

"Why?" he echoed. And he spoke his astonishment from the heart. 

"Why am I after you?" he said again. "Why, confound you, ain't youDonnegan?"

"Yes. "

"Don't the whole road know that I'm after you and you after me?"

"The whole road is crazy. I'm not after you. "

Lefty choked. 

"Maybe I been dreaming. Maybe you didn't bust up the gang? Maybe youdidn't clean up on Suds and Kennebec?"

"Suds? Kennebec? I sort of remember meeting them. "

"You sort of--the devil!" Lefty Joe sputtered the words. "And after youcleaned up my crowd, ain't it natural and good sense for you to go onand try to clean up on me?"

"Sounds like it. "

"But I figured to beat you to it. I cut in on your trail, Donnegan, andbefore I leave it you'll know a lot more about me. "

"You're warning me ahead of time?"

"You've played this game square with me; I'll play square with you. Next time there'll be no slips, Donnegan. I dunno why you should ofpicked on me, though. Just the natural devil in you. "

"I haven't picked on you, " said Donnegan. 

"What?"

"I'll give you my word. "

A tingle ran through the blood of Lefty Joe. Somewhere he had heard, inrumor, that the word of Donnegan was as good as gold. He recalled thatrumor now and something of dignity in the manner with which Donneganmade his announcement carried a heavy weight. As a rule, the trampsvowed with many oaths; here was one of the nights of the road who madehis bare word sufficient. And Lefty Joe heard with great wonder. 

"All I ask, " he said, "is why you hounded my gang, if you wasn't afterme?"

"I didn't hound them. I ran into Suds by accident. We had trouble. ThenLevine. Then Kennebec Lou tried to take a fall out of me. "

A note of whimsical protest crept into the voice of Donnegan. 

"Somehow there's always a fight wherever I go, " he said. "Fights justsort of grow up around me. "

Lefty Joe snarled. 

"You didn't mean nothing by just 'happening' to run into three of myboys one after another?"

"Not a thing. "

Lefty rocked himself back and forth in an ecstasy of impatience. 

"Why don't you stay put?" he complained. "Why don't you stake out yourown ground and stay put in it? You cut in on every guy's territory. There ain't any privacy any more since you hit the road. What you got? Aroving commission?"

Donnegan waited for a moment before he answered. And when he spoke hisvoice had altered. Indeed, he had remarkable ability to pitch his voiceinto the roar of the freight train, and above or beneath it, and give ita quality such as he pleased. 

"I'm following a trail, but not yours, " he admitted at length. "I'mfollowing a trail. I've been at it these two years and nothing hascome of it. "

"Who you after?"

"A man with red hair. "

"That tells me a lot. "

Donnegan refused to explain. 

"What you got against him--the color of his hair?"

And Lefty roared contentedly at his own stale jest. 

"It's no good, " replied Donnegan. "I'll never get on the trail. "

Lefty broke in: "You mean to say you've been working two solid years andall on a trail that you ain't even found?"

The silence answered him in the affirmative. 

"Ain't nobody been able to tip you off to him?" went on Lefty, intenselyinterested. 

"Nobody. You see, he's a hard sort to describe. Red hair, that's allthere was about him for a clue. But if any one ever saw him strippedthey'd remember him by a big blotchy birthmark on his left shoulder. "

"Eh?" grunted Lefty Joe. 

He added: "What was his name?"

"Don't know. He changed monikers when he took to the road. "

"What was he to you?"

"A man I'm going to find. "

"No matter where the trail takes you?"

"No matter where. "

At this Lefty was seized with unaccountable laughter. He literallystrained his lungs with that Homeric outburst. When he wiped the tearsfrom his eyes, at length, the shadow on the opposite side of the doorwayhad disappeared. He found his companion leaning over him, and this timehe could catch the dull glint of starlight on both hair and eyes. 

"What d'you know?" asked Donnegan. 

"How do you stand toward this bird with the birthmark and the red hair?"queried Lefty with caution. 

"What d'you know?" insisted Donnegan. 

All at once passion shook him; he fastened his grip in the shoulder ofthe larger man, and his fingertips worked toward the bone. 

"What do you know?" he repeated for the third time, and now there was nohint of laughter in the hard voice of Lefty. 

"You fool, if you follow that trail you'll go to the devil. It wasRusty Dick; and he's dead!"

His triumphant laughter came again, but Donnegan cut into it. 

"Rusty Dick was the one you--killed!"

"Sure. What of it? We fought fair and square. "

"Then Rusty wasn't the man I want. The man I want would of eaten twolike you, Lefty. "

"What about the birthmark? It sure was on his shoulder; Donnegan. "

"Heavens!" whispered Donnegan. 

"What's the matter?"

"Rusty Dick, " gasped Donnegan. "Yes, it must have been he. "

"Sure it was. What did you have against him?"

"It was a matter of blood--between us, " stammered Donnegan. 

His voice rose in a peculiar manner, so that Lefty shrank involuntarily. 

"You killed Rusty?"

"Ask any of the boys. But between you and me, it was the booze thatlicked Rusty Dick. I just finished up the job and surprised everybody. "

The train was out of the mountains and in a country of scattering hills, but here it struck a steep grade and settled down to a grind of slowlabor; the rails hummed, and suspense filled the freight car. 

"Hey, " cried Lefty suddenly. "You fool, you'll do a flop out the door inabout a minute!"

He even reached out to steady the toppling figure, but Donnegan pitchedstraight out into the night. Lefty craned his neck from the door, studying the roadbed, but at that moment the locomotive topped thelittle rise and the whole train lurched forward. 

"After all, " murmured Lefty Joe, "it sounds like Donnegan. Hated a guyso bad that he hadn't any use for livin' when he heard the other guy wasdead. But I'm never goin' to cross his path again, I hope. "

5

But Donnegan had leaped clear of the roadbed, and he struck almost tothe knees in a drift of sand. Otherwise, he might well have broken hislegs with that foolhardy chance. As it was, the fall whirled him overand over, and by the time he had picked himself up the lighted cabooseof the train was rocking past him. Donnegan watched it grow small in thedistance, and then, when it was only a red, uncertain star far down thetrack, he turned to the vast country around him. 

The mountains were to his right, not far away, but caught up behind theshadows so that it seemed a great distance. Like all huge, half-seenthings they seemed in motion toward him. For the rest, he was in bare, rolling country. The sky line everywhere was clean; there was hardly asign of a tree. He knew, by a little reflection, that this must becattle country, for the brakie had intimated as much in their talk justbefore dusk. Now it was early night, and a wind began to rise, blowingdown the valley with a keen motion and a rapidly lessening temperature, so that Donnegan saw he must get to a shelter. He could, if necessary, endure any privation, but his tastes were for luxurious comfort. Accordingly he considered the landscape with gloomy disapproval. He wasalmost inclined to regret his plunge from the lumbering freight train. Two things had governed him in making that move. First, when hediscovered that the long trail he followed was definitely fruitless, hewas filled with a great desire to cut himself away from his past andmake a new start. Secondly, when he learned that Rusty Dick had beenkilled by Joe, he wanted desperately to get the throttle of the latterunder his thumb. If ever a man risked his life to avoid a sin, it wasDonnegan jumping from the train to keep from murder. 

He stooped to sight along the ground, for this is the best way at nightand often horizon lights are revealed in this manner. But now Donnegansaw nothing to serve as a guide. He therefore drew in his belt until itfitted snug about his gaunt waist, settled his cap firmly, and headedstraight into the wind. 

Nothing could have shown his character more distinctly. 

When in doubt, head into the wind. 

With a jaunty, swinging step he sauntered along, and this time, atleast, his tactics found an early reward. Topping the first large riseof ground, he saw in the hollow beneath him the outline of a largebuilding. And as he approached it, the wind clearing a high blowing mistfrom the stars, he saw a jumble of outlying houses. Sheds, barns, corrals--it was the nucleus of a big ranch. It is a maxim that, if youwish to know a man look at his library and if you wish to know arancher, look at his barn. Donnegan made a small detour to the left andheaded for the largest of the barns. 

He entered it by the big, sliding door, which stood open; he looked up, and saw the stars shining through a gap in the roof. And then he stoodquietly for a time, listening to the voices of the wind in the ruin. Oddly enough, it was pleasant to Donnegan. His own troubles and sorrowhad poured upon him so thickly in the past hour or so that it wassoothing to find evidence of the distress of others. But perhaps thismeant that the entire establishment was deserted. 

He left the barn and went toward the house. Not until he was close underits wall did he come to appreciate its size. It was one of those great, rambling, two-storied structures which the cattle kings of the pastgeneration were fond of building. Standing close to it, he heard none ofthe intimate sounds of the storm blowing through cracks and brokenwalls; no matter into what disrepair the barns had fallen, the house wasstill solid; only about the edges of the building the storm keptmurmuring. 

Yet there was not a light, neither above nor below. He came to the frontof the house. Still no sign of life. He stood at the door and knockedloudly upon it, and though, when he tried the knob, he found that thedoor was latched, yet no one came in response. He knocked again, andputting his ear close he heard the echoes walk through the interior ofthe building. 

After this, the wind rose in sudden strength and deafened him withrattlings; above him, a shutter was swung open and then crashed to, sothat the opening of the door was a shock of surprise to Donnegan. A dimlight from a source which he could not direct suffused the interior ofthe hall; the door itself was worked open a matter of inches andDonnegan was aware of two keen old eyes glittering out at him. Beyondthis he could distinguish nothing. 

"Who are you?" asked a woman's voice. "And what do you want?"

"I'm a stranger, and I want something to eat and a place to sleep. Thishouse looks as if it might have spare rooms. "

"Where d'you come from?"

"Yonder, " said Donnegan, with a sufficiently noncommittal gesture. 

"What's your name?"

"Donnegan. "

"I don't know you. Be off with you, Mr. Donnegan!"

He inserted his foot in the closing crack of the door. 

"Tell me where I'm to go?" he persisted. 

At this her voice rose in pitch, with squeaky rage. 

"I'll raise the house on you!"

"Raise 'em. Call down the man of the house. I can talk to him betterthan I can to you; but I won't walk off like this. If you can feed me, I'll pay you for what I eat. "

A shrill cackling--he could not make out the words. And since patiencewas not the first of Donnegan's virtues, he seized on the knob of thedoor and deliberately pressed it wide. Standing in the hall, now, andclosing the door slowly behind him, he saw a woman with old, keen eyesshrinking away toward the staircase. She was evidently in great fear, but there was something infinitely malicious in the manner in which shekept working her lips soundlessly. She was shrinking, and half turnedaway, yet there was a suggestion that in an instant she might whirl andfly at his face. The door now clicked, and with the windstorm shut awayDonnegan had a queer feeling of being trapped. 

"Now call the man of the house, " he repeated. "See if I can't come toterms with him. "

"He'd make short work of you if he came, " she replied. She broke into ashrill laughter, and Donnegan thought he had never seen a face so ugly. "If he came, " she said, "you'd rue the day. "

"Well, I'll talk to you, then. I'm not asking charity. I want to pay forwhat I get. "

"This ain't a hotel. You go on down the road. Inside eight miles you'llcome to the town. "

"Eight miles!"

"That's nothing for a man to ride. "

"Not at all, if I had something to ride. "

"You ain't got a horse?"

"No. "

"Then how do you come here?"

"I walked. "

If this sharpened her suspicions, it sharpened her fear also. She putone foot on the lowest step of the stairs. 

"Be off with you, Mr. Donnegally, or whatever your outlandish name is. You'll get nothing here. What brings you--"

A door closed and a footstep sounded lightly on the floor above. AndDonnegan, already alert in the strange atmosphere of this house, gaveback a pace so as to get an honest wall behind him. He noted that thestep was quick and small, and preparing himself to meet a wisp ofmanhood--which, for that matter, was the type he was most inclined tofear--Donnegan kept a corner glance upon the old woman at the foot ofthe stairs and steadily surveyed the shadows at the head of the rise. 

Out of that darkness a foot slipped; not even a boy's foot--a verychild's. The shock of it made Donnegan relax his caution for an instant, and in that instant she came into the reach of the light. It was awretched light at best, for it came from a lamp with smoky chimneywhich the old hag carried, and at the raising and lowering of her handthe flame jumped and died in the throat of the chimney and set the hallawash with shadows. Falling away to a point of yellow, the lamp allowedthe hall to assume a certain indefinite dignity of height and breadthand calm proportions; but when the flame rose Donnegan could see thebroken balusters of the balustrade, the carpet, faded past any designand worn to rattiness, wall paper which had rotted or dried away andhung in crisp tatters here and there, and on the ceiling an irregularpatch from which the plaster had fallen and exposed the lathwork. But atthe coming of the girl the old woman had turned, and as she did theflame tossed up in the lamp and Donnegan could see the newcomerdistinctly. 

Once before his heart had risen as it rose now. It had been the fag endof a long party, and Donnegan, rousing from a drunken sleep, staggeredto the window. Leaning there to get the freshness of the night airagainst his hot face, he had looked up, and saw the white face of themoon going up the sky; and a sudden sense of the blackness and loathingagainst the city had come upon Donnegan, and the murky color of his ownlife; and when he turned away from the window he was sober. And so itwas that he now stared up at the girl. At her breast she held a cloaktogether with one hand and the other hand touched the railing of thestairs. He saw one foot suspended for the next step, as though the sightof him kept her back in fear. To the miserable soul of Donnegan sheseemed all that was lovely, young, and pure; and her hair, old gold inthe shadow and pale gold where the lamp struck it, was to Donnegan likea miraculous light about her face. 

Indeed, that little pause was a great and awful moment. For consideringthat Donnegan, who had gone through his whole life with his eyes readyeither to mock or hate, and who had rarely used his hand except to makea fist of it; Donnegan who had never, so far as is known, had acompanion; who had asked the world for action, not kindness; thisDonnegan now stood straight with his back against the wall, and pouredout the story of his wayward life to a mere slip of a girl. 

6

Even the old woman, whose eyes were sharpened by her habit of lookingconstantly for the weaknesses and vices of men, could not guess what wasgoing on behind the thin, rather ugly face of Donnegan; the girl, perhaps, may have seen more. For she caught the glitter of his activeeyes even at that distance. The hag began to explain with viciousgestures that set the light flaring up and down. 

"He ain't come from nowhere, Lou, " she said. "He ain't going nowhere; hewants to stay here for the night. "

The foot which had been suspended to take the next step was nowwithdrawn. Donnegan, remembered at last, whipped off his cap, and atonce the light flared and burned upon his hair. It was a wonderful red;it shone, and it had a terrible blood tinge so that his face seemed palebeneath it. There were three things that made up the peculiar dominanceof Donnegan's countenance. The three things were the hair, the uneasy, bright eyes, and the rather thin, compressed lips. When Donnegan slepthe seemed about to waken from a vigorous dream; when he sat down heseemed about to leap to his feet; and when he was standing he gave thatimpression of a poise which is ready for anything. It was no wonder thatthe girl, seeing that face and that alert, aggressive body, shrank alittle on the stairs. Donnegan, that instant, knew that these two womenwere really alone in the house as far as fighting men were concerned. 

And the fact disturbed him more than a leveled gun would have done. Hewent to the foot of the stairs, even past the old woman, and, raisinghis head, he spoke to the girl. 

"My name's Donnegan. I came over from the railroad--walked. I don't wantto walk that other eight miles unless there's a real need for it. I--"Why did he pause? "I'll pay for anything I get here. "

His voice was not too certain; behind his teeth there was knocking adesire to cry out to her the truth. "I am Donnegan. Donnegan the tramp. Donnegan the shiftless. Donnegan the fighter. Donnegan the killer. Donnegan the penniless, worthless. But for heaven's sake let me stayuntil morning and let me look at you--from a distance!"

But, after all, perhaps he did not need to say all these things. Hisclothes were rags, upon his face there was a stubble of unshaven red, which made the pallor about his eyes more pronounced. If the girl hadbeen half blind she must have felt that here was a man of fire. He sawher gather the wrap a little closer about her shoulders, and that signof fear made him sick at heart. 

"Mr. Donnegan, " said the girl. "I am sorry. We cannot take you into thehouse. Eight miles--"

Did she expect to turn a sinner from the gates of heaven with a merephrase? He cast out his hand, and she winced as though he had shaken hisfist at her. 

"Are you afraid?" cried Donnegan. 

"I don't control the house. "

He paused, not that her reply had baffled him, but the mere pleasure ofhearing her speak accounted for it. It was one of those low, lightvoices which are apt to have very little range or volume, and whichbreak and tremble absurdly under any stress of emotion; and often theybecome shrill in a higher register; but inside conversational limits, ifsuch a term may be used, there is no fiber so delightful, so purelymusical. Suppose the word "velvet" applied to a sound. That voice camesoothingly and delightfully upon the ear of Donnegan, from which theroar and rattle of the empty freight train had not quite departed. Hesmiled at her. 

"But, " he protested, "this is west of the Rockies--and I don't see anyother way out. "

The girl, all this time, was studying him intently, a little sadly, hethought. Now she shook her head, but there was more warmth in her voice. 

"I'm sorry. I can't ask you to stay without first consulting my father. "

"Go ahead. Ask him. "

She raised her hand a little; the thought seemed to bring her to theverge of trembling, as though he were asking a sacrilege. 

"Why not?" he urged. 

She did not answer, but, instead, her eyes sought the old, woman, as ifto gain her interposition; she burst instantly into speech. 

"Which there's no good talking any more, " declared the ancient vixen. "Are you wanting to make trouble for her with the colonel? Be off, youngman. It ain't the first time I've told you you'd get nowhere in thishouse!"

There was no possible answer left to Donnegan, and he did as usual thesurprising thing. He broke into laughter of such clear and ringingtone--such infectious laughter--that the old woman blinked in the midstof her wrath as though she were seeing a new man, and he saw the lips ofthe girl parted in wonder. 

"My father is an invalid, " said the girl. "And he lives by strict rules. I could not break in on him at this time of the evening. "

"If that's all"--Donnegan actually began to mount the steps--"I'll go inand talk to your father myself. "

She had retired one pace as he began advancing, but as the import ofwhat he said became clear to her she was rooted to one position byastonishment. 

"Colonel Macon--my father--" she began. Then: "Do you really wish to seehim?"

The hushed voice made Donnegan smile--it was such a voice as one boyuses when he asks the other if he really dares enter the pasture of thered bull. He chuckled again, and this time she smiled, and her eyes werewidened, partly by fear of his purpose and partly from his nearness. They seemed to be suddenly closer together. As though they were on oneside against a common enemy, and that enemy was her father. The oldwoman was cackling sharply from the bottom of the stairs, and thenbobbing in pursuit and calling on Donnegan to come back. At length thegirl raised her hand and silenced her with a gesture. 

Donnegan was now hardly a pace away; and he saw that she lived up to allthe promise of that first glance. Yet still she seemed unreal. There isa quality of the unearthly about a girl's beauty; it is, after all, onlya gay moment between the formlessness of childhood and the hardness ofmiddle age. This girl was pale, Donnegan saw, and yet she had color. Shehad the luster, say, of a white rose, and the same bloom. Lou, the oldwoman had called her, and Macon was her father's name. Lou Macon--thename fitted her, Donnegan thought. For that matter, if her name had beenSally Smith, Donnegan would probably have thought it beautiful. Thekeener a man's mind is and the more he knows about men and women and theways of the world, the more apt he is to be intoxicated by a touch ofgrace and thoughtfulness; and all these age-long seconds the perfume ofgirlhood had been striking up to Donnegan's brain. 

She brushed her timidity away and with the same gesture acceptedDonnegan as something more than a dangerous vagrant. She took the lampfrom the hands of the crone and sent her about her business, disregarding the mutterings and the warnings which trailed behind thedeparting form. Now she faced Donnegan, screening the light from hereyes with a cupped hand and by the same device focusing it upon the faceof Donnegan. He mutely noted the small maneuver and gave her credit; butfor the pleasure of seeing the white of her fingers and the way theytapered to a pink transparency at the tips, he forgot the poor figure hemust make with his soiled, ragged shirt, his unshaven face, his gauntcheeks. 

Indeed, he looked so straight at her that in spite of her advantage withthe light she had to avoid his glance. 

"I am sorry, " said Lou Macon, "and ashamed because we can't take you in. The only house on the range where you wouldn't be welcome, I know. Butmy father leads a very close life; he has set ways. The ways of aninvalid, Mr. Donnegan. "

"And you're bothered about speaking to him of me?"

"I'm almost afraid of letting you go in yourself. "

"Let me take the risk. "

She considered him again for a moment, and then turned with a nod and hefollowed her up the stairs into the upper hall. The moment they steppedinto it he heard her clothes flutter and a small gale poured on them. Itwas criminal to allow such a building to fall into this ruinouscondition. And a gloomy picture rose in Donnegan's mind of the invalid, thin-faced, sallow-eyed, white-haired, lying in his bed listening to thestorm and silently gathering bitterness out of the pain of living. LouMacon paused again in the hall, close to a door on the right. 

"I'm going to send you in to speak to my father, " she said gravely. "First I have to tell you that he's different. "

Donnegan replied by looking straight at her, and this time she did notwince from the glance. Indeed, she seemed to be probing him, searchingwith a peculiar hope. What could she expect to find in him? What thatwas useful to her? Not once in all his life had such a sense ofimpotence descended upon Donnegan. Her father? Bah! Invalid or noinvalid he would handle that fellow, and if the old man had an acridtemper, Donnegan at will could file his own speech to a point. But thegirl! In the meager hand which held the lamp there was a power which allthe muscles of Donnegan could not compass; and in his weakness he lookedwistfully at her. 

"I hope your talk will be pleasant. I hope so. " She laid her hand on theknob of the door and withdrew it hastily; then, summoning greatresolution, she opened the door and showed Donnegan in. 

"Father, " she said, "this is Mr. Donnegan. He wishes to speak to you. "

The door closed behind Donnegan, and hearing that whishing sound whichthe door of a heavy safe will make, he looked down at this, and saw thatit was actually inches thick! Once more the sense of being in a trapdescended upon him. 

7

He found himself in a large room which, before he could examine a singlefeature of it, was effectively curtained from his sight. Straight intohis face shot a current of violent white light that made him blink. There was the natural recoil, but in Donnegan recoils were generallyprotected by several strata of willpower and seldom showed in anyphysical action. On the present occasion his first dismay was swiftlyoverwhelmed by a cold anger at the insulting trick. This was not thetrick of a helpless invalid; Donnegan could not see a single thingbefore him, but he obeyed a very deep instinct and advanced straightinto the current of light. 

He was glad to see the light switched away. The comparative darknesswashed across his eyes in a pleasant wave and he was now able todistinguish a few things in the room. It was, as he had first surmised, quite large. The ceiling was high; the proportions comfortably spacious;but what astounded Donnegan was the real elegance of the furnishings. There was no mistaking the deep, silken texture of the rug upon which hestepped; the glow of light barely reached the wall, and there showedfaintly in streaks along yellowish hangings. Beside a table whichsupported a big reading lamp--gasoline, no doubt, from the intensity ofits light--sat Colonel Macon with a large volume spread across hisknees. Donnegan saw two highlights--fine silver hair that covered thehead of the invalid and a pair of white hands fallen idly upon thesurface of the big book, for if the silver hair suggested age thesmoothly finished hands suggested perennial youth. They were strong, carefully tended, complacent hands. They suggested to Donnegan a mansufficient unto himself. 

"Mr. Donnegan, I am sorry that I cannot rise to receive you. Now, whatpleasant accident has brought me the favor of this call?"

Donnegan was taken aback again, and this time more strongly than by theflare of light against his eyes. For in the voice he recognized thequality of the girl--the same softness, the same velvety richness, though the pitch was a bass. In the voice of this man there was the samesuggestion that the tone would crack if it were forced either up ordown. With this great difference, one could hardly conceive of asituation which would push that man's voice beyond its monotone. Itflowed with deadly, all-embracing softness. It clung about one; itfascinated and baffled the mind of the listener. 

But Donnegan was not in the habit of being baffled by voices. Neitherwas he a lover of formality. He looked about for a place to sit down, and immediately discovered that while the invalid sat in an enormouseasy-chair bordered by shelves and supplied with wheels for raising andlowering the back and for propelling the chair about the room on itsrubber tires, it was the only chair in the room which could make anypretensions toward comfort. As a matter of fact, aside from this oneimmense chair, devoted to the pleasure of the invalid, there was nothingin the room for his visitors to sit upon except two or three miserablebackless stools. 

But Donnegan was not long taken aback. He tucked his cap under his arm, bowed profoundly in honor of the colonel's compliments, and brought oneof the stools to a place where it was no nearer the rather ominouscircle of the lamplight than was the invalid himself. With his eyesaccustomed to the new light, Donnegan could now take better stock of hishost. He saw a rather handsome face, with eyes exceedingly blue, young, and active; but the features of Macon as well as his body were blurredand obscured by a great fatness. He was truly a prodigious man, and onecould understand the stoutness with which the invalid chair was made. His great wrist dimpled like the wrist of a healthy baby, and his facewas so enlarged with superfluous flesh that the lower part of it quitedwarfed the upper. He seemed, at first glance, a man with a low foreheadand bright, careless eyes and a body made immobile by flesh andsickness. A man whose spirits despised and defied pain. Yet a secondglance showed that the forehead was, after all, a nobly proportionedone, and for all the bulk of that figure, for all the cripple-chair, Donnegan would not have been surprised to see the bulk spring lightlyout of the chair to meet him. 

For his own part, sitting back on the stool with his cap tucked underhis arm and his hands folded about one knee, he met the faint, coldsmile of the colonel with a broad grin of his own. 

"I can put it in a nutshell, " said Donnegan. "I was tired; dead beat;needed a handout, and rapped at your door. Along comes a mystery in theshape of an ugly-looking woman and opens the door to me. Tries to shutme out; I decided to come in. She insists on keeping me outside; all atonce I see that I have to get into the house. I am brought in; yourdaughter tries to steer me off, sees that the job is more than she canget away with, and shelves me off upon you. And that, Colonel Macon, isthe pleasant accident which brings you the favor of this call. "

It would have been a speech both stupid and pert in the mouth ofanother; but Donnegan knew how to flavor words with a touch of mockeryof himself as well as another. There were two manners in which thisspeech could have been received--with a wink or with a smile. But itwould have been impossible to hear it and grow frigid. As for thecolonel, he smiled. 

It was a tricky smile, however, as Donnegan felt. It spread easily uponthat vast face and again went out and left all to the dominion of thecold, bright eyes. 

"A case of curiosity, " commented the colonel. 

"A case of hunger, " said Donnegan. 

"My dear Mr. Donnegan, put it that way if you wish!"

"And a case of blankets needed for one night. "

"Really? Have you ventured into such a country as this without anyequipment?"

"Outside of my purse, my equipment is of the invisible kind. "

"Wits, " suggested the colonel. 

"Thank you. "

"Not at all. You hinted at it yourself. "

"However, a hint is harder to take than to make. "

The colonel raised his faultless right hand--and oddly enough his greatcorpulence did not extend in the slightest degree to his hand, butstopped short at the wrists--and stroked his immense chin. His skin waslike Lou Macon's, except that in place of the white-flower bloom his wasa parchment, dead pallor. He lowered his hand with the same slowprecision and folded it with the other, all the time probing Donneganwith his difficult eyes. 

"Unfortunately--most unfortunately, it is impossible for me toaccommodate you, Mr. Donnegan. "

The reply was not flippant, but quick. "Not at all. I am the easiestperson in the world to accommodate. "

The big man smiled sadly. 

"My fortune has fallen upon evil days, sir. It is no longer what it was. There are in this house three habitable rooms; this one; my daughter'sapartment; the kitchen where old Haggie sleeps. Otherwise you are in arat trap of a place. "

He shook his head, a slow, decisive motion. 

"A spare blanket, " said Donnegan, "will be enough. "

There was another sigh and another shake of the head. 

"Even a corner of a rug to roll up in will do perfectly. "

"You see, it is impossible for me to entertain you. "

"Bare boards will do well enough for me, Colonel Macon. And if I have apiece of bread, a plate of cold beans--anything--I can entertainmyself. "

"I am sorry to see you so compliant, Mr. Donnegan, because that makes myrefusal seem the more unkind. But I cannot have you sleeping on the barefloor. Not on such a night. Pneumonia comes on one like a cat in thedark in such weather. It is really impossible to keep you here, sir. "

"H'm-m, " said Donnegan. He began to feel that he was stumped, and it wasa most unusual feeling for him. 

"Besides, for a young fellow like you, with your agility, what is eightmiles? Walk down the road and you will come to a place where you will bemade at home and fed like a king. "

"Eight miles, that's not much! But on such a night as this?"

There was a faint glint in the eyes of the colonel; was he notsharpening his wits for his contest of words, and enjoying it?

"The wind will be at your back and buoy your steps. It will shorten theeight miles to four. "

Very definitely Donnegan felt that the other was reading him. What wasit that he saw as he turned the pages?

"There is one thing you fail to take into your accounting. "

"Ah?"

"I have an irresistible aversion to walking. "

"Ah?" repeated Macon. 

"Or exercise in any form. "

"Then you are unfortunate to be in this country without a horse. "

"Unfortunate, perhaps, but the fact is that I'm here. Very sorry totrouble you, though, colonel. "

"I am rarely troubled, " said the colonel coldly. "And since I have nomeans of accommodation, the laws of hospitality rest light on myshoulders. "

"Yet I have an odd thought, " replied Donnegan. 

"Well? You have expressed a number already, it seems to me. "

"It's this: that you've already made up your mind to keep me here. "

8

The colonel stiffened in his chair, and under his bulk even thoseponderous timbers quaked a little. Once more Donnegan gained animpression of chained activity ready to rise to any emergency. Thecolonel's jaw set and the last vestige of the smile left his eyes. Yetit was not anger that showed in its place. Instead, it was rather ahungry searching. He looked keenly into the face and the soul ofDonnegan as a searchlight sweeps over waters by night. 

"You are a mind reader, Mr. Donnegan. "

"No more of a mind reader than a Chinaman is. "

"Ah, they are great readers of mind, my friend. "

Donnegan grinned, and at this the colonel frowned. 

"A great and mysterious people, sir. I keep evidences of them alwaysabout me. Look!"

He swept the shaft of the reading light up and it fell upon a red vaseagainst the yellow hangings. Even Donnegan's inexperienced eye read aprice into that shimmering vase. 

"Queer color, " he said. 

"Dusty claret. Ah, they have the only names for their colors. Think!Peach bloom--liquid dawn--ripe cherry--oil green--green of powderedtea--blue of the sky after rain--what names for color! What other landpossesses such a tongue that goes straight to the heart!"

The colonel waved his faultless hands and then dropped them back uponthe book with the tenderness of a benediction. 

"And their terms for texture--pear's rind--lime peel--millet seed! Donot scoff at China, Mr. Donnegan. She is the fairy godmother, and we arethe poor children. "

He changed the direction of the light; Donnegan watched him, fascinated. 

"But what convinced you that I wished to keep you here?"

"To amuse you, Colonel Macon. "

The colonel exposed gleaming white teeth and laughed in that soft, smooth-flowing voice. 

"Amuse me? For fifteen years I have sat in this room and amused myselfby taking in what I would and shutting out the rest of the world. I havemade the walls thick and padded them to keep out all sound. You observethat there is no evidence here of the storm that is going on tonight. Amuse me? Indeed!"

And Donnegan thought of Lou Macon in her old, drab dress, huddling thepoor cloak around her shoulders to keep out the cold, while her fatherlounged here in luxury. He could gladly have buried his lean fingers inthat fat throat. From the first he had had an aversion to this man. 

"Very well, I shall go. It has been a pleasant chat, colonel. "

"Very pleasant. And thank you. But before you go, taste this whisky. Itwill help you when you enter the wind. "

He opened a cabinet in the side of the chair and brought out a blackbottle and a pair of glasses and put them on the broad arm of the chair. Donnegan sauntered back. 

"You see, " he murmured, "you will not let me go. "

At this the colonel raised his head suddenly and glared into the eyes ofhis guest, and yet so perfect was his muscular and nerve control that hedid not interrupt the thin stream of amber which trickled into one ofthe glasses. Looking down again, he finished pouring the drinks. Theypledged each other with a motion, and drank. It was very old, very oily. And Donnegan smiled as he put down the empty glass. 

"Sit down, " said the colonel in a new voice. 

Donnegan obeyed. 

"Fate, " went on the colonel, "rules our lives. We give our honestendeavors, but the deciding touch is the hand of Fate. "

He garnished this absurd truism with a wave of his hand so solemn thatDonnegan was chilled; as though the fat man were actually conversantwith the Three Sisters. 

"Fate has brought you to me; therefore, I intend to keep you. "

"Here?"

"In my service. I am about to place a great mission and a great trust inyour hands. "

"In the hands of a man you know nothing about?"

"I know you as if I had raised you. "

Donnegan smiled, and shaking his head, the red hair flashed andshimmered. 

"As long as there is no work attached to the mission, it may beagreeable to me. "

"But there is work. "

"Then the contract is broken before it is made. "

"You are rash. But I had rather begin with a dissent and then workupward. "

Donnegan waited. 

"To balance against work--"

"Excuse me. Nothing balances against work for me. "

"To balance against work, " continued the colonel, raising a white handand by that gesture crushing the protest of Donnegan, "there is a greatreward. "

"Colonel Macon, I have never worked for money before and I shall notwork for it now. "

"You trouble me with interruptions. Who mentioned money? You shall nothave a penny!"

"No?"

"The reward shall grow out of the work. "

"And the work?"

"Is fighting. "

At this Donnegan narrowed his eyes and searched the fat man thoroughly. It sounded like the talk of a charlatan, and yet there was a crispnessto these sentences that made him suspect something underneath. For thatmatter, in certain districts his name and his career were known. He hadnever dreamed that that reputation could have come within a thousandmiles of this part of the mountain desert. 

"You should have told me in the first place, " he said with some anger, "that you knew me. "

"Mr. Donnegan, upon my honor, I never heard your name before my daughteruttered it. "

Donnegan waited soberly. 

"I despise charlatanry as much as the next man. You shall see the stepsby which I judged you. When you entered the room I threw a strong lightupon you. You did not blanch; you immediately walked straight into theshaft of light although you could not see a foot before you. "

"And that proved?"

"A combative instinct, and coolness; not the sort of brutevindictiveness that fights for a rage, for a cool-minded love ofconflict. Is that clear?"

Donnegan shrugged his shoulders. 

"And above all, I need a fighter. Then I watched your eyes and yourhands. The first were direct and yet they were alert. And your handswere perfectly steady. "

"Qualifications for a fighter, eh?"

"Do you wish further proof?"

"Well?"

"What of the fight to the death which you went through this same night?"

Donnegan started. It was a small movement, that flinching, and hecovered it by continuing the upward gesture of his hand to his coat; hedrew out tobacco and cigarette papers and commenced to roll his smoke. Looking up, he saw that the eyes of Colonel Macon were smiling, althoughhis face was grave. 

A glint of understanding passed between the two men, but not a spokenword. 

"I assure you, there was no death tonight, " said Donnegan at length. 

"Tush! Of course not! But the tear on the shoulder of your coat--ah, that is too smooth edged for a tear, too long for the bite of ascissors. Am I right? Tush! Not a word!"

The colonel beamed with an almost tender pride, and Donnegan, knowingthat the fat man looked upon him as a murderer, newly come from adeath, considered the beaming face and thought many things in silence. 

"So it was easy to see that in coolness, courage, fighting instinct, skill, you were probably what I want. Yet something more than all thesequalifications is necessary for the task which lies ahead of you. "

"You pile up the bad features, eh?"

"To entice you, Donnegan. For one man, paint a rosy beginning, and onceunder way he will manage the hard parts. For you, show you the hardshell and you will trust it contains the choice flesh. I was saying, that I waited to see other qualities in you; qualities of the judgment. And suddenly you flashed upon me a single glance; I felt it clashagainst my willpower. I felt your look go past my guard like a rapierslipping around my blade. I, Colonel Macon, was for the first timeoutfaced, out-maneuvered. I admit it, for I rejoice in meeting such aman. And the next instant you told me that I should keep you here out ofmy own wish! Admirable!"

The admiration of the colonel, indeed, almost overwhelmed Donnegan, buthe saw that in spite of the genial smile, the face suffused with warmth, the colonel was watching him every instant, flinty-eyed. Donnegan did ashe had done on the stairs; he burst into laughter. 

When he had done, the colonel was leaning forward in his chair with hisfingers interlacing, examining his guest from beneath somber brows. Ashe sat lurched forward he gave a terrible impression of that reservedenergy which Donnegan had sensed before. 

"Donnegan, " said the colonel, "I shall talk no more nonsense to you. Youare a terrible fellow!"

And Donnegan knew that, for the first time in the colonel's life, he wasmeeting another man upon equal ground. 

9

In a way, it was an awful tribute, for one great fact grew upon him:that the colonel represented almost perfectly the power of absoluteevil. Donnegan was not a squeamish sort, but the fat, smiling face ofMacon filled him with unutterable aversion. A dozen times he would haveleft the room, but a silken thread held him back, the thought of Lou. 

"I shall be terse and entirely frank, " said the colonel, and at onceDonnegan reared triple guard and balanced himself for attack or defense. 

"Between you and me, " went on the fat man, "deceptive words are folly. Awaste of energy. " He flushed a little. "You are, I believe, the firstman who has ever laughed at me. " The click of his teeth as he snappedthem on this sentence seemed to promise that he should also be the last. 

"So I tear away the veils which made me ridiculous, I grant you. Donnegan, we have met each other just in time. "

"True, " said Donnegan, "you have a task for me that promises a lot offighting; and in return I get lodgings for the night. "

"Wrong, wrong! I offer you much more. I offer you a career of action inwhich you may forget the great sorrow which has fallen upon you: and inthe battles which lie before you, you will find oblivion for the sadpast which lies behind you. "

Here Donnegan sprang to his feet with his hand caught at his breast; andhe stood quivering, in an agony. Pain worked him as anger would do, and, his slender frame swelling, his muscles taut, he stood like a pantherenduring the torture because knows it is folly to attempt to escape. 

"You are a human devil!" Donnegan said at last, and sank back upon hisstool. For a moment he was overcome, his head falling upon his breast, and even when he looked up his face was terribly pale, and his eyesdull. His expression, however, cleared swiftly, and aside from theperspiration which shone on his forehead it would have been impossibleten seconds later to discover that the blow of the colonel had fallenupon him. 

All of this the colonel had observed and noted with grim satisfaction. Not once did he speak until he saw that all was well. 

"I am sorry, " he said at length in a voice almost as delicate as thevoice of Lou Macon. "I am sorry, but you forced me to say more than Iwished to say. "

Donnegan brushed the apology aside. 

His voice became low and hurried. "Let us get on in the matter. I ameager to learn from you, colonel. "

"Very well. Since it seems that there is a place for both our interestsin this matter, I shall run on in my tale and make it, as I promised youbefore, absolutely frank and curt. I shall not descend into smalldetails. I shall give you a main sketch of the high points; for all menof mind are apt to be confused by the face of a thing, whereas the heartof it is perfectly clear to them. "

He settled into his narrative. 

"You have heard of The Corner? No? Well, that is not strange; but a fewweeks ago gold was found in the sands where the valleys of Young Muddyand Christobel Rivers join. The Corner is a long, wide triangle of sand, and the sand is filled with a gold deposit brought down from theheadwaters of both rivers and precipitated here, where one current meetsthe other and reduces the resultant stream to sluggishness. The sandsare rich--very rich!"

He had become a trifle flushed as he talked, and now, perhaps to coverhis emotion, he carefully selected a cigarette from the humidor besidehim and lighted it without haste before he spoke another word. 

"Long ago I prospected over that valley; a few weeks ago it was broughtto my attention again. I determined to stake some claims and work them. But I could not go myself. I had to send a trustworthy man. Whom shouldI select? There was only one possible. Jack Landis is my ward. A dozenyears ago his parents died and they sent him to my care, for my fortunewas then comfortable. I raised him with as much tenderness as I couldhave shown my own son; I lavished on him the affection and--"

Here Donnegan coughed lightly; the fat man paused, and observing thatthis hypocrisy did not draw the veil over the bright eyes of his guest, he continued: "In a word, I made him one of my family. And when the needfor a man came I turned to him. He is young, strong, active, able totake care of himself. "

At this Donnegan pricked his ears. 

"He went, accordingly, to The Corner and staked the claims and filedthem as I directed. I was right. There was gold. Much gold. It pannedout in nuggets. "

He made an indescribable gesture, and through his strong fingersDonnegan had a vision of yellow gold pouring. 

"But there is seldom a discovery of importance claimed by one man alone. This was no exception. A villain named William Lester, known as ascoundrel over the length and breadth of the cattle country, claimedthat he had made the discovery first. He even went so far as to claimthat I had obtained my information from him and he tried to jump theclaims staked by Jack Landis, whereupon Jack, very properly, shot Lesterdown. Not dead, unfortunately, but slightly wounded. 

"In the meantime the rush for The Corner started. In a week there was avillage; in a fortnight there was a town; in a month The Corner hadbecome the talk of the ranges. Jack Landis found in the claims a mint. He sent me back a mere souvenir. "

The fat man produced from his vest pocket a little chunk of yellow andwith a dexterous motion whipped it at Donnegan. It was done so suddenly, so unexpectedly that the wanderer was well-nigh taken by surprise. Buthis hand flashed up and caught the metal before it struck his face. Hefound in the palm of his hand a nugget weighing perhaps five ounces, and he flicked it back to the colonel. 

"He sent me the souvenir, but that was all. Since that time I havewaited. Nothing has come. I sent for word, and I learned that JackLandis had betrayed his trust, fallen in love with some undesirablewoman of the mining camp, denied my claim to any of the gold to which Ihad sent him. Unpleasant news? Yes. Ungrateful boy? Yes. But my mind ishardened against adversity. 

"Yet this blow struck me close to the heart. Because Landis is engagedto marry my daughter, Lou. At first I could hardly believe in hisdisaffection. But the truth has at length been borne home to me. Thescoundrel has abandoned both Lou and me!"

Donnegan repeated slowly: "Your daughter loves this chap?"

The colonel allowed his glance to narrow, and he could do this the moresafely because at this moment Donnegan's eyes were wandering into thedistance. In that unguarded second Donnegan was defenseless and thecolonel read something that set him beaming. 

"She loves him, of course, " he said, "and he is breaking her heart withhis selfishness. "

"He is breaking her heart?" echoed Donnegan. 

The colonel raised his hand and stroked his enormous chin. Decidedly hebelieved that things were getting on very well. 

"This is the position, " he declared. "Jack Landis was threatened by thewretch Lester, and shot him down. But Lester was not single-handed. Hebelongs to a wild crew, led by a mysterious fellow of whom no one knowsvery much, a deadly fighter, it is said, and a keen organizer andhandler of men. Red-haired, wild, smooth. A bundle of contradictions. They call him Lord Nick because he has the pride of a nobleman and thecunning of the devil. He has gathered a few chosen spirits and coolfighters--the Pedlar, Joe Rix, Harry Masters--all celebrated names inthe cattle country. 

"They worship Lord Nick partly because he is a genius of crime andpartly because he understands how to guide them so that they may rob andeven kill with impunity. His peculiarity is his ability to keep withinthe bounds of the law. If he commits a robbery he always firstestablishes marvelous alibis and throws the blame toward someone else;if it is the case of a killing, it is always the other man who is theaggressor. He has been before a jury half a dozen times, but the devilknows the law and pleads his own case with a tongue that twists thehearts out of the stupid jurors. You see? No common man. And this is theleader of the group of which Lester is one of the most debased members. He had no sooner been shot than Lord Nick himself appeared. He had hisfollowers with him. He saw Jack Landis, threatened him with death, andmade Jack swear that he would hand over half of the profits of the minesto the gang--of which, I suppose, Lester gets his due proportion. At thesame time, Lord Nick attempted to persuade Jack that I, his adoptedfather, you might say, was really in the wrong, and that I had stolenthe claims from this wretched Lester!"

He waved this disgusting accusation into a mist and laughed with hatefulsoftness. 

"The result is this: Jack Landis draws a vast revenue from the mines. Half of it he turns over to Lord Nick, and Lord Nick in return gives himabsolute freedom and backing in the camp, where he is, and probably willcontinue the dominant factor. As for the other half, Landis spends it onthis woman with whom he has become infatuated. And not a penny comesthrough to me!"

Colonel Macon leaned back in his chair and his eyes became fixed upon agreat distance. He smiled, and the blood turned cold in the veins ofDonnegan. 

"Of course this adventuress, this Nelly Lebrun, plays hand in glove withLord Nick and his troupe; unquestionably she shares her spoils, so thatnine-tenths of the revenue from the mines is really flowing back throughthe hands of Lord Nick and Jack Landis has become a silly figurehead. Hestruts about the streets of The Corner as a great mine owner, and withthe power of Lord Nick behind him, not one of the people of the gamblinghouses and dance halls dares cross him. So that Jack has come toconsider himself a great man. Is it clear?"

Donnegan had not yet drawn his gaze entirely back from the distance. 

"This is the possible solution, " went on the colonel. "Jack Landis mustbe drawn away from the influence of this Nelly Lebrun. He must bebrought back to us and shown his folly both as regards the adventuressand Lord Nick; for so long as Nelly has a hold on him, just so longLord Nick will have his hand in Jack's pocket. You see how beautifullytheir plans and their work dovetail? How, therefore, am I to draw himfrom Nelly? There is only one way: send my daughter to the camp--sendLou to The Corner and let one glimpse of her beauty turn the shabbyprettiness of this woman to a shadow! Lou is my last hope!"

At this Donnegan wakened. His sneer was not a pleasant thing to see. 

"Send her to a new mining camp. Colonel Macon, you have the gamblingspirit; you are willing to take great chances!"

"So! So!" murmured the colonel, a little taken aback. "But I shouldnever send her except with an adequate protector. "

"An adequate protector even against these celebrated gunmen who run thecamp as you have already admitted?"

"An adequate protector--you are the man!"

Donnegan shivered. 

"I? I take your daughter to the camp and play her against Nelly Lebrunto win back Jack Landis? Is that the scheme?"

"It is. "

"Ah, " murmured Donnegan. And he got up and began to walk the room, white-faced; the colonel watched him in a silent agony of anxiety. 

"She truly loves this Landis?" asked Donnegan, swallowing. 

"A love that has grown out of their long intimacy together since theywere children. "

"Bah! Calf love! Let the fellow go and she will forget him. Hearts arenot broken in these days by disappointments in love affairs. "

The colonel writhed in his chair. 

"But Lou--you do not know her heart!" he suggested. "If you lookedclosely at her you would have seen that she is pale. She does notsuspect the truth, but I think she is wasting away because Jack hasn'twritten for weeks. "

He saw Donnegan wince under the whip. 

"It is true, " murmured the wanderer. "She is not like others, heavenknows!" He turned. "And what if I fail to bring over Jack Landis withthe sight of Lou?"

The colonel relaxed; the great crisis was past and Donnegan wouldundertake the journey. 

"In that case, my dear lad, there is an expedient so simple that youastonish me by not perceiving it. If there is no way to wean Landis awayfrom the woman, then get him alone and shoot him through the heart. Inthat way you remove from the life of Lou a man unworthy of her and youalso make the mines come to the heir of Jack Landis--namely, myself. Andin the latter case, Mr. Donnegan, be sure--oh, be sure that I should notforget who brought the mines into my hands!"

10

Fifty miles over any sort of going is a stiff march. Fifty miles uphilland down and mostly over districts where there was only a rough cow pathin lieu of a road made a prodigious day's work; and certainly it was analmost incredible feat for one who professed to hate work with aconsuming passion and who had looked upon an eight-mile jaunt the nightbefore as an insuperable burden. Yet such was the distance whichDonnegan had covered, and now he drove the pack mule out on the shoulderof the hill in full view of The Corner with the triangle of the YoungMuddy and Christobel Rivers embracing the little town. Even the gaunt, leggy mule was tired to the dropping point, and the tough buckskin whichtrailed up behind went with downward head. When Louise Macon turned tohim, he had reached the point where he swung his head around first andthen grudgingly followed the movement with his body. The girl was tired, also, in spite of the fact that she had covered every inch of thedistance in the saddle. There was that violet shade of weariness underher eyes and her shoulders slumped forward. Only Donnegan, the hater oflabor, was fresh. 

They had started in the first dusk of the coming day; it was now theyellow time of the slant afternoon sunlight; between these two pointsthere had been a body of steady plodding. The girl had looked askance atthat gaunt form of Donnegan's when they began; but before three hours, seeing that the spring never left his step nor the swinging rhythm hisstride, she began to wonder. This afternoon, nothing he did could havesurprised her. From the moment he entered the house the night before hehad been a mystery. Till her death day she would not forget the firewith which he had stared up at her from the foot of the stairs. But whenhe came out of her father's room--not cowed and whipped as most men leftit--he had looked at her with a veiled glance, and since that momentthere had always been a mist of indifference over his eyes when helooked at her. 

In the beginning of that day's march all she knew was that her fathertrusted her to this stranger, Donnegan, to take her to The Corner, wherehe was to find Jack Landis and bring Jack back to his old allegiance andfind what he was doing with his time and his money. It was a quitenatural proceeding, for Jack was a wild sort, and he was probablygambling away all the gold that was dug in his mines. It was perfectlynatural throughout, except that she should have been trusted so entirelyto a stranger. That was a remarkable thing, but, then, her father was aremarkable man, and it was not the first time that his actions had beeninscrutable, whether concerning her or the affairs of other people. Shehad heard men come into their house cursing Colonel Macon with death intheir faces; she had seen them sneak out after a soft-voiced interviewand never appear again. In her eyes, her father was invincible, all-powerful. When she thought of superlatives, she thought of him. Herconception of mystery was the smile of the colonel, and her conceptionof tenderness was bounded by the gentle voice of the same man. Therefore, it was entirely sufficient to her that the colonel had said:"Go, and trust everything to Donnegan. He has the power to command youand you must obey--until Jack comes back to you. "

That was odd, for, as far as she knew, Jack had never left her. But shehad early discarded any will to question her father. Curiosity was athing which the fat man hated above all else. 

Therefore, it was really not strange to her that throughout the journeyher guide did not speak half a dozen words to her. Once or twice whenshe attempted to open the conversation he had replied with crushingmonosyllables, and there was an end. For the rest, he was alwaysswinging down the trail ahead of her at a steady, unchanging, rapidstride. Uphill and down it never varied. And so they came out upon theshoulder of the hill and saw the storm center of The Corner. They werein the hills behind the town; two miles would bring them into it. Andnow Donnegan came back to her from the mule. He took off his hat andshook the dust away; he brushed a hand across his face. He was stillunshaven. The red stubble made him hideous, and the dust andperspiration covered his face as with a mask. Only his eyes were rimmedwith white skin. 

"You'd better get off the horse, here, " said Donnegan. 

He held her stirrup, and she obeyed without a word. 

"Sit down. "

She sat down on the flat-topped boulder which he designated, and, looking up, observed the first sign of emotion in his face. He wasfrowning, and his face was drawn a little. 

"You are tired, " he stated. 

"A little. "

"You are tired, " said the wanderer in a tone that implied dislike of anydenial. Therefore she made no answer. "I'm going down into the town tolook things over. I don't want to parade you through the streets until Iknow where Landis is to be found and how he'll receive you. The Corneris a wild town; you understand?"

"Yes, " she said blankly, and noted nervously that the reply did notplease him. He actually scowled at her. 

"You'll be all right here. I'll leave the pack mule with you; ifanything should happen--but nothing is going to happen, I'll be back inan hour or so. There's a pool of water. You can get a cold drink thereand wash up if you want to while I'm gone. But don't go to sleep!"

"Why not?"

"A place like this is sure to have a lot of stragglers hunting aroundit. Bad characters. You understand?"

She could not understand why he should make a mystery of it; but then, he was almost as strange as her father. His careful English and hisragged clothes were typical of him inside and out. 

"You have a gun there in your holster. Can you use it?"

"Yes. "

"Try it. "

It was a thirty-two, a woman's light weapon. She took it out andbalanced it in her hand. 

"The blue rock down the hillside. Let me see you chip it. "

Her hand went up, and without pausing to sight along the barrel, shefired; fire flew from the rock, and there appeared a white, small scar. Donnegan sighed with relief. 

"If you squeezed the butt rather than pulled the trigger, " he commented, "you would have made a bull's-eye that time. Now, I don't mean that inany likelihood you'll have to defend yourself. I simply want you to beaware that there's plenty of trouble around The Corner. "

"Yes, " said the girl. 

"You're not afraid?"

"Oh, no. "

Donnegan settled his hat a little more firmly upon his head. He had beenon the verge of attributing her gentleness to a blank, stupid mind; hebegan to realize that there was metal under the surface. He felt thatsome of the qualities of the father were echoed faintly, and at adistance, in the child. In a way, she made him think of an unawakenedcreature. When she was roused, if the time ever came, it might be thather eye could become a thing alternately of fire and ice, and her voicemight carry with a ring. 

"This business has to be gotten through quickly, " he went on. "Onemeeting with Jack Landis will be enough. "

She wondered why he set his jaw when he said this, but he was wonderinghow deeply the colonel's ward had fallen into the clutches of NellyLebrun. If that first meeting did not bring Landis to his senses, whatfollowed? One of two things. Either the girl must stay on in The Cornerand try her hand with her fiancé again, or else the final brutalsuggestion of the colonel must be followed; he must kill Landis. It wasa cold-blooded suggestion, but Donnegan was a cold-blooded man. As helooked at the girl, where she sat on the boulder, he knew definitely, first and last, that he loved her, and that he would never again loveany other woman. Every instinct drew him toward the necessity ofdestroying Landis. There was his stumbling block. But what if she trulyloved Landis?

He would have to wait in order to find that out. And as he stood therewith the sun shining on the red stubble on his face he made a resolutionthe more profound because it was formed in silence: if she truly lovedLandis he would serve her hand and foot until she had her will. 

But all he said was simply: "I shall be back before it's dark. "

"I shall be comfortable here, " replied the girl, and smiled farewell athim. 

And while Donnegan went down the slope full of darkness he thought ofthat smile. 

The Corner spread more clearly before him with every step he made. Itwas a type of the gold-rush town. Of course most of the dwellings weretents--dog tents many of them; but there was a surprising sprinkling ofwooden shacks, some of them of considerable size. Beginning at the veryedge of the town and spread over the sand flats were the mines and theblack sprinkling of laborers. And the town itself was roughly jumbledaround one street. Over to the left the main road into The Cornercrossed the wide, shallow ford of the Young Muddy River and up this roadhe saw half a dozen wagons coming, wagons of all sizes; but nothing wentout of The Corner. People who came stayed there, it seemed. 

He dropped over the lower hills, and the voice of the gold town rose tohim. It was a murmur like that of an army preparing for battle. Now andthen a blast exploded, for what purpose he could not imagine in thisschool of mining. But as a rule the sounds were subdued by the distance. He caught the muttering of many voices, in which laughter and shoutswere brought to the level of a whisper at close hand; and through allthis there was a persistent clangor of metallic sounds. No doubt fromthe blacksmith shops where picks and other implements were made orsharpened and all sorts of repairing carried on. But the predominanttone of the voice of The Corner was this persistent ringing of metal. Itsuggested to Donnegan that here was a town filled with men of iron andall the gentler parts of their natures forgotten. An odd place to bringsuch a woman as Lou Macon, surely!

He reached the level, and entered the town. 

11

Hunting for news, he went naturally to the news emporium which took theplace of the daily paper--namely, he went to the saloons. But on the wayhe ran through a liberal cross-section of The Corner's populace. Firstof all, the tents and the ruder shacks. He saw little sheet-iron stoveswith the tin dishes piled, unwashed, upon the tops of them when theminers rushed back to their work; broken handles of picks and shovels;worn-out shirts and overalls lay where they had been tossed; here was aflat strip of canvas supported by four four-foot poles and withoutshelter at the sides, and the belongings of one careless miner tumbledbeneath this miserable shelter; another man had striven for somesemblance of a home and he had framed a five-foot walk leading up to theclosed flap of his tent with stones of a regular size. But nowhere wasthere a sign of life, and would not be until semidarkness brought theunwilling workers back to the tents. 

Out of this district he passed quickly onto the main street, and herethere was a different atmosphere. The first thing he saw was a mandressed as a cowpuncher from belt to spurs--spurs on a miner--but abovethe waist he blossomed in a frock coat and a silk hat. Around the coathe had fastened his belt, and the shirt beneath the coat was commonflannel, open at the throat. He walked, or rather staggered, on the armof an equally strange companion who was arrayed in a white silk shirt, white flannel trousers, white dancing pumps, and a vast sombrero! But asif this was not sufficient protection for his head, he carried a parasolof the most brilliant green silk and twirled it above his head. The twoheld a wavering course and went blindly past Donnegan. 

It was sufficiently clear that the storekeeper had followed the gold. 

He noted a cowboy sitting in his saddle while he rolled a cigarette. Obviously he had come in to look things over rather than to share in themining, and he made the one sane, critical note in the carnival of noiseand color. Donnegan began to pass stores. There was the jeweler's; thegent's furnishing; a real estate office--what could real estate be doingon the Young Muddy's desert? Here was the pawnshop, the windows of whichwere already packed. The blacksmith had a great establishment, and theroar of the anvils never died away; feed and grain and a dozenlunch-counter restaurants. All this had come to The Corner within sixweeks. 

Liquor seemed to be plentiful, too. In the entire length of the streethe hardly saw a sober man, except the cowboy. Half a dozen in one grouppitched silver dollars at a mark. But he was in the saloon district now, and dominant among the rest was the big, unpainted front of a buildingbefore which hung an enormous sign:

LEBRUN'S JOY EMPORIUM

Donnegan turned in under the sign. 

It was one big room. The bar stretched completely around two sides ofit. The floor was dirt, but packed to the hardness of wood. The low roofwas supported by a scattering of wooden pillars, and across the floorthe gaming tables were spread. At that vast bar not ten men weredrinking now; at the crowding tables there were not half a dozenplayers; yet behind the bar stood a dozen tenders ready to meet theevening rush from the mines. And at the tables waited an equal number ofthe professional gamblers of the house. 

From the door Donnegan observed these things with one sweeping glance, and then proceeded to transform himself. One jerk at the visor of hiscap brought it down over his eyes and covered his face with shadow; asingle shrug bunched the ragged coat high around his shoulders, and theshoulders themselves he allowed to drop forward. With his hands in hispockets he glided slowly across the room toward the bar, for all theworld a picture of the guttersnipe who had been kicked from pillar topost until self-respect is dead in him. And pausing in his advance, heleaned against one of the pillars and looked hungrily toward the bar. 

He was immediately hailed from behind the bar with: "Hey, you. No trampsin here. Pay and stay in Lebrun's!"

The command brought an immediate protest. A big fellow stepped from thebar, his sombrero pushed to the back of his head, his shirt sleevesrolled to the elbow away from vast hairy forearms. One of his long armsswept out and brought Donnegan to the bar. 

"I ain't no prophet, " declared the giant, "but I can spot a man that'sdry. What'll you have, bud?" And to the bartender he added: "Leave himbe, pardner, unless you're all set for considerable noise in here. "

"Long as his drinks are paid for, " muttered the bartender, "here hestays. But these floaters do make me tired!"

He jabbed the bottle across the bar at Donnegan and spun a glass noisilyat him, and the "floater" observed the angry bartender with a frightenedside glance, and then poured his drink gingerly. When the glass was halffull he hesitated and sought the face of the bartender again, forpermission to go on. 

"Fill her up!" commanded the giant. "Fill her up, lad, and drinkhearty. "

"I never yet, " observed the bartender darkly, "seen a beggar that wasn'ta hog. "

At this Donnegan's protector shifted his belt so that the holster came alittle more forward on his thigh. 

"Son, " he said, "how long you been in these parts?"

"Long enough, " declared the other, and lowered his black brows. "Longenough to be sick of it. "

"Maybe, maybe, " returned the cowpuncher-miner, "meantime you tie tothis. We got queer ways out here. When a gent drinks with us he's ourfriend. This lad here is my pardner, just now. If I was him I would ofknocked your head off before now for what you've said--"

"I don't want no trouble, " Donnegan said whiningly. 

At this the bartender chuckled, and the miner showed his teeth in hisdisgust. 

"Every gent has got his own way, " he said sourly. "But while you drinkwith Hal Stern you drink with your chin up, bud. And don't forget it. And them that tries to run over you got to run over me. "

Saying this, he laid his large left hand on the bar and leaned a littletoward the bartender, but his right hand remained hanging loosely at hisside. It was near the holster, as Donnegan noticed. And the bartender, having met the boring glance of the big man for a moment, turned surlilyaway. The giant looked to Donnegan and observed: "Know a good definitionof the word, skunk?"

"Nope, " said Donnegan, brightening now that the stern eye, of thebartender was turned away. 

"Here's one that might do. A skunk is a critter that bites when yourback is turned and runs when you look it in the eye. Here's how!"

He drained his own glass, and Donnegan dexterously followed the example. 

"And what might you be doing around these parts?" asked the big man, veiling his contempt under a mild geniality. 

"Me? Oh, nothing. "

"Looking for a job, eh?"

Donnegan shrugged. 

"Work ain't my line, " he confided. 

"H'm-m-m, " said Hal Stern. "Well, you don't make no bones about it. "

"But just now, " continued Donnegan, "I thought maybe I'd pick up somesort of a job for a while. " He looked ruefully at the palms of his handswhich were as tender as the hands of a woman. "Heard a fellow say thatJack Landis was a good sort to work for--didn't rush his men none. Theysaid I might find him here. "

The big man grunted. 

"Too early for him. He don't circulate around much till the sun goesdown. Kind of hard on his skin, the sun, maybe. So you're going to workfor him?"

"I was figuring on it. "

"Well, tie to this, bud. If you work for him you won't have him overyou. "

"No?"

"No, you'll have"--he glanced a little uneasily around him--"Lord Nick. "

"Who's he?"

"Who's he?" The big man started in astonishment. "Sufferin' catamounts!Who is he?" He laughed in a disagreeable manner. "Well, son, you'llfind out, right enough!"

"The way you talk, he don't sound none too good. "

Hal Stern grew anxious. "The way I talk? Have I said anything agin' him?Not a word! He's--he's--well, there ain't ever been trouble between usand there never ain't going to be. " He flushed and looked steadily atDonnegan. "Maybe he sent you to talk to me?" he asked coldly. 

But Donnegan's eyes took on a childish wideness. 

"Why, I never seen him, " he declared. Hall Stern allowed the muscles ofhis face to relax. "All right, " he said, "they's no harm done. But LordNick is a name that ain't handled none too free in these here parts. Remember that!"

"But how, " pondered Donnegan, "can I be working for Lord Nick when Isign up to work under Jack Landis?"

"I'll tell you how. Nick and Lebrun work together. Split profits. AndNelly Lebrun works Landis for his dust. So the stuff goes in acircle--Landis to Nelly to Lebrun to Nick. That clear?"

"I don't quite see it, " murmured Donnegan. 

"I didn't think you would, " declared the other, and snorted his disgust. "But that's all I'm going to say. Here come the boys--and dead dry!"

For the afternoon was verging upon evening, and the first drift oflaborers from the mines was pouring into The Corner. One thing at leastwas clear to Donnegan: that everyone knew how infatuated Landis hadbecome with Nelly Lebrun and that Landis had not built up anextraordinarily good name for himself. 

12

By the time absolute darkness had set in, Donnegan, in the new role oflady's chaperon, sat before a dying fire with Louise Macon beside him. He had easily seen from his talk with Stern that Landis was a publicfigure, whether from the richness of his claims or his relations withLord Nick and Lebrun, or because of all these things; but as a publicfigure it would be impossible to see him alone in his own tent, andunless Louise could meet him alone half her power over him--supposingthat she still retained any--would be lost. Better by far that Landisshould come to her than that she should come to him, so Donnegan hadrented two tents by the day at an outrageous figure from theenterprising real estate company of The Corner and to this new home hebrought the girl. 

She accepted the arrangement with surprising equanimity. It seemed thather father's training had eliminated from her mind any questioning ofthe motives of others. She became even cheerful as she set aboutarranging the pack which Donnegan put in her tent. Afterward she cookedtheir supper over the fire which he built for her. Never was there sucha quick house-settling. And by the time it was absolutely dark they hadwashed the dishes and sat before Lou's tent looking over the nightlights of The Corner and hearing the voice of its Great White Wayopening. 

She had not even asked why he did not bring her straight to Jack Landis. She had looked into Donnegan's tent, furnished with a single blanket andhis canvas kit, and had offered to share her pack with him. And now theysat side by side before the tent and still she asked no questions aboutwhat was to come. 

Her silence was to Donnegan the dropping of the water upon the hardrock. He was crumbling under it, and a wild hatred for the colonel rosein him. No doubt that spirit of evil had foreseen all this; and he knewthat every moment spent with the girl would drive Donnegan on closer tothe accomplishment of the colonel's great purpose--the death of JackLandis. For the colonel, as Jack's next of kin, would take over all hismining interests and free them at a stroke from the silent partnershipwhich apparently existed with Lord Nick and Lester. One bullet would doall this: and with Jack dead, who else stood close to the girl? It wasonly necessary that she should not know who sped the bullet home. 

A horrible fancy grew up in Donnegan, as he sat there, that between himand the girl lay a dead body. 

He was glad when the time came and he could tell her that he was goingdown to The Corner to find Jack Landis and bring him to her. She rose towatch him go and he heard her say "Come soon!"

It shocked Donnegan into realization that for all her calm exterior shewas perfectly aware of the danger of her position in the wild miningcamp. She must know, also, that her reputation would be compromised; yetnever once had she winced, and Donnegan was filled with wonder as hewent down the hill toward the camp which was spread beneath him; fortheir tents were a little detached from the main body of the town. Behind her gentle eyes, he now felt, and under the softness of hervoice, there was the same iron nerve that was in her father. Her hatredcould be a deathless passion, and her love also; and the great questionto be answered now was, did she truly love Jack Landis?

The Corner at night was like a scene at a circus. There was the samerush of people, the same irregular flush of lights, the same glimmer oflanterns through canvas, the same air of impermanence. Once, in one ofthose hushes which will fall upon every crowd, he heard a coyote wailingsharply and far away, as though the desert had sent out this voice tomock at The Corner and all it contained. 

He had only to ask once to discover where Landis was: Milligan's dancehall. Before Milligan's place a bonfire burned from the beginning ofdusk to the coming of day; and until the time when that fire wasquenched with buckets of water, it was a sign to all that the merrimentwas under way in the dance hall. If Lebrun's was the sun of theamusement world in The Corner, Milligan's was the moon. Everybody whohad money to lose went to Lebrun's. Every one who was out for gayetywent to Milligan's. Milligan was a plunger. He had brought up anorchestra which demanded fifteen dollars a day and he paid them that andmore. He not only was able to do this, but he established a bar at theentrance from which all who entered were served with a free drink. Theentrance, also, was not subject to charge. The initial drink at the doorwas spiced to encourage thirst, so Milligan made money as fast, and farmore easily, than if he had been digging it out of the ground. 

To the door of this pleasure emporium came Donnegan. He had transformedhimself into the ragged hobo by the jerking down of his cap again, andthe hunching of his shoulders. And shrinking past the bar with a hungrysidewise glance, as one who did not dare present himself for freeliquor, he entered Milligan's. 

That is, he had put his foot across the threshold when he was caughtroughly by the shoulder and dragged to one side. He found himselflooking up into the face of a strapping fellow who served Milligan asbouncer. Milligan had an eye for color. Andy Lewis was tolerably wellknown as a fighting man of parts, who not only wore two guns but coulduse them both at once, which is much more difficult than is generallyunderstood. But far more than for his fighting parts Milligan hired hisbouncer for the sake of his face. It was a countenance made todiscourage trouble makers. A mule had kicked Lewis in the chin, and agreat white welt deformed his lower lip. Scars of smallpox added to hisdecorative effect, and he had those extremely bushy brows which for somereason are generally considered to denote ferocity. Now, Donnegan wasnot above middle height at best, and in his present shrinking attitudehe found himself looking up a full head into the formidable face of thebouncer. 

"And what are you doing in here?" asked the genial Andy. "Don't you knowthis joint is for white folks?"

"I ain't colored, " murmured Donnegan. 

"You took considerable yaller to me, " declared Lewis. He straightwaychuckled, and his own keen appreciation of his wit softened hisexpression. "What you want?"

Donnegan shivered under his rags. 

"I want to see Jack Landis, " he said. 

It had a wonderful effect upon the doorkeeper. Donnegan found that thevery name of Landis was a charm of power in The Corner. 

"You want to see him?" he queried in amazement. "You?"

He looked Donnegan over again, and then grinned broadly, as if inanticipation. "Well, go ahead. There he sits--no, he's dancing. "

The music was in full swing; it was chiefly brass; but now and then, insofter moments, one could hear a violin squeaking uncertainly. At leastit went along with a marked, regular rhythm, and the dancers swirledindustriously around the floor. A very gay crowd; color was apparentlyappreciated in The Corner. And Donnegan, standing modestly out of sightbehind a pillar until the dance ended, noted twenty phases of life intwenty faces. And Donnegan saw the flushes of liquor, and heard the loudvoices of happy fellows who had made their "strikes"; but in all thatbrilliant crew he had no trouble in picking out Jack Landis and NellyLebrun. 

They danced together, and where they passed, the others steered a littleoff so as to give them room on the dance floor, as if the men fearedthat they might cross the formidable Landis, and as if the women fearedto be brought into too close comparison with Nelly Lebrun. She was, indeed, a brilliant figure. She had eyes of the Creole duskiness, adelicate olive skin, with a pastel coloring. The hand on the shoulder ofLandis was a thing of fairy beauty. And her eyes had that peculiarquality of seeming to see everything, and rest on every faceparticularly. So that, as she whirled toward Donnegan, he winced, feeling that she had found him out among the shadows. 

She had a glorious partner to set her off. And Donnegan saw bitterlywhy Lou Macon could love him. Height without clumsiness, bulk and alight foot at once, a fine head, well poised, blond hair and a Grecianprofile--such was Jack Landis. He wore a vest of fawn skin; his bootswere black in the foot and finished with the softest red leather for theleg. And he had yellow buckskin trousers, laced in a Mexican fashionwith silver at the sides; a narrow belt, a long, red silk handkerchiefflying from behind his neck in cowboy fashion. So much flashingsplendor, even in that gay assembly, would have been childishlyconspicuous on another man. But in big Jack Landis there was patently agreat deal of the unaffected child. He was having a glorious time onthis evening, and his eye roved the room challenging admiration in amanner that was amusing rather than offensive. He was so overflowinglyproud of having the prettiest girl in The Corner upon his arm and soconscious of being himself probably the finest-looking man that heescaped conceit, it might almost be said, by his very excess of it. 

Upon this splendid individual, then, the obscure Donnegan bent his gaze. He saw the dancers pause and scatter as the music ended, saw them driftto the tables along the edges of the room, saw the scurry of waitershurrying drinks up in the interval, saw Nelly Lebrun sip a lemonade, sawJack Landis toss off something stronger. And then Donnegan skirtedaround the room and came to the table of Jack Landis at the very momentwhen the latter was tossing a gold piece to the waiter and giving a neworder. 

Prodigal sons in the distance of thought are apt to be both silly: anddisgusting, but at close hand they usually dazzle the eye. Even the coldbrain of Donnegan was daunted a little as he drew near. 

He came behind the chair of the tall master of The Corner, and whileNelly Lebrun stopped her glass halfway to her lips and stared at theragged stranger, Donnegan was whispering in the ear of Jack Landis:"I've got to see you alone. "

Landis turned his head slowly and his eye darkened a little as he metthe reddish, unshaven face of the stranger. Then, with a careless shrugof distaste, he drew out a few coins and poured them into Donnegan'spalm; the latter pocketed them. 

"Lou Macon, " said Donnegan. 

Jack Landis rose from his chair, and it was not until he stood so closeto Donnegan that the latter realized the truly Herculean proportions ofthe young fellow. He bowed his excuses to Nelly Lebrun, not withoutgrace of manner, and then huddled Donnegan into a corner with a wave ofhis vast arm. 

"Now what do you want? Who are you? Who put that name in your mouth?"

"She's in The Corner, " said Donnegan, and he dwelt upon the face of JackLandis with feverish suspense. A moment later a great weight had slippedfrom his heart. If Lou Macon loved Landis it was beyond peradventurethat Landis was not breaking his heart because of the girl. For at hername he flushed darkly, and then, that rush of color fading, he was leftwith a white spot in the center of each cheek. 

13

First his glance plunged into vacancy; then it flicked over his shoulderat Nelly Lebrun and he bit his lip. Plainly, it was not the most welcomenews that Jack Landis had ever heard. 

"Where is she?" he asked nervously of Donnegan, and he looked over theragged fellow again. 

"I'll take you to her. "

The big man swayed back and forth from foot to foot, balancing in hishesitation. "Wait a moment. "

He strode to Nelly Lebrun and bent over her; Donnegan saw her eyes flashup--oh, heart of the south, what eyes of shadow and fire! Jack Landistrembled under the glance; yes, he was deeply in love with the girl. AndDonnegan watched her face shade with suspicion, stiffen with cold anger, warm and soften again under the explanations of Jack Landis. 

Donnegan, looking from the distance, could read everything; it isnearness that bewitches a man when he talks to a woman. When Odysseustalked to Circe, no doubt he stood on the farther side of the room!

When Landis came again, he was perspiring from the trial of firethrough which he had just passed. 

"Come, " he ordered, and set out at a sweeping stride. 

Plainly he was anxious to get this matter done with as soon as possible. As for Donnegan, he saw a man whom Landis had summoned to take his placesit down at the table with Nelly Lebrun. She was laughing with thenewcomer as though nothing troubled her at all, but over his shoulderher glance probed the distance and followed Jack Landis. She wanted tosee the messenger again, the man who had called her companion away; butin this it was fox challenging fox. Donnegan took note and was carefulto place between him and the girl every pillar and every group ofpeople. As far as he was concerned, her first glance must do to read andjudge and remember him by. 

Outside Landis shot several questions at him in swift succession; hewanted to know how the girl had happened to make the trip. Above all, what the colonel was thinking and doing and if the colonel himself hadcome. But Donnegan replied with monosyllables, and Landis, apparentlyreconciling himself to the fact that the messenger was a fool, ceasedhis questions. They kept close to a run all the way out of the camp andup the hillside to the two detached tents where Donnegan and the girlslept that night. A lantern burned in both the tents. 

"She has made things ready for me, " thought Donnegan, his heart opening. "She has kept house for me!"

He pointed out Lou's tent to his companion and the big man, with asingle low word of warning, threw open the flap of the tent and strodein. 

There was only the split part of a second between the rising and thefall of the canvas, but in that swift interval, Donnegan saw the girlstarting up to receive Landis. Her calm was broken at last. Her cheekswere flushed; her eyes were starry with what? Expectancy? Love?

It stopped Donnegan like a blow in the face and turned his heart tolead; and then, shamelessly, he glided around the tent and dropped downbeside it to eavesdrop. After all, there was some excuse. If she lovedthe man he, Donnegan, would let him live; if she did not love him, he, Donnegan, would kill him like a worthless rat under heel. That is, if hecould. No wonder that the wanderer listened with heart and soul!

He missed the first greeting. It was only a jumble of exclamations, butnow he heard: "But, Lou, what a wild idea. Across the mountains--withwhom?"

"The man who brought you here. "

"Who's he?"

"I don't know. "

"You don't know? He looks like a shifty little rat to me. "

"He's big enough, Jack. "

Such small praise was enough to set Donnegan's heart thumping. 

"Besides, father told me to go with him, to trust him. "

"Ah!" There was an abrupt chilling and lowering of Landis' voice. "Thecolonel knows him? He's one of the colonel's men?"

Plainly the colonel was to him as the rod to the child. 

"Why didn't you come directly to me?"

"We thought it would be better not to. "

"H'm-m. Your guide--well, what was the colonel's idea in sending youhere? Heavens above, doesn't he know that a mining camp is no place fora young girl? And you haven't a sign of a chaperon, Lou! What the devilcan I do? What was in his mind?"

"You haven't written for a long time. "

"Good Lord! Written! Letters! Does he think I have time for letters?"The lie came smoothly enough. "Working day and night?"

Donnegan smoothed his whiskers and grinned into the night. Landis mightprove better game than he had anticipated. 

"He worried, " said the girl, and her voice was as even as ever. "Heworried, and sent me to find out if anything is wrong. "

Then: "Nonsense! What is there to worry about? Lou, I'm half inclined tothink that the colonel doesn't trust me!"

She did not answer. Was she reading beneath the boisterous assurance ofLandis?

"One thing is clear to me--and to you, too, I hope. The first thing isto send you back in a hurry. "

Still no answer. 

"Lou, do you distrust me?"

At length she managed to speak, but it was with some difficulty: "Thereis another reason for sending me. "

"Tell me. "

"Can't you guess, Jack?"

"I'm not a mind reader. "

"The cad, " said Donnegan through his teeth. 

"It's the old reason. "

"Money?"

"Yes. "

A shadow swept across the side of the tent; it was Landis waving his armcarelessly. 

"If that's all, I can fix you up and send you back with enough to carrythe colonel along. Look here--why, I have five hundred with me. Take it, Lou. There's more behind it, but the colonel mustn't think that there'sas much money in the mines as people say. No idea how much living costsup here. Heavens, no! And the prices for labor! And then they shirk thejob from dawn to dark. I have to watch 'em every minute, I tell you!"

He sighed noisily. 

"But the end of it is, dear"--how that small word tore into the heart ofDonnegan, who crouched outside--"that you must go back tomorrow morning. I'd send you tonight, if I could. As a matter of fact, I don't trust thered-haired rat who--"

The girl interrupted while Donnegan still had control of hishair-trigger temper. 

"You forget, Jack. Father sent me here, but he did not tell me to comeback. "

At this Jack Landis burst into an enormous laughter. 

"You don't mean, Lou, that you actually intend to stay on?"

"What else can I mean?"

"Of course it makes it awkward if the colonel didn't expressly tell youjust what to do. I suppose he left it to my discretion, and I decidedefinitely that you must go back at once. "

"I can't do it. "

"Lou, don't you hear me saying that I'll take the responsibility? Ifyour father blames you let him tell me--"

He broke down in the middle of his sentence and another of thoseuncomfortable little pauses ensued. Donnegan knew that their eyes weremiserably upon each other; the man tongue-tied by his guilt; the girlwretchedly guessing at the things which lay behind her fiancé's words. 

"I'm sorry you don't want me here. "

"It isn't that, but--"

He apparently expected to be interrupted, but she waited coolly for himto finish the sentence, and, of course, he could not. After all, for ahelpless girl she had a devilish effective way of muzzling Landis. Donnegan chuckled softly in admiration. 

All at once she broke through the scene; her voice did not rise orharden, but it was filled with finality, as though she were weary of theinterview. 

"I'm tired out; it's been a hard ride, Jack. You go home now and look meup again any time tomorrow. "

"I--Lou--I feel mighty bad about having you up here in this infernaltent, when the camp is full, and--":

"You can't lie across the entrance to my tent and guard me, Jack. Besides, I don't need you for that. The man who's with me will protectme. "

"He doesn't look capable of protecting a cat!"

"My father said that in any circumstances he would be able to take careof me. "

This reply seemed to overwhelm Landis. 

"The colonel trusts him as far as all that?" he muttered. "Then Isuppose you're safe enough. But what about comfort, Lou?"

"I've done without comfort all my life. Run along, Jack. And take thismoney with you. I can't have it. "

"But, didn't the colonel send--"

"You can express it through to him. To me it's--not pleasant to takeit. "

"Why, Lou, you don't mean--"

"Good night, Jack. I don't mean anything, except that I'm tired. "

The shadow swept along the wall of the tent again. Donnegan, with ashaking pulse, saw the profile of the girl and the man approach as hestrove to take her in his arms and kiss her good night. And then oneslender bar of shadow checked Landis. 

"Not tonight. "

"Lou, you aren't angry with me?"

"No. But you know I have queer ways. Just put this down as one of them. I can't explain. "

There was a muffled exclamation and Landis went from the tent and strodedown the hill; he was instantly lost in the night. But Donnegan, turningto the entrance flap, called softly. He was bidden to come in, and whenhe raised the flap he saw her sitting with her hands clasped loosely andresting upon her knees. Her lips were a little parted, and colorless;her eyes were dull with a mist; and though she rallied herself a little, the wanderer could see that she was only half-aware of him. 

The face which he saw was a milestone in his life. For he had loved herjealously, fiercely before; but seeing her now, dazed, hurt, anduncomplaining, tenderness came into Donnegan. It spread to his heartwith a strange pain and made his hands tremble. 

All that he said was: "Is there anything you need?"

"Nothing, " she replied, and he backed out and away. 

But in that small interval he had turned out of the course of his gay, selfish life. If Jack Landis had hurt her like this--if she loved him sotruly--then Jack Landis she should have. 

There was an odd mixture of emotions in Donnegan; but he felt mostnearly like the poor man from whose hand his daughter tugs back andlooks wistfully, hopelessly, into the bright window at all the toys. What pain is there greater than the pain that comes to the poor man insuch a time? He huddles his coat about him, for his heart is as cold asa Christmas day; and if it would make his child happy, he would pour outhis heart's blood on the snow. 

Such was the grief of Donnegan as he backed slowly out into the night. Though Jack Landis were fixed as high as the moon he would tear him outof his place and give him to the girl. 

14

The lantern went out in the tent; she was asleep; and when he knew that, Donnegan went down into The Corner. He had been trying to think out aplan of action, and finding nothing better than to thrust a gun stupidlyunder Landis' nose and make him mark time, Donnegan went into Lebrun'splace. As if he hoped the bustle there would supply him with ideas. 

Lebrun's was going full blast. It was not filled with the shrill mirthof Milligan's. Instead, all voices were subdued to a point here. Thepitch was never raised. If a man laughed, he might show his teeth but hetook good care that he did not break into the atmosphere of the room. For there was a deadly undercurrent of silence which would not toleratemore than murmurs on the part of others. Men sat grim-faced over thecards, the man who was winning, with his cold, eager eye; the chronicloser of the night with his iron smile; the professional, ever debonair, with the dull eye which comes from looking too often and too closelyinto the terrible face of chance. A very keen observer might haveobserved a resemblance between those men and Donnegan. 

Donnegan roved swiftly here and there. The calm eye and the smooth playof an obvious professional in a linen suit kept him for a moment at onetable, looking on; then he went to the games, and after changing thegold which Jack Landis had given as alms so silver dollars, he lost itwith precision upon the wheel. 

He went on, from table to table, from group to group. In Lebrun's hisclothes were not noticed. It was no matter whether he played or did notplay, whether he won or lost; they were too busy to notice. But he cameback, at length, to the man who wore the linen coat and who won soeasily. Something in his method of dealing appeared to interest Donnegangreatly. 

It was jackpot; the chips were piled high; and the man in the linen coatwas dealing again. How deftly he mixed the cards!

Indeed, all about him was elegant, from the turn of his black cravat tothe cut of the coat. An inebriate passed, shouldered and disturbed hischair, and rising to put it straight again, the gambler was seen to beabout the height and build of Donnegan. 

Donnegan studied him with the interest of an artist. Here was a man, harking back to Nelly Lebrun and her love of brilliance, who wouldprobably win her preference over Jack Landis for the simple reason thathe was different. That is, there was more in his cravat to attractastonished attention in The Corner than there was in all the silver laceof Landis. And he was a man's man, no doubt of that. On the inebriate hehad flashed one glance of fire, and his lean hand had stirred uneasilytoward the breast of his coat. Donnegan, who missed nothing, saw andunderstood. 

Interested? He was fascinated by this man because he recognized thekinship which existed between them. They might almost have been bloodbrothers, except for differences in the face. He knew, for instance, just what each glance of the man in the linen coat meant, and how he wasweighing his antagonists. As for the others, they were cool playersthemselves, but here they had met their master. It was the differencebetween the amateur and the professional. They played good chanceypoker, but the man in the linen coat did more--he stacked the cards!

For the first moment Donnegan was not sure; it was not until there was aslight faltering in the deal--an infinitely small hesitation which onlya practiced eye like that of Donnegan's could have noticed--that he wassure. The winner was crooked. Yet the hand was interesting for all that. He had done the master trick, not only giving himself the winning handbut also giving each of the others a fine set of cards. 

And the betting was wild on that historic pot! To begin with thesmallest hand was three of a kind; and after the draw the weakest was astraight. And they bet furiously. The stranger had piqued them with hisconsistent victories. Now they were out for blood. Chips having beenexhausted, solid gold was piled up on the table--a small fortune!

The man in the linen coat, in the middle of the hand, called for drinks. They drank. They went on with the betting. And then at last came thecall. 

Donnegan could have clapped his hands to applaud the smooth rascal. Itwas not an affair of breaking the others who sat in. They were allprosperous mine owners, and probably they had been carefully selectedaccording to the size of purse, in preparation for the sacrifice. Butthe stakes were swept into the arms and then the canvas bag of thewinner. If it was not enough to ruin the miners it was at least enoughto clean them out of ready cash and discontinue the game on that basis. They rose; they went to the bar for a drink; but while the winner ledthe way, two of the losers dropped back a trifle and fell into earnestconversation, frowning. Donnegan knew perfectly what the trouble was. They had noticed that slight faltering in the deal; they were puttingtheir mental notes on the game together. 

But the winner, apparently unconscious of suspicion, lined up hisvictims at the bar. The first drink went hastily down; the second was onthe way--it was standing on the bar. And here he excused himself; hebroke off in the very middle of a story, and telling them that he wouldbe back any moment, stepped into a crowd of newcomers. 

The moment he disappeared, Donnegan saw the other four put their headsclose together, and saw a sudden darkening of faces; but as for thegenial winner, he had no sooner passed to the other side of the crowdand out of view, than he turned directly toward the door. His carelesssaunter was exchanged for a brisk walk; and Donnegan, without makinghimself conspicuous, was hard pressed to follow that pace. 

At the door he found that the gambler, with his canvas sack under hisarm, had turned to the right toward the line of saddle horses whichstood in the shadow; and no sooner did he reach the gloom at the side ofthe building than he broke into a soft, swift run. He darted down theline of horses until he came to one which was already mounted. ThisDonnegan saw as he followed somewhat more leisurely and closer to thehorses to avoid observance. He made out that the man already onhorseback was a big Negro and that he had turned his own mount and aneighboring horse out from the rest of the horses, so that they wereboth pointing down the street of The Corner. Donnegan saw the Negrothrow the lines of his lead horse into the air. In exchange he caughtthe sack which the runner tossed to him, and then the gambler leapedinto his saddle. 

It was a simple but effective plan. Suppose he were caught in the midstof a cheat; his play would be to break away to the outside of thebuilding, shooting out the lights, if possible--trusting to theconfusion to help him--and there he would find his horse held ready forhim at a time when a second might be priceless. On this occasion nodoubt the clever rascal had sensed the suspicion of the others. 

At any rate, he lost no time. He waited neither to find his stirrups norgrip the reins firmly, but the same athletic leap which carried him intothe saddle set the horse in motion, and from a standing start the animalbroke into a headlong gallop. He received, however, an additional burdenat once. 

For Donnegan, from the second time he saw the man of the linen coat, hadbeen revolving a daring plan, and during the poker game the plan hadslowly matured. The moment he made sure that the gambler was heading fora horse, he increased his own speed. Ordinarily he would have beennoted, but now, no doubt, the gambler feared no pursuit except oneaccompanied by a hue and cry. He did not hear the shadow-footed Donneganracing over the soft ground behind him; but when he had gained thesaddle, Donnegan was close behind with the impetus of his run to aidhim. It was comparatively simple, therefore, to spring high in the air, and he struck fairly and squarely behind the saddle of the man in thelinen coat. When he landed his revolver was in his hand and the muzzlejabbed into the back of the gambler. 

The other made one frantic effort to twist around, then recognized thepressure of the revolver and was still. The horses, checking theirgallops in unison, were softly dog-trotting down the street. 

"Call off your man!" warned Donnegan, for the big Negro had reined back;the gun already gleamed in his hand. 

A gesture from the gambler sent the gun into obscurity, yet still thefellow continued to fall back. 

"Tell him to ride ahead. "

"Keep in front, George. "

"And not too far. "

"Very well. And now?"

"We'll talk later. Go straight on, George, to the clump of trees beyondthe end of the street. And ride straight. No dodging!"

"It was a good hand you played, " continued Donnegan; taking note that ofthe many people who were now passing them none paid the slightestattention to two men riding on one horse and chatting together as theyrode. "It was a good hand, but a bad deal. Your thumb slipped on thecard, eh?"

"You saw, eh?" muttered the other. 

"And two of the others saw it. But they weren't sure till afterward. "

"I know. The blockheads! But I spoiled their game for them. Are you oneof us, pal?"

But Donnegan smiled to himself. For once at least the appeal of gamblerto gambler should fail. 

"Keep straight on, " he said. "We'll talk later on. "

15

Before Donnegan gave the signal to halt in a clear space where thestarlight was least indistinct, they reached the center of the trees. 

"Now, George, " he said, "drop your gun to the ground. "

There was a flash and faint thud. 

"Now the other gun. "

"They ain't any more, sir. "

"Your other gun, " repeated Donnegan. 

A little pause. "Do what he tells you, George, " said the gambler atlength, and a second weapon fell. 

"Now keep on your horse and keep a little off to the side, " went onDonnegan, "and remember that if you try to give me the jump I might missyou in this light, but I'd be sure to hit your horse. So don't takechances, George. Now, sir, just hold your hands over your head and thendismount. "

He had already gone through the gambler and taken his weapons; he wasnow obeyed. The man of the linen coat tossed up his arms, flung hisright leg over the horn of the saddle, and slipped to the ground. 

Donnegan joined his captive. "I warn you first, " he said gently, "thatI am quite expert with a revolver, and that it will be highly dangerousto attempt to trick me. Lower your arms if you wish, but please becareful of what you do with your hands. There are such things as knifethrowing, I know, but it takes a fast wrist to flip a knife faster thana bullet. We understand each other?"

"Perfectly, " agreed the other. "By the way, my name is Godwin. Andsuppose we become frank. You are in temporary distress. It wasimpossible for you to make a loan at the moment and you are driven tothis forced--touch. Now, if half--"

"Hush, " said Donnegan. "You are too generous. But the present questionis not one of money. I have long since passed over that. The money isnow mine. Steady!" This to George, who lurched in the saddle; but Godwinwas calm as stone. "It is not the question of the money that troublesme, but the question of the men. I could easily handle one of you. But Ifear to allow both of you to go free. You would return on my trail;there are such things as waylayings by night, eh? And so, Mr. Godwin, Ithink my best way out is to shoot you through the head. When your bodyis found it will be taken for granted that the servant killed the masterfor the sake of the money which he won by crooked card play. I thinkthat's simple. Put your hands up, George, or, by heck, I'll let thestarlight shine through you!"

The huge arms of George were raised above his head; Godwin, in themeantime, had not spoken. 

"I almost think you mean it, " he said after a short pause. 

"Good, " said Donnegan. "I do not wish to kill you unprepared. "

There was a strangled sound deep in the throat of Godwin; then he wasable to speak again, but now his voice was made into a horrible jumbleby fear. 

"Pal, " he said, "you're dead wrong. George here--he's a devil. If youlet him live he'll kill you--as sure as you're standing here. You don'tknow him. He's George Green. He's got a record as long as my arm and asbad as the devil's name. He--he's the man to get rid of. Me? Why, man, you and I could team it together. But George--not--"

Donnegan began to laugh, and the gambler stammered to a halt. 

"I knew you when I laid eyes on you for the first time, " said Donnegan. "You have the hands of a craftsman, but your eyes are put too closetogether. A coward's eyes--a cur's face, Godwin. But you, George--haveyou heard what he said?"

No answer from George but a snarl. 

"It sounds logical what he said, eh, George?"

Dead silence. 

"But, " said Donnegan, "there are flaws in the plan. Godwin, get out ofyour clothes. "

The other fell on his knees. 

"For heaven's sake, " he pleaded. 

"Shut up, " commanded Donnegan. "I'm not going to shoot you. I neverintended to, you fool. But I wanted to see if you were worth splittingthe coin with. You're not. Now get out of your clothes. "

He was obeyed in fumbling haste, and while that operation went on, hesucceeded in jumping out of his own rags and still kept the two fairlysteadily under the nose of his gun. He tossed this bundle to Godwin, whoaccepted it with a faint oath; and Donnegan stepped calmly and swiftlyinto the clothes of his victim. 

"A perfect fit, " he said at length, "and to show that I'm pleased, here's your purse back. Must be close to two hundred in that, from theweight. "

Godwin muttered some unintelligible curse. 

"Tush. Now, get out! If you show your face in The Corner again, some ofthose miners will spot you, and they'll dress you in tar and feathers. "

"You fool. If they see you in my clothes?"

"They'll never see these after tonight, probably. You have other clothesin your packs, Godwin. Lots of 'em. You're the sort who knows how todress, and I'll borrow your outfit. Get out!"

The other made no reply; a weight seemed to have fallen upon him alongwith his new outfit, and he slunk into the darkness. George made a moveto follow; there was a muffled shriek from Godwin, who fled headlong;and then a sharp command from Donnegan stopped the big man. 

"Come here, " said Donnegan. 

George Washington Green rode slowly closer. 

"If I let you go what would you do?"

There was a glint of teeth. 

"I'd find him. "

"And break him in two, eh? Instead, I'm going to take you home, whereyou'll have a chance of breaking me in two instead. There's somethingabout the cut of your shoulders and your head that I like, Green; and ifyou don't murder me in the first hour or so, I think we'll get on verywell together. You hear?"

The silence of George Washington Green was a tremendous thing. 

"Now ride ahead of me. I'll direct you how to go. "

He went first straight back through the town and up the hill to the twotents. He made George go before him into the tent and take up the rollof bedding; and then, with George and the bedding leading the way, andDonnegan leading the two horses behind, they went across the hillside toa shack which he had seen vacated that evening. It certainly could notbe rented again before morning, and in the meantime Donnegan would be inpossession, which was a large part of the law in The Corner, as he knew. 

A little lean-to against the main shack served as a stable; the creekdown the hillside was the watering trough. And Donnegan stood by whilethe big Negro silently tended to the horses--removing the packs andpreparing them for the night. Still in silence he produced a smalllantern and lighted it. It showed his face for the first time--the skinebony black and polished over the cheekbones, but the rest of the facealmost handsome, except that the slight flare of his nostrils gave him acast of inhuman ferocity. And the fierceness was given point by a pairof arms of gorilla length; broad shoulders padded with rolling muscles, and the neck of a bull. On the whole, Donnegan, a connoisseur offighting men, had never seen such promise of strength. 

At his gesture, George led the way into the house. It was morecommodious than most of the shacks of The Corner. In place of a singleroom this had two compartments--one for the kitchen and another for theliving room. In vacating the hut, the last occupants had left some ofthe furnishings behind them. There was a mirror, for instance, in thecorner; and beneath the mirror a cheap table in whose open drawerappeared a tumble of papers. Donnegan dropped the heavy sack of Godwin'swinnings to the floor, and while George hung the lantern on a nail onthe wall, Donnegan crossed to the table and appeared to run through thepapers. 

He was humming carelessly while he did it, but all the time he watchedwith catlike intensity the reflection of George in the mirror above him. He saw--rather dimly, for the cheap glass showed all its images inwaves--that George turned abruptly after hanging up the lantern, paused, and then whipped a hand into his coat pocket and out again. 

Donnegan leaped lightly to one side, and the knife, hissing past hishead, buried itself in the wall, and its vibrations set up a vicioushumming. As for Donnegan, the leap that carried him to one side whirledhim about also; he faced the big man, who was now crouched in the veryact of following the knife cast with the lunge of his powerful body. There was no weapon in Donnegan's hand, and yet George hesitated, balanced--and then slowly drew himself erect. 

He was puzzled. An outburst of oaths, the flash of a gun, and he wouldhave been at home in the brawl, but the silence, the smile of Donneganand the steady glance were too much for him. He moistened his lips, andyet he could not speak. And Donnegan knew that what paralyzed George wasthe manner in which he had received warning. Evidently the simpleexplanation of the mirror did not occur to the fellow; and the wholeincident took on supernatural colorings. A phrase of explanation andDonnegan would become again an ordinary human being; but while the smalllink was a mystery the brain and body of George were numb. It wasnecessary above all to continue inexplicable. Donnegan, turning, drewthe knife from the wall with a jerk. Half the length of the keen bladehad sunk into the wood--a mute tribute to the force and speed ofGeorge's hand--and now Donnegan took the bright little weapon by thepoint and gave it back to the other. 

"If you throw for the body instead of the head, " said Donnegan, "youhave a better chance of sending the point home. "

He turned his back again upon the gaping giant, and drawing up a brokenbox before the open door he sat down to contemplate the night. Not asound behind him. It might be that the big fellow had regained his nerveand was stealing up for a second attempt; but Donnegan would havewagered his soul that George Washington Green had his first and lastlesson and that he would rather play with bare lightning than ever againcross his new master. 

At length: "When you make down the bunks, " said Donnegan, "put minefarthest from the kitchen. You had better do that first. "

"Yes--sir, " came the deep bass murmur behind him. 

And the heart of Donnegan stirred, for that "sir" meant many things. 

Presently George crossed the floor with a burden; there was the "whish"of the blankets being unrolled--and then a slight pause. It seemed tohim that he could hear a heavier breathing. Why? And searching swiftlyback through his memory he recalled that his other gun, a stub-nosedthirty-eight, was in the center of his blanket roll. 

And he knew that George had the weapon in his big hand. One pressure ofthe trigger would put an end to Donnegan; one bullet would give Georgethe canvas sack and its small treasure. 

"When you clean my gun, " said Donnegan, "take the action to pieces andgo over every part. "

He could actually feel the start of George. 

Then: "Yes, sir, " in a subdued whisper. 

If the escape from the knife had startled George, this second incidenthad convinced him that his new master possessed eyes in the back of hishead. 

And Donnegan, paying no further heed to him, looked steadily across thehillside to the white tent of Lou Macon, fifty yards away. 

16

His plan, grown to full stature so swiftly, and springing out ofnothing, well nigh, had come out of his first determination to bringJack Landis back to Lou Macon; for he could interpret those blank, mistyeyes with which she had sat after the departure of Landis in only oneway. Yet to rule even the hand of big Jack Landis would be hard enoughand to rule his heart was quite another story. Remembering Nelly Lebrun, he saw clearly that the only way in which he could be brought back toLou was first to remove Nelly as a possibility in his eyes. But howremove Nelly as long as it was her cue from her father to play Landisfor his money? How remove her, unless it were possible to sweep Nellyoff her feet with another man? She might, indeed, be taken by storm, andif she once slighted Landis for the sake of another, his boyish pridewould probably do the rest, and his next step would be to return to LouMacon. 

All this seemed logical, but where find the man to storm the heart ofNelly and dazzle her bright, clever eyes? His own rags had made himshrug his shoulders; and it was the thought of clothes which had madehim fasten his attention so closely on the man of the linen suit inLebrun's. Donnegan with money, with well-fitted clothes, and with a fewnotorious escapades behind him--yes, Donnegan with such a flying startmight flutter the heart of Nelly Lebrun for a moment. But he must havethe money, the clothes, and then he must deliberately set out to startleThe Corner, make himself a public figure, talked of, pointed at, known, feared, respected, and even loved by at least a few. He must accomplishall these things beginning at a literal zero. 

It was the impossible nature of this that tempted Donnegan. But theparadoxical picture of the ragged skulker in Milligan's actually sittingat the same table with Nelly Lebrun and receiving her smiles stayed withhim. He intended to rise, literally Phoenixlike, out of ashes. And thenext morning, in the red time of the dawn, he sat drinking the coffeewhich George Washington Green had made for him and considering thedetails of the problem. Clothes, which had been a main obstacle, werenow accounted for, since, as he had suspected, the packs of Godwincontained a luxurious wardrobe of considerable compass. At that moment, for instance, Donnegan was wrapped in a dressing gown of padded silk andhis feet were encased in slippers. 

But clothes were the least part of his worries. To startle The Corner, and thereby make himself attractive in the eyes of Nelly Lebrun, overshadowing Jack Landis--that was the thing! But to startle TheCorner, where gold strikes were events of every twenty-four hours, justnow--where robberies were common gossip, and where the killings nowaveraged nearly three a day--to startle The Corner was like trying tostartle the theatrical world with a sensational play. Indeed, thisparallel could have been pursued, for Donnegan was the nameless actorand the mountain desert was the stage on which he intended to become aheadliner. No wonder, then, that his lean face was compressed inthought. Yet no one could have guessed it by his conversation. At themoment he was interrupted, his talk ran somewhat as follows. 

"George, Godwin taught you how to make coffee?"

"Yes, sir, " from George. Since the night before he had appeared totallysubdued. Never once did he venture a comment. And ever Donnegan wasconscious of big, bright eyes watching him in a reverent fear notuntinged by superstition. Once, in the middle of the night, he hadwakened and seen the vast shadow of George's form leaning over the sackof money. Murder by stealth in the dark had been in the giant's mind, nodoubt. But when, after that, he came and leaned over Donnegan's bunk, the master closed his eyes and kept on breathing regularly, and finallyGeorge returned to his own place--softly as a gigantic cat. Even in themaster's sleep he found something to be dreaded, and Donnegan knew thathe could now trust the fellow through anything. In the morning, at thefirst touch of light, he had gone to the stores and collectedprovisions. And a comfortable breakfast followed. 

"Godwin, " resumed Donnegan, "was talented in many ways. "

The big man showed his teeth in silence; for since Godwin proposed thesacrifice of the servant to preserve himself, George had apparentlyaltered his opinion of the gambler. 

"A talented man, George, but he knew nothing about coffee. It shouldnever boil. It should only begin to cream through the crust. Let thathappen; take the pot from the fire; put it back and let the surfacecream again. Do this three times, and then pour the liquid from thegrounds and you have the right strength and the right heating. Youunderstand?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And concerning the frying of bacon--"

At this point the interruption came in the shape of four men at the opendoor; and one of these Donnegan recognized as the real estate dealer, who had shrewdly set up tents and shacks on every favorable spot in TheCorner and was now reaping a rich harvest. Gloster was his name. It waspatent that he did not see in the man in the silk dressing robe theunshaven miscreant of the day before who had rented the two tents. 

"How'dee, " he said, standing on the threshold, with the other three inthe background. 

Donnegan looked at him and through him. 

"My name is Gloster. I own this shack and I've come to find out whyyou're in it. "

"George, " said Donnegan, "speak to him. Tel! him that I know houses arescarce in The Corner; that I found this place by accident vacant; that Iintend to stay in it on purpose. "

George Washington Green instantly rose to the situation; he swallowed avast grin and strode to the door. And though Mr. Gloster's facecrimsoned with rage at such treatment he controlled his voice. In TheCorner manhood was apt to be reckoned by the pound, and George was agiant. 

"I heard what your boss said, buddie, " said Gloster. "But I've rentedthis cabin and the next one to these three gents and their party, andthey want a home. Nothing to do but vacate. Which speed is the thing Iwant. Thirty minutes will--"

"Thirty minutes don't change nothing, " declared George in his deep, softvoice. 

The real estate man choked. Then: "You tell your boss that jumping acabin is like jumping a claim. They's a law in The Corner for gents likehim. "

George made a gesture of helplessness; but Gloster turned to the three. 

"Both shacks or none at all, " said the spokesman. "One ain't big enoughto do us any good. But if this bird won't vamoose--"

He was a tolerably rough-appearing sort and he was backed by two of akind. No doubt dangerous action would have followed had not George shownhimself capable of rising to a height. He stepped from the door; heapproached Gloster and said in a confidential whisper that reachedeasily to the other three: "They ain't any call for a quick play, mister. Watch yo'selves. Maybe you don't know who the boss is?"

"And what's more, I don't care, " said Gloster defiantly but with hisvoice instinctively lowered. He stared past George, and behold, the manin the dressing gown still sat in quiet and sipped his coffee. 

"It's Donnegan, " whispered George. 

"Don--who's he?"

"You don't know Donnegan?"

The mingled contempt and astonishment of George would have moved a thingof stone. It certainly troubled Gloster. And he turned to the three. 

"Gents, " he said, "they's two things we can do. Try the law--and law's alame lady in these parts--or throw him out. Say which?"

The three looked from Gloster to the shack; from the shack to Donnegan, absently sipping his coffee; from Donnegan to George, who stoodexhibiting a broad grin of anticipated delight. The contrast was toomuch for them. 

There is one great and deep-seated terror in the mountain desert, andthat is for the man who may be other than he seems. The giant with therough voice and the boisterous ways is generally due for a stormypassage west of the Rockies; but the silent man with the gentle mannersreceives respect. Traditions live of desperadoes with exteriors ofwomanish calm and the action of devils. And Donnegan sipping his morningcoffee fitted into the picture which rumor had painted. The three lookedat one another, declared that they had not come to fight for a house butto rent one, that the real estate agent could go to the devil for all ofthem, and that they were bound elsewhere. So they departed and leftGloster both relieved and gloomy. 

"Now, " said Donnegan to George, "tell him that we'll take both theshacks, and he can add fifty per cent to his old price. "

The bargain was concluded on the spot; the money was paid by George. Gloster went down the hill to tell The Corner that a mystery had hit thetown and George brought the canvas bag back to Donnegan with the topstill untied--as though to let it be seen that he had not pocketed anyof the gold. 

"I don't want to count it, " said Donnegan. "Keep the bag, George. Keepmoney in your pocket. Treat both of us well. And when that's gone I'llget more. "

If the manner in which Donnegan had handled the renting of the cabinshad charmed George, he was wholly entranced by this last touch of freespending. To serve a man who was his master was one thing; to serve onewho trusted him so completely was quite another. To live under the sameroof with a man who was a riddle was sufficiently delightful; but to beallowed actually to share in the mystery was a superhappiness. He wassinging when he started to wash the dishes, and Donnegan went across thehill to the tent of Lou Macon. 

She was laying the fire before the tent; and the morning freshness hadcleared from her face any vestige of the trouble of the night before;and in the slant light her hair was glorious, all ruffling gold, semitransparent. She did not smile at him; but she could give the effectof smiling while her face remained grave; it was her inward calm contentof which people were aware. 

"You missed me?"

"Yes. "

"You were worried?"

"No. "

He felt himself put quietly at a distance. So he took her up the hill toher new home--the shack beside his own; and George cooked her breakfast. When she had been served, Donnegan drew the big man to one side. 

"She's your mistress, " said Donnegan. "Everything you do for her isworth two things you do for me. Watch her as if she were in your eye. And if a hair of her head is ever harmed--you see that fire burningyonder--the bed of coals?"

"Sir?"

"I'll catch you and make a fire like that and feed you into it--byinches!"

And the pale face of Donnegan became for an instant the face of a demon. George Washington Green saw, and never forgot. 

Afterward, in order that he might think, Donnegan got on one of thehorses he had taken from Godwin and rode over the hills. They were bothleggy chestnuts, with surprising signs of blood' and all the earmarks ofsprinters; but in Godwin's trade sharp getaways were probably oftennecessary. The pleasure he took in the action of the animal kept himfrom getting into his problem. 

How to startle The Corner? How follow up the opening gun which he hadfired at the expense of Gloster and the three miners?

He broke off, later in the day, to write a letter to Colonel Macon, informing him that Jack Landis was tied hard and fast by Nelly Lebrunand that for the present nothing could be done except wait, unless thecolonel had suggestions to offer. 

The thought of the colonel, however, stimulated Donnegan. And beforemidafternoon he had thought of a thing to do. 

17

The bar in Milligan's was not nearly so pretentious an affair as the barin Lebrun's, but it was of a far higher class. Milligan had even managedto bring in a few bottles of wine, and he had dispensed cheap claret attwo dollars a glass when the miners wished to celebrate a rare occasion. There were complaints, not of the taste, but of the lack of strength. SoMilligan fortified his liquor with pure alcohol and after that theclaret went like a sweet song in The Corner. Among other things, he soldmint juleps; and it was the memory of the big sign proclaiming this factthat furnished Donnegan with his idea. 

He had George Washington Green put on his town clothes--a riding suit inwhich Godwin had had him dress for the sake of formal occasions. Resplendent in black boots, yellow riding breeches, and blue silk shirt, the big man came before Donnegan for instructions. 

"Go down to Milligan's, " said the master. "They don't allow coloredpeople to enter the door, but you go to the door and start for the bar. They won't let you go very far. When they stop you, tell them you comefrom Donnegan and that you have to get me some mint for a julep. Insist. The bouncer will start to throw you out. "

George showed his teeth. 

"No fighting back. Don't lift your hand. When you find that you can'tget in, come back here. Now, ride. "

So George mounted the horse and went. Straight to Milligan's he rode anddismounted; and half of The Corner's scant daytime population came intothe street to see the brilliant horseman pass. 

Scar-faced Lewis met the big man at the door. And size meant little toAndy, except an easier target. 

"Well, confound my soul, " said Lewis, blocking the way. "A Negro inMilligan's? Get out!"

Big George did not move. 

"I been sent, mister, " he said mildly. "I been sent for enough mint tomake a julep. "

"You been sent to the wrong place, " declared Andy, hitching at hiscartridge belt. "Ain't you seen that sign?"

And he pointed to the one which eliminated colored patrons. 

"Signs don't mean nothin' to my boss, " said George. 

"Who's he?"

"Donnegan. "

"And who's Donnegan?"

It puzzled George. He scratched his head in bewilderment seeking for anexplanation. "Donnegan is--Donnegan, " he explained. 

"I heard Gloster talk about him, " offered someone in the rapidly growinggroup. "He's the gent that rented the two places on the hill. "

"Tell him to come himse'f, " said Andy Lewis. "We don't play no favoritesat Milligan's. "

"Mister, " said big George, "I don't want to bring no trouble on thisheah place, but--don't make me go back and bring Donnegan. "

Even Andy Lewis was staggered by this assurance. 

"Rules is rules, " he finally decided. "And out you go. "

Big George stepped from the doorway and mounted his horse. 

"I call on all you gen'lemen, " he said to the assembled group, "to saythat I done tried my best to do this peaceable. It ain't me that's sentfor Donnegan; it's him!"

He rode away, leaving Scar-faced Lewis biting his long mustaches inanxiety. He was not exactly afraid, but he waited in the suspense whichcomes before a battle. Moreover, an audience was gathering. The wordwent about as only a rumor of mischief can travel. New men had gathered. The few day gamblers tumbled out of Lebrun's across the street to watchthe fun. The storekeepers were in their doors. Lebrun himself, witheredand dark and yellow of eye, came to watch. And here and there throughthe crowd there was a spot of color where the women of the townappeared. And among others, Nelly Lebrun with Jack Landis beside her. Onthe whole it was not a large crowd, but what it lacked in size it madeup in intense interest. 

For though The Corner had had its share of troubles of fist and gun, most of them were entirely impromptu affairs. Here was a fight in theoffing for which the stage was set, the actors set in full view of aconveniently posted audience, and all the suspense of a curtain rising. The waiting bore in upon Andy Lewis. Without a doubt he intended to killhis man neatly and with dispatch, but the possibility of missing beforesuch a crowd as this sent a chill up and down his spine. If he failednow his name would be a sign for laughter ever after in The Corner. 

A hum passed down the street; it rose to a chuckle, and then fell awayto sudden silence, for Donnegan was coming. 

He came on a prancing chestnut horse which sidled uneasily on a weavingcourse, as though it wished to show off for the benefit of the rider andthe crowd at once. It was a hot afternoon and Donnegan's linen ridingsuit shone an immaculate white. He came straight down the street, asunaware of the audience which awaited him as though he rode in a parkwhere crowds were the common thing. Behind him came George Green, just acareful length back. Rumor went before the two with a whisper on eitherside. 

"That's Donnegan. There he comes!"

"Who's Donnegan?"

"Gloster's man. The one who bluffed out Gloster and three others. "

"He pulled his shooting iron and trimmed the whiskers of one of 'em witha chunk of lead. "

"D'you mean that?"

"What's that kind of a gent doing in The Corner?"

"Come to buy, I guess. He looks like money. "

"Looks like a confounded dude. "

"We'll see his hand in a minute. "

Donnegan was now opposite the dance hall, and Andy Lewis had his handtouching the butt of his gun, but though Donnegan was looking straightat him, he kept his reins in one hand and his heavy riding crop in theother. And without a move toward his own gun, he rode straight up to thedoor of the dance hall, with Andy in front of it. George drew reinbehind him and turned upon the crowd one broad, superior grin. 

As who should say: "I promised you lightning; now watch it strike!"

If the crowd had been expectant before, it was now reduced to wire-drawntenseness. 

"Are you the fellow who turned back my man?" asked Donnegan. 

His quiet voice fell coldly upon the soul of Andy. He strove to warmhimself by an outbreak of temper. 

"They ain't any poor fool dude can call me a fellow!" he shouted. 

The crowd blinked; but when it opened its eyes the gunplay had notoccurred. The hand of Andy was relaxing from the butt of his gun and anexpression of astonishment and contempt was growing upon his face. 

"I haven't come to curse you, " said the rider, still occupying his handswith crop and reins. "I've come to ask you a question and get an answer. Are you the fellow who turned back my man?"

"I guess you ain't the kind I was expectin' to call on me, " drawledAndy, his fear gone, and he winked at the crowd. But the others were notyet ready to laugh. Something about the calm face of Donnegan hadimpressed them. "Sure, I'm the one that kicked him out. He ain't allowedin there. "

"It's the last of my thoughts to break in upon a convention in yourcity, " replied the grave rider, "but my man was sent on an errand andtherefore he had a right to expect courtesy. George, get off your horseand go into Milligan's place. I want that mint!"

For a moment Andy was too stunned to answer. Then his voice came harshlyand he swayed from side to side, gathering and summoning his wrath. 

"Keep out boy! Keep out, or you're buzzard meat. I'm warnin'--"

For the first time his glance left the rider to find George, and thatinstant was fatal. The hand of Donnegan licked out as the snake's tonguedarts--the loaded quirt slipped over in his hand, and holding it by thelash he brought the butt of it thudding on the head of Andy. 

Even then the instinct to fight remained in the stunned man; while hefell, he was drawing the revolver; he lay in a crumpling heap at thefeet of Donnegan's horse with the revolver shoved muzzle first into thesand. 

Donnegan's voice did not rise. 

"Go in and get that mint, George, " he ordered. "And hurry. This rascalhas kept me waiting until I'm thirsty. "

Big George hesitated only one instant--it was to sweep the crowd for thesecond time with his confident grin--and he strode through the door ofthe dance hall. As for Donnegan, his only movement was to swing hishorse around and shift riding crop and reins into the grip of his lefthand. His other hand was dropped carelessly upon his hip. Now, boththese things were very simple maneuvers, but The Corner noted that hischange of face had enabled Donnegan to bring the crowd under his eye, and that his right hand was now ready for a more serious bit of work ifneed be. Moreover, he was probing faces with his glance. And every armedman in that group felt that the eye of the rider was directedparticularly toward him. 

There had been one brief murmur; then the silence lay heavily again, forit was seen that Andy had been only slightly stunned--knocked out, as aboxer might be. Now his sturdy brains were clearing. His body stiffenedinto a human semblance once more; he fumbled, found the butt of his gunwith his first move. He pushed his hat straight: and so doing he rakedthe welt which the blow had left on his head. The pain finished clearingthe mist from his mind; in an instant he was on his feet, maddened withshame. He saw the semicircle of white faces, and the whole episodeflashed back on him. He had been knocked down like a dog. 

For a moment he looked into the blank faces of the crowd; someone notedthat there was no gun strapped at the side of Donnegan. A voice shouteda warning. 

"Stop, Lewis. The dude ain't got a gun. It's murder!"

It was now that Lewis saw Donnegan sitting the saddle directly behindhim, and he whirled with a moan of fury. It was a twist of his body--inhis eagerness--rather than a turning upon his feet. And he was halfaround before the rider moved. Then he conjured a gun from somewhere inhis clothes. There was the flash of the steel, an explosion, andScar-faced Lewis was on his knees with a scream of pain holding hisright forearm with his left hand. 

The crowd hesitated still for a second, as though it feared tointerfere; but Donnegan had already put up his weapon. A wave of thecurious spectators rushed across the street and gathered around theinjured man. They found that he had been shot through the fleshy part ofthe thumb, and the bullet, ranging down the arm, had sliced a furrow tothe bone all the way to the elbow. It was a grisly wound. 

Big George Washington Green came running to the door of the dance hallwith a sprig of something green in his hand; one glance assured him thatall was well; and once more that wide, confident grin spread upon hisface. He came to the master and offered the mint; and Donnegan, raisingit to his face, inhaled the scent deeply. 

"Good, " he said. "And now for a julep, George! Let's go home!"

Across the street a dark-eyed girl had clasped the arm of her companionin hysterical excitement. 

"Did you see?" she asked of her tall companion. 

"I saw a murderer shoot down a man; he ought to be hung for it!"

"But the mint! Did you see him smile over it? Oh, what a devil he is;and what a man!"

Jack Landis flashed a glance of suspicion down at her, but her dancingeyes had quite forgotten him. They were following the progress ofDonnegan down the street. He rode slowly, and George kept that formaldistance, just a length behind. 

18

Before Milligan's the crowd began to buzz like murmuring hornets arounda nest that has been tapped, when they pour out and cannot find thedisturber. It was a rather helpless milling around the wounded man, andNelly Lebrun was the one who worked her way through the crowd and cameto Andy Lewis. She did not like Andy. She had been known to refer to himas a cowardly hawk of a man; but now she bullied the crowd in a shrillvoice and made them bring water and cloth. Then she cleansed andbandaged the wound in Andy Lewis' arm and had some of them take himaway. 

By this time the outskirts of the crowd had melted away; but those whohad really seen all parts of the little drama remained to talk. Thesubject was a real one. Had Donnegan aimed at the hand of Andy andrisked his own life on his ability to disable the other without killinghim? Or had he fired at Lewis' body and struck the hand and arm only bya random lucky chance?

If the second were the case, he was only a fair shot with plenty ofnerve and a great deal of luck. If the first were true, then this was anerve of ice-tempered steel, an eye vulture-sharp, and a hand, miraculous, fast, and certain. To strike that swinging hand with a snapshot, when a miss meant a bullet fired at his own body at deadly shortrange--truly it would take a credulous man to believe that Donnegan hadcoldly planned to disable his man without killing him. 

"A murderer by intention, " exclaimed Milligan. He had hunted long andhard before he found a man with a face like that of Lewis, capable ofmaintaining order by a glance; now he wanted revenge. "A murder byintention!" he cried to the crowd, standing beside the place where theimprint of Andy's knees was still in the sand. "And like a murderer heought to be treated. He aimed to kill Andy; he had luck and only brokehis hand. Now, boys, I say it ain't so much what he's done as the wayhe's done it. He's given us the laugh. He's come in here in his dudeclothes and tried to walk over us. But it don't work. Not in The Corner. If Andy was dead, I'd say lynch the dude. But he ain't, and all I sayis: Run him out of town. "

Here there was a brief outburst of applause, but when it ended, it wasobserved that there was a low, soft laughter. The crowd gave way betweenMilligan and the mocker. It was seen that he who laughed was old Lebrun, rubbing his olive-skinned hands together and showing his teeth in hismirth. There was no love lost between Lebrun and Milligan, even if Nellywas often in the dance hall and the center of its merriment. 

"It takes a thief to catch a thief, " said Lebrun enigmatically, when hesaw that he had the ear of the crowd, "and it takes a man to catch aman. "

"What the devil do you mean by that?" a dozen voices asked. 

"I mean, that if you got men enough to run out this man Donnegan, TheCorner is a better town than I think. "

It brought a growl, but no answer. Lebrun had never been seen to lifthis hand, but he was more dreaded than a rattler. 

"We'll try, " said Milligan dryly. "I ain't much of a man myself"--therewere dark rumors about Milligan's past and the crowd chuckled at thismodesty--"but I'll try my hand agin' him with a bit of backing. Andfirst I want to tell you boys that they ain't any danger of him havingaimed at Andy's hand. I tell you, it ain't possible, hardly, for him tohave planned to hit a swingin' target like that. Maybe some could do it. I dunno. "

"How about Lord Nick?"

"Sure, Lord Nick might do anything. But Donnegan ain't Lord Nick. "

"Not by twenty pounds and three inches. "

This brought a laugh. And by comparison with the terrible and familiarname of Lord Nick, Donnegan became a smaller danger. Besides, asMilligan said, it was undoubtedly luck. And when he called forvolunteers, three or four stepped up at once. The others made a generalmilling, as though each were trying to get forward and each wereprevented by the crowd in front. But in the background big Jack Landiswas seriously trying to get to the firing line. He was encumbered withthe clinging weight of Nelly Lebrun. 

"Don't go, Jack, " she pleaded. "Please! Please! Be sensible. For mysake!"

She backed this appeal with a lifting of her eyes and a parting of herlips, and Jack Landis paused. 

"You won't go, dear Jack?"

Now, Jack knew perfectly well that the girl was only half sincere. It isthe peculiar fate of men that they always know when a woman is playingwith them, but, from Samson down, they always go to the slaughter withopen eyes, hoping each moment that the girl has been seriously impressedat last. As for Jack Landis, his slow mind did not readily get under thesurface of the arts of Nelly, but he knew that there was at least atinge of real concern in the girl's desire to keep him from the possewhich Milligan was raising. 

"But they's something about him that I don't like, Nelly. Something sortof familiar that I don't like. " For naturally enough he did notrecognize the transformed Donnegan, and the name he had never heardbefore. "A gunfighter, that's what he is!"

"Why, Jack, sometimes they call you the same thing; say that you huntfor trouble now and then!"

"Do they say that?" asked the young chap quickly, flushing with vanity. "Oh, I aim to take care of myself. And I'd like to take a hand with thismurdering Donnegan. "

"Jack, listen! Don't go; keep away from him!"

"Why do you look like that? As if I was a dead one already. "

"I tell you, Jack, he'd kill you!"

Something in her terrible assurance whitened the cheeks of Landis, buthe was also angered. When a very young man becomes both afraid and angryhe is apt to be dangerous. "What do you know of him?" he askedsuspiciously. 

"You silly! But I saw his face when he lifted that mint. He'd alreadyforgotten about the man he had just shot down. He was thinking ofnothing but the scent of the mint. And did you notice his giant servant?He never had a moment's doubt of Donnegan's ability to handle the entirecrowd. I tell you, it gave me a chill of ghosts to see the big blackfellow's eyes. He knew that Donnegan would win. And Donnegan won! Jack, you're a big man and a strong man and a brave man, and we all know it. But don't be foolish. Stay away from Donnegan!"

He wavered just an instant. If she could have sustained her pleadinggaze a moment longer she would have won him, but at the critical instanther gaze became distant. She was seeing the calm face of Donnegan as heraised the mint. And as though he understood, Jack Landis hardened. 

"I'm glad you don't want me shot up, Nelly, " he said coldly. "Mightygood of you to watch out for me. But--I'm going to run this Donnegan outof town!"

"He's never harmed you; why--"

"I don't like his looks. For a man like me that's enough!"

And he strode away toward Milligan. He was greeted by a cheer just asthe girl reached the side of her father. 

"Jack is going, " she said. "Make him come back!"

But the old man was still rubbing his hands; there seemed to be aperpetual chill in the tips of the fingers. 

"He is a jackass. The moment I first saw his face I knew that he wasmeant for gun fodder--buzzard food! Let him go. Bah!"

The girl shivered. "And then the mines?" she asked, changing hertactics. 

"Ah, yes. The mines! But leave that to Lord Nick. He'll handle it wellenough!"

So Jack Landis strode up the hill first and foremost of the six stalwartmen who wished to correct the stranger's apparent misunderstandings ofthe status of The Corner. They were each armed to the teeth and eachprovided with enough bullets to disturb a small city. All this in honorof Donnegan. 

They found the shack wrapped in the warm, mellow light of the lateafternoon; and on a flat-topped rock outside it big George satwhittling a stick into a grotesque imitation of a snake coiled. He didnot rise when the posse approached. He merely rocked back upon the rock, embraced his knees in both of his enormous arms, and, in a word, transformed himself into a round ball of mirth. But having hugged awayhis laughter he was able to convert his joy into a vast grin. That smilestopped the posse. When a mob starts for a scene of violence the leastexhibition of fear incenses it, but mockery is apt to pour water on itsflames of anger. 

Decidedly the fury of the posse was chilled by the grin of George. Milligan, who had lived south of the Mason-Dixon line, stepped up toimpress George properly. 

"Boy, " he said, frowning, "go in and tell your man that we've come forhim. Tell him to step right out here and get ready to talk. We don'tmean him no harm less'n he can't explain one or two things. Hop along!"

The "boy" did not stir. Only he shifted his eyes from face to face andhis grin broadened. Ripples of mirth waved along his chest and convulsedhis face, but still he did not laugh. "Go in and tell them things toDonnegan, " he said. "But don't ask me to wake him up. He's sleepin'soun' an' fas'. Like a baby; mostly, he sleeps every day to get restedup for the night. Now, can't you-all wait till Donnegan wakes uptonight? No? Then step right in, gen'lemen; but if you-all is set onwakin' him up now, George will jus' step over the hill, because he don'twant to be near the explosion. "

At this, he allowed his mirth free rein. His laughter shook up to histhroat, to his enormous mouth; it rolled and bellowed across thehillside; and the posse stood, each man in his place, and lookedfrigidly upon one another. But having been laughed at, they felt itnecessary to go on, and do or die. So they strode across the hill andwere almost to the door when another phenomenon occurred. A girl in acheap calico dress of blue was seen to run out of a neighboring shackand spring up before the door of Donnegan's hut. When she faced thecrowd it stopped again. 

The soft wind was blowing the blue dress into lovely, long, curvinglines; about her throat a white collar of some sheer stuff was beinglifted into waves, or curling against her cheek; and the golden hair, indisorder, was tousled low upon her forehead. 

Whirling thus upon the crowd, she shocked them to a pause, with herparted lips, her flare of delicate color. 

"Have you come here, " she cried, "for--for Donnegan?"

"Lady, " began someone, and then looked about for Jack Landis, who wasconsidered quite a hand with the ladies. But Jack Landis was discoveredfading out of view down the hillside. One glance at that blue dress hadquite routed him, for now he remembered the red-haired man who hadescorted Lou Macon to The Corner--and the colonel's singular trust inthis fellow. It explained much, and he fled before he should be noticed. 

Before the spokesman could continue his speech, the girl had whippedinside the door. And the posse was dumbfounded. Milligan saw that theadvance was ruined. "Boys, " he said, "we came to fight a man; not tostorm a house with a woman in it. Let's go back. We'll tend to Donneganlater on. "

"We'll drill him clean!" muttered the others furiously, and straightwaythe posse departed down the hill. 

But inside the girl had found, to her astonishment, that Donnegan wasstretched upon his bunk wrapped again in the silken dressing gown andwith a smile upon his lips. He looked much younger, as he slept, andperhaps it was this that made the girl steal forward upon tiptoe andtouch his shoulder so gently. 

He was up on his feet in an instant. Alas, vanity, vanity! Donnegan inshoes was one thing, for his shoes were of a particular kind; butDonnegan in his slippers was a full two inches shorter. He was hardlytaller than the girl; he was, if the bitter truth must be known, almosta small man. And Donnegan was furious at having been found by her insuch careless attire--and without those dignity-building shoes. Firsthe wanted to cut the throat of big George. 

"What have you done, what have you done?" cried the girl, in one ofthose heart-piercing whispers of fear. "They have come for you--a wholecrowd--of armed men--they're outside the door! What have you done? Itwas something done for me, I know!"

Donnegan suddenly transferred his wrath from big George to the mob. 

"Outside my door?" he asked. And as he spoke he slipped on a belt atwhich a heavy holster tugged down on one side, and buckled it aroundhim. 

"Oh, no, no, no!" she pleaded, and caught him in her arms. 

Donnegan allowed her to stop him with that soft power for a moment, until his face went white--as if with pain. Then he adroitly gatheredboth her wrists into one of his bony hands; and having rendered herpowerless, he slipped by her and cast open the door. 

It was an empty scene upon which they looked, with big George rockingback and forth upon a rock, convulsed with silent laughter. Donneganlooked sternly at the girl and swallowed. He was fearfully susceptibleto mockery. 

"There seems to have been a jest?" he said. 

But she lifted him a happy, tearful face. 

"Ah, thank heaven!" she cried gently. 

Oddly enough, Donnegan at this set his teeth and turned upon his heel, and the girl stole out the door again, and closed it softly behind her. As a matter of fact, not even the terrible colonel inspired in her quitethe fear which Donnegan instilled. 

19

"Big Landis lost his nerve and sidestepped at the last minute, and thenthe whole gang faded. "

That was the way the rumors of the affair always ended at eachrepetition in Lebrun's and Milligan's that night. The Corner had hadmany things to talk about during its brief existence, but nothing tocompare with a man who entered a shooting scrape with such a fellow asScar-faced Lewis all for the sake of a spray of mint. And the main topicof conversation was: Did Donnegan aim at the body or the hand of thebouncer?

On the whole, it was an excellent thing for Milligan's. The place wasfairly well crowded, with a few vacant tables. For everyone wanted tohear Milligan's version of the affair. He had a short and vigorous one, trimmed with neat oaths. It was all the girl in the blue calico dress, according to him. The posse couldn't storm a house with a woman in it oreven conduct a proper lynching in her presence. And no one was able tosmile when Milligan said this. Neither was anyone nervy enough toquestion the courage of Landis. It looked strange, that sudden flight ofhis, but then, he was a proven man. Everyone remembered the affair ofLester. It had been a clean-cut fight, and Jack Landis had won cleanlyon his merits. 

Nevertheless some of the whispers had not failed to come to the big man, and his brow was black. 

The most terribly heartless and selfish passion of all is shame in ayoung man. To repay the sidelong glances which he met on every side, Jack Landis would have willingly crowded every living soul in The Cornerinto one house and touched a match to it. And chiefly because he feltthe injustice of the suspicion. He had no fear of Donnegan. 

He had a theory that little men had little souls. Not that he everformulated the theory in words, but he vaguely felt it and adhered toit. He had more fear of one man of six two than a dozen under five ten. He reserved in his heart of hearts a place of awe for one man whom hehad never seen. That was for Lord Nick, for that celebrated characterwas said to be as tall and as finely built as Jack Landis himself. Butas for Donnegan--Landis wished there were three Donnegans instead ofone. 

Tonight his cue was surly silence. For Nelly Lebrun had been warned byher father, and she was making desperate efforts to recover any groundshe might have lost. Besides, to lose Jack Landis would be to lose themost spectacular fellow in The Corner, to say nothing of the one whoheld the largest and the choicest of the mines. The blond, good looks ofLandis made a perfect background for her dark beauty. With all thesestakes to play for, Nelly outdid herself. If she were attractive enoughordinarily, when she exerted herself to fascinate, Nelly wasintoxicating. What chance had poor Jack Landis against her? He did notcall for her that night but went to play gloomily at Lebrun's untilNelly walked into Lebrun's and drew him away from a table. Half an hourlater she had him whirling through a dance in Milligan's and had dancedthe gloom out of his mind for the moment. Before the evening was wellunder way, Landis was making love to her openly, and Nelly was in theposition of one who had roused the bear. 

It was a dangerous flirtation and it was growing clumsy. In any placeother than The Corner it would have been embarrassing long ago; and whenJack Landis, after a dance, put his one big hand over both of Nelly'sand held her moveless while he poured out a passionate declaration, Nelly realized that something must be done. Just what she could nottell. 

And it was at this very moment that a wave of silence, beginning at thedoor, rushed across Milligan's dance floor. It stopped the bartenders inthe act of mixing drinks; it put the musicians out of key, and in themidst of a waltz phrase they broke down and came to a discordant pause. 

What was it?

The men faced the door, wondering, and then the swift rumor passed fromlip to lip--almost from eye to eye, so rapidly it sped--Donnegan iscoming! Donnegan, and big George with him. 

"Someone tell Milligan!"

But Milligan had already heard; he was back of the bar givingdirections; guns were actually unlimbering. What would happen?

"Shall I get you out of this?" Landis asked the girl. 

"Leave now?" She laughed fiercely and silently. "I'm just beginning tolive! Miss Donnegan in action? No, sir!"

She would have given a good deal to retract that sentence, for it washedthe face of Landis white with jealousy. 

Surely Donnegan had built greater than he knew. 

And suddenly he was there in the midst of the house. No one had stoppedhim--at least, no one had interfered with his servant. Big George had ona white suit and a dappled green necktie; he stood directly behind hismaster and made him look like a small boy. For Donnegan was in black, and he had a white neckcloth wrapped as high and stiffly as anold-fashioned stock. Altogether he was a queer, drab figure comparedwith the brilliant Donnegan of that afternoon. He looked older, moreweary. His lean face was pale; and his hair flamed with redoubled ardoron that account. Never was hair as red as that, not even the hair ofLord Nick, said the people in Milligan's this night. 

He was perfectly calm even in the midst of that deadly silence. He stoodlooking about him. He saw Gloster, the real estate man, and bowed to himdeliberately. 

For some reason that drew a gasp. 

Then he observed a table which was apparently to his fancy and crossedthe floor with a light, noiseless step, big George padding heavilybehind him. At the little round table he waited until George had drawnout the chair for him and then he sat down. He folded his arms lightlyupon his breast and once more surveyed the scene, and big George drewhimself up behind Donnegan. Just once his eyes rolled and flashedsavagely in delight at the sensation that they were making, then theface of George was once again impassive. 

If Donnegan had not carried it off with a certain air, the wholeentrance would have seemed decidedly stagey, but The Corner, as it was, found much to wonder at and little to criticize. And in the West grownmen are as shrewd judges of affectation as children are in other places. 

"Putting on a lot of style, eh?" said Jack Landis, and with fierceintensity he watched the face of Nelly Lebrun. 

For once she was unguarded. 

"He's superb!" she exclaimed. "The big fellow is going to bring a drinkfor him. "

She looked up, surprised by the silence of Landis, and found that hisface was actually yellow. 

"I'll tell you something. Do you remember the little red-headed trampwho came in here the other night and spoke to me?"

"Very well. You seemed to be bothered. "

"Maybe. I dunno. But that's the man--the one who's sitting over therenow all dressed up--the man The Corner is talking about--Donnegan! Atramp!"

She caught her breath. 

"Is that the one?" A pause. "Well, I believe it. He's capable ofanything!"

"I think you like him all the better for knowing that. "

"Jack, you're angry. "

"Why should I be? I hate to see you fooled by the bluff of a tramp, though. "

"Tush! Do you think I'm fooled by it? But it's an interesting bluff, Jack, don't you think?"

"Nelly, he's interesting enough to make you blush; by heaven, the houndis lookin' right at you now, Nelly!"

He had pressed her suddenly against the wall and she struck backdesperately in self-defense. 

"By the way, what did he want to see you about?"

It spiked the guns of Landis for the time being, at least. And the girlfollowed by striving to prove that her interest in Donnegan was purelyimpersonal. 

"He's clever, " she ran on, not daring to look at the set face of hercompanion. "See how he fails to notice that he's making a sensation?You'd think he was in a big restaurant in a city. He takes the drink offthe tray from that fellow as if it were a common thing to be waited onby a body-servant in The Corner. Jack, I'll wager that there's somethingcrooked about him. A professional gambler, say!"

Jack Landis thawed a little under this careless chatter. He still didnot quite trust her. 

"Do you know what they're whispering? That I was afraid to face him!"

She tilted her head back, so that the light gleamed on her young throat, and she broke into laughter. 

"Why, Jack, that's foolish. You proved yourself when you first came toThe Corner. Maybe some of the newcomers may have said something, but allthe old-timers know you had some different reason for leaving the restof them. By the way, what was the reason?"

She sent a keen little glance at him from the corner of her eyes, butthe moment she saw that he was embarrassed and at sea because of thequery she instantly slipped into a fresh tide of careless chatter andcovered up his confusion for him. 

"See how the girls are making eyes at him. "

"I'll tell you why, " Jack replied. "A girl likes to be with the manwho's making the town talk. " He added pointedly: "Oh, I've found thatout!"

She shrugged that comment away. 

"He isn't paying the slightest attention to any of them, " she murmured. "He's queer! Has he just come here hunting trouble?"

20

It should be understood that before this the men in Milligan's hadreached a subtly unspoken agreement that red-haired Donnegan was not oneof them. In a word, they did not like him because he made a mystery ofhimself. And, also, because he was different. Yet there was a growingfeeling that the shooting of Lewis through the hand had not been anaccident, for the whole demeanor of Donnegan composed the action of aman who is a professional trouble maker. There was no reason why heshould go to Milligan's and take his servant with him unless he wished afight. And why a man should wish to fight the entire Corner wassomething no one could guess. 

That he should have done all this merely to focus all eyes upon him, andparticularly the eyes of a girl, did not occur to anyone. It lookedrather like the bravado of a man who lived for the sake of fighting. Now, men who hunt trouble in the mountain desert generally find all thatthey may desire, but for the time being everyone held back, wolfishly, waiting for another to take the first step toward Donnegan. Indeed, there was an unspoken conviction that the man who took the first stepwould probably not live to take another. In the meantime both men andwomen gave Donnegan the lion's share of their attention. There was onlyone who was clever enough to conceal it, and that one was the pair ofeyes to which the red-haired man was playing--Nelly Lebrun. She confinedherself strictly to Jack Landis. 

So it was that when Milligan announced a tag dance and the couplesswirled onto the floor gayly, Donnegan decided to take matters into hisown hands and offer the first overt act. It was clumsy; he did not likeit; but he hated this delay. And he knew that every moment he stayed onthere with big George behind his chair was another red rag flaunted inthe face of The Corner. 

He saw the men who had no girl with them brighten at the announcement ofthe tag dance. And when the dance began he saw the prettiest girlstagged quickly, one after the other. All except Nelly Lebrun. She swungsecurely around the circle in the big arms of Jack Landis. She seemed tobe set apart and protected from the common touch by his size, and by hisformidable, challenging eye. Donnegan felt as never before theunassailable position of this fellow; not only from his own fightingqualities, but because he had behind him the whole unfathomable power ofLord Nick and his gang. 

Nelly approached in the arms of Landis in making the first circle of thedance floor; her eyes, grown dull as she surrendered herself wholly tothe rhythm of the waltz, saw nothing. They were blank as unlightedcharcoal. She came opposite Donnegan, her back was toward him; she swungin the arms of Landis, and then, past the shoulder of her partner, sheflashed a glance at Donnegan. The spark had fallen on the charcoal, andher eyes were aflame. Aflame to Donnegan; the next instant the veil haddropped across her face once more. 

She was carried on, leaving Donnegan tingling. 

A wise man upon whom that look had fallen might have seen, not NellyLebrun in the cheap dance hall, but Helen of Sparta and all Troy's dead. But Donnegan was clever, not wise. And he saw only Nelly Lebrun and thebroad shoulders of Jack Landis. 

Let the critic deal gently with Donnegan. He loved Lou Macon with allhis heart and his soul, and yet because another beautiful girl hadlooked at him, there he sat at his table with his jaw set and the devilin his eye. And while she and Landis were whirling through the nextcircumference of the room, Donnegan was seeing all sides of the problem. If he tagged Landis it would be casting the glove in the face of the bigman--and in the face of old Lebrun--and in the face of that mysteriousand evil power, Lord Nick himself. And consider, that besides these hehad already insulted all of The Corner. 

Why not let things go on as they were? Suppose he were to allow Landisto plunge deeper into his infatuation? Suppose he were to bring LouMacon to this place and let her see Landis sitting with Nelly, makinglove to her with every tone in his voice, every light in his eye? Wouldnot that cure Lou? And would not that open the door to Donnegan?

And remember, in considering how Donnegan was tempted, that he was not aconscientious man. He was in fact what he seemed to be--a wanderer, acareless vagrant, living by his wits. For all this, he had been touchedby the divine fire--a love that is greater than self. And the moredeeply he hated Landis, the more profoundly he determined that he shouldbe discarded by Nelly and forced back to Lou Macon. In the meantime, Nelly and Jack were coming again. They were close; they were passing;and this time her eye had no spark for Donnegan. 

Yet he rose from his table, reached the floor with a few steps, andtouched Landis lightly on the shoulder. The challenge was passed. Landisstopped abruptly and turned his head; his face showed merely dullastonishment. The current of dancers split and washed past on eitherside of the motionless trio, and on every face there was a glitteringcuriosity. What would Landis do?

Nothing. He was too stupefied to act. He, Jack Landis, had actually beentagged while he was dancing with the woman which all The Corner knew tobe his girl! And before his befogged senses cleared the girl was in thearms of the red-haired man and was lost in the crowd. 

What a buzz went around the room! For a moment Landis could no more movethan he could think; then he sent a sullen glance toward the girl andretreated to their table. A childish sullenness clouded his face whilehe sat there; only one decision came clearly to him: he must killDonnegan!

In the meantime people noted two things. The first was that Donnegandanced very well with Nelly Lebrun; and his red hair beside the silkenblack of the girl's was a startling contrast. It was not a common red. It flamed, as though with phosphoric properties of its own. But theydanced well; and the eyes of both of them were gleaming. Another thing:men did not tag Donnegan any more than they had offered to tag Landis. One or two slipped out from the outskirts of the floor, but something inthe face of Donnegan discouraged them and made them turn elsewhere asthough they had never started for Nelly Lebrun in the first place. Indeed, to a two-year-old child it would have been apparent that Nellyand the red-headed chap were interested in each other. 

As a matter of fact they did not speak a single syllable until they hadgone around the floor one complete turn and the dance was coming towardan end. 

It was he who spoke first, gloomily: "I shouldn't have done it; Ishouldn't have tagged him!"

At this she drew back a little so that she could meet his eyes. 

"Why not?"

"The whole crew will be on my trail. "

"What crew?"

"Beginning with Lord Nick!"

This shook her completely out of the thrall of the dance. 

"Lord Nick? What makes you think that?"

"I know he's thick with Landis. It'll mean trouble. "

He was so simple about it that she began to laugh. It was not such avoice as Lou Macon's. It was high and light, and one could suspect thatit might become shrill under a stress. 

"And yet it looks as though you've been hunting trouble, " she said. 

"I couldn't help it, " said Donnegan naïvely. 

It was a very subtle flattery, this frankness from a man who had puzzledall The Corner. Nelly Lebrun felt that she was about to look behind thescenes and she tingled with delight. 

"Tell me, " she said. "Why not?"

"Well, " said Donnegan. "I had to make a noise because I wanted to benoticed. "

She glanced about her; every eye was upon them. 

"You've made your point, " she murmured. "The whole town is talking ofnothing else. "

"I don't care an ounce of lead about the rest of the town. "

"Then--"

She stopped abruptly, seeing toward what he was tending. And the heartof Nelly Lebrun fluttered for the first time in many a month. Shebelieved him implicitly. It was for her sake that he had made all thiscommotion; to draw her attention. For every lovely girl, no matter howcool-headed, has a foolish belief in the power of her beauty. As amatter of fact Donnegan had told her the truth. It had all been to winher attention, from the fight for the mint to the tagging for the dance. How could she dream that it sprang out of anything other than a wilddevotion to her? And while Donnegan coldly calculated every effect, Nelly Lebrun began to see in him the man of a dream, a spirit out of adead age, a soul of knightly, reckless chivalry. In that smallconfession he cast a halo about himself which no other hand could everremove entirely so far as Nelly Lebrun was concerned. 

"You understand?" he was saying quietly. 

She countered with a question as direct as his confession. 

"What are you, Mr. Donnegan?"

"A wanderer, " said Donnegan instantly, "and an avoider of work. "

At that they laughed together. The strain was broken and in its placethere was a mutual excitement. She saw Landis in the distance watchingtheir laughter with a face contorted with anger, but it only increasedher unreasoning happiness. 

"Mr. Donnegan, let me give you friendly advice. I like you: I know youhave courage; and I saw you meet Scar-faced Lewis. But if I were you I'dleave The Corner tonight and never come back. You've set every managainst you. You've stepped on the toes of Landis and he's a big manhere. And even if you were to prove too much for Jack you'd come againstLord Nick, as you say yourself. Do you know Nick?"

"No. "

"Then, Mr. Donnegan, leave The Corner!"

The music, ending, left them face to face as he dropped his arm fromabout her. And she could appreciate now, for the first time, that he wassmaller than he had seemed at a distance, or while he was dancing. Heseemed a frail figure indeed to face the entire banded Corner--and LordNick. 

"Don't you see, " said Donnegan, "that I can't stop now?"

There was a double meaning that sent her color flaring. 

He added in a low, tense voice, "I've gone too far. Besides, I'mbeginning to hope!"

She paused, then made a little gesture of abandon. 

"Then stay, stay!" she whispered with eyes on fire. "And good luck toyou, Mr. Donnegan!"

21

As they went back, toward Nelly's table, where Jack Landis was trying toappear carelessly at ease, the face of Donnegan was pale. One might havethought that excitement and fear caused his pallor; but as a matter offact it was in him an unfailing sign of happiness and success. Landishad manners enough to rise as they approached. He found himself beingpresented to the smaller man. He heard the cool, precise voice ofDonnegan acknowledging the introduction; and then the red-headed manwent back to his table; and Jack Landis was alone with Nelly Lebrunagain. 

He scowled at her, and she tried to look repentant, but since she couldnot keep the dancing light out of her eyes, she compromised by lookingsteadfastly down at the table. Which convinced Landis that she wasthinking of her late partner. He made a great effort, swallowed, and wasable to speak smoothly enough. 

"Looked as if you were having a pretty good time with that--tramp. "

The color in her cheeks was anger; Landis took it for shame. 

"He dances beautifully, " she replied. 

"Yeh; he's pretty smooth. Take a gent like that, it's hard for a girlto see through him. "

"Let's not talk about him, Jack. "

"All right. Is he going to dance with you again?"

"I promised him the third dance after this. "

For a time Landis could not trust his voice. Then: "Kind of sorry aboutthat. Because I'll be going home before then. "

At this she raised her eyes for the first time. He was astonished and alittle horrified to see that she was not in the least flustered, butvery angry. 

"You'll go home before I have a chance for that dance?" she asked. "You're acting like a two-year-old, Jack. You are!"

He flushed. Burning would be too easy a death for Donnegan. 

"He's making a laughingstock out of me; look around the room!"

"Nobody's thinking about you at all, Jack. You're just self-conscious. "

Of course, it was pouring acid upon an open wound. But she was past thepoint of caution. 

"Maybe they ain't, " said Landis, controlling his rage. "I don't figurethat I amount to much. But I rate myself as high as a skunk like him!"

It may have been a smile that she gave him. At any rate, he caught theglint of teeth, and her eyes were as cold as steel points. If she hadactually defended the stranger she would not have infuriated Landis somuch. 

"Well, what does he say about himself?"

"He says frankly that he's a vagrant. "

"And you don't believe him?"

She did not speak. 

"Makin' a play for sympathy. Confound a man like that, I say!"

Still she did not answer; and now Landis became alarmed. 

"D'you really like him, Nelly?"

"I liked him well enough to introduce him to you, Jack. "

"I'm sorry I talked so plain if you put it that way, " he admittedheavily. "I didn't know you picked up friends so fast as all that!" Hecould not avoid adding this last touch of the poison point. 

His back was to Donnegan, and consequently the girl, facing him, couldlook straight across the room at the red-headed man. She allowed herselfone brief glance, and she saw that he was sitting with his elbow on thetable, his chin in his hand, looking fixedly at her. It was the gaze ofone who forgets all else and wraps himself in a dream. Other people inthe room were noting that changeless stare and the whisper buzzed moreand more loudly, but Donnegan had forgotten the rest of the world, itseemed. It was a very cunning piece of acting, not too much overdone, and once more the heart of Nelly Lebrun fluttered. 

She remembered that in spite of his frankness he had not talked withinsolent presumption to her. He had merely answered her individualquestions with an astonishing, childlike frankness. He had laid hisheart before her, it seemed. And now he sat at a distance looking at herwith the white, intense face of one who sees a dream. 

Nelly Lebrun was recalled by the heavy breathing of Jack Landis and shediscovered that she had allowed her eyes to rest too long on thered-headed stranger. She had forgotten; her eyes had widened; and evenJack Landis was able to look into her mind and see things that startledhim. For the first time he sensed that this was more than a carelessflirtation. And he sat stiffly at the table, looking at her and throughher with a fixed smile. Nelly, horrified, strove to cover her tracks. 

"You're right, Jack, " she said. "I--I think there was something brazenin the way he tagged you. And--let's go home together!"

Too late. The mind of Landis was not oversharp, but now jealousy gave ita point. He nodded his assent, and they got up, but there was noincrease in his color. She read as plain as day in his face that heintended murder this night and Nelly was truly frightened. 

So she tried different tactics. All the way to the substantial littlehouse which Lebrun had built at a little distance from the gamblinghall, she kept up a running fire of steady conversation. But when shesaid good night to him, his face was still set. She had not deceivedhim. When he turned, she saw him go back into the night with longstrides, and within half an hour she knew, as clearly as if she wereremembering the picture instead of foreseeing it, that Jack and Donneganwould face each other gun in hand on the floor of Milligan's dance hall. 

Still, she was not foolish enough to run after Jack, take his arm, andmake a direct appeal. It would be too much like begging for Donnegan, and even if Jack forgave her for this interest in his rival, she hadsense enough to feel that Donnegan himself never would. Something, however, must be done to prevent the fight, and she took the straightestcourse. 

She went as fast as a run would carry her straight behind theintervening houses and came to the back entrance to the gaming hall. There she entered and stepped into the little office of her father. Black Lebrun was not there. She did not want him. In his place there satthe Pedlar and Joe Rix; they were members of Lord Nick's chosen crew, and since Nick's temporary alliance with Lebrun for the sake ofplundering Jack Landis, Nick's men were Nelly's men. Indeed, this was aformidable pair. They were the kind of men about whom many whispers andno facts circulate: and yet the facts are far worse than the whispers. It was said that Joe Rix, who was a fat little man with a great aversionto a razor and a pair of shallow, pale blue eyes, was in reality amerciless fiend. He was; and he was more than that, if there be astronger superlative. If Lord Nick had dirty work to be done, there wasthe man who did it with a relish. The Pedlar, on the other hand, was anexact opposite. He was long, lean, raw-boned, and prodigiously strong inspite of his lack of flesh. He had vast hands, all loose skin andoutstanding tendons; he had a fleshless face over which his smile wascapable of extending limitlessly. He was the sort of a man from whom onewould expect shrewdness, some cunning, stubbornness, a dry humor, andmany principles. All of which, except the last, was true of the Pedlar. 

There was this peculiarity about the Pedlar. In spite of his broad grinsand his wise, bright eyes, none, even of Lord Nick's gang, extended afriendship or familiarity toward him. When they spoke of the Pedlar theynever used his name. They referred to him as "him" or they indicated himwith gestures. If he had a fondness for any living creature it was forfat Joe Rix. 

Yet on seeing this ominous pair, Nelly Lebrun cried out softly indelight. She ran to them, and dropped a hand on the bony shoulder of thePedlar and one on the plump shoulder of Joe Rix, whose loose fleshrolled under her finger tips. 

"It's Jack Landis!" she cried. "He's gone to Milligan's to fight thenew man. Stop him!"

"Donnegan?" said Joe, and did not rise. 

"Him?" said the Pedlar, and moistened his broad lips like one on theverge of starvation. 

"Are you going to sit here?" she cried. "What will Lord Nick say if hefinds out you've let Jack get into a fight?"

"We ain't nursin' mothers, " declared the Pedlar. "But I'd kind of liketo look on!"

And he rose. Unkinking joint after joint, straightening his legs, hisback, his shoulders, his neck, he soared up and up until he stood aprodigious height. The girl controlled a shudder of disgust. 

"Joe!" she appealed. 

"You want us to clean up Donnegan?" he asked, rising, but withoutinterest in his voice. 

To his surprise, she slipped back to the door and blocked it with heroutcast arms. 

"Not a hair of his head!" she said fiercely. "Swear that you won't harmhim, boys!"

"What the devil!" ejaculated Joe, who was a blunt man in spite of hisfat. "You want us to keep Jack from fightin', but you don't want us tohurt the other gent. What you want? Hogtie 'em both?"

"Yes, yes; keep Jack out of Milligan's; but for heaven's sake don't tryto put a hand on Donnegan. "

"Why not?"

"For your sakes; he'd kill you, Joe!"

At this they both gaped in unison, and as one man they drawled in vastadmiration: "Good heavens!"

"But go, go, go!" cried the girl. 

And she shoved them through the door and into the night. 

22

To the people in Milligan's it had been most incredible that Jack Landisshould withdraw from a competition of any sort. And though the girlswere able to understand his motives in taking Nelly Lebrun away theywere not able to explain this fully to their men companions. For one andall they admitted that Jack was imperiling his hold on the girl inquestion if he allowed her to stay near this red-headed fiend. But oneand all they swore that Jack Landis had ruined himself with her bytaking her away. And this was a paradox which made masculine heads inThe Corner spin. The main point was that Jack Landis had backed downbefore a rival; and this fact was stunning enough. Donnegan, however, was not confused. He sent big George to ask Milligan to come to him fora moment. 

Milligan, at this, cursed George, but he was drawn by curiosity toconsent. A moment later he was seated at Donnegan's table, drinking hisown liquor as it was served to him from the hands of big George. If thefirst emotions of the dance-hall proprietor were anger and intensecuriosity, his second emotion was that never-failing surprise which allwho came close to the wanderer felt. For he had that rare faculty ofseeming larger when in action, even when actually near much bigger men. Only when one came close to Donnegan one stepped, as it were, through aveil, and saw the almost fragile reality. When Milligan had caught hisbreath and adjusted himself, he began as follows:

"Now, Bud, " he said, "you've made a pretty play. Not bad at all. But nomore bluffs in Milligan's. "

"Bluff!" Donnegan repeated gently. 

"About your servant. I let it pass for one night, but not for another. "

"My dear Mr. Milligan! However"--changing the subject easily--"what Iwish to speak to you about is a bit of trouble which I foresee. I think, sir, that Jack Landis is coming back. "

"What makes you think that?"

"It's a feeling I have. I have queer premonitions, Mr. Milligan, I'msure he's coming and I'm sure he's going to attempt a murder. "

Milligan's thick lips framed his question but he did not speak: fearmade his face ludicrous. 

"Right here?"

"Yes. "

"A shootin' scrape here! You?"

"He has me in mind. That's why I'm speaking to you. "

"Don't wait to speak to me about it. Get up and get out!"

"Mr. Milligan, you're wrong. I'm going to stay here and you're going toprotect me. "

"Well, confound your soul! They ain't much nerve about you, is there?"

"You run a public place. You have to protect your patrons from insult. "

"And who began it, then? Who started walkin' on Jack's toes? Now youcome whinin' to me! By heck, I hope Jack gets you!"

"You're a genial soul, " said Donnegan. "Here's to you!"

But something in his smile as he sipped his liquor made Milligan sitstraighter in his chair. 

As for Donnegan, he was thinking hard and fast. If there were a shootingaffair and he won, he would nevertheless run a close chance of beinghung by a mob. He must dispose that mob to look upon him as thedefendant and Landis as the aggressor. He had not foreseen the crisisuntil it was fairly upon him. He had thought of Nelly playing Landisalong more gradually and carefully, so that, while he was slowlylearning that she was growing cold to him, he would have a chance togrow fond of Lou Macon once more. But even across the width of the roomhe had seen the girl fire up, and from that moment he knew the result. Landis already suspected him; Landis, with the feeling that he had beenrobbed, would do his best to kill the thief. He might take a chance withLandis, if it came to a fight, just as he had taken a chance with Lewis. But how different this case would be! Landis was no dull-nerved ruffianand drunkard. He was a keen boy with a hair-trigger balance, and in agunplay he would be apt to beat the best of them all. Of all thisDonnegan was fully aware. Either he must place his own life in terriblehazard or else he must shoot to kill; and if he killed, what of LouMacon?

While he smiled into the face of Milligan, perspiration was bursting outunder his armpits. 

"Mr. Milligan, I implore you to give me your aid. "

"What's the difference?" Milligan asked in a changed tone. "If he don'tfight you here he'll fight you later. "

"You're wrong, Mr. Milligan. He isn't the sort to hold malice. He'llcome here tonight and try to get at me like a bulldog straining on aleash. If he is kept away he'll get over his bad temper. "

Milligan pushed back his chair. 

"You've tried to force yourself down the throat of The Corner, " he said, "and now you yell for help when you see the teeth. "

He had raised his voice. Now he got up and strode noisily away. Donneganwaited until he was halfway across the dance floor and then rose inturn. 

"Gentlemen, " he said. 

The quiet voice cut into every conversation; the musicians lowered theinstruments. 

"I have just told Mr. Milligan that I am sure Jack Landis is coming backhere to try to kill me. I have asked for his protection. He has refusedit. I intend to stay here and wait for him, Jack Landis. In the meantimeI ask any able-bodied man who will do so, to try to stop Landis when heenters. "

He sat down, raised his glass, and sipped the drink. Two hundred pairsof eyes were fastened with hawklike intensity upon him, and they couldperceive no quiver of his hand. 

The sipping of his liquor was not an affectation. For he was drinking, at incredible cost, liquors from Milligan's store of rareties. 

The effect of Donnegan's announcement was first a silence, then a hum, then loud voices of protest, curiosity--and finally a scurrying towardthe doors. 

Yet really very few left. The rest valued a chance to see the fightbeyond the fear of random slugs of lead which might fly their way. Besides, where such men as Donnegan and big Jack Landis were concerned, there was not apt to be much wild shooting. The dancing stopped, ofcourse. The music was ordered by Milligan to play, in a frantic endeavorto rouse custom again; but the music of its own accord fell away in themiddle of the piece. For the musicians could not watch the notes and thedoor at the same time. 

As for Donnegan, he found that it was one thing to wait and another tobe waited for. He, too, wished to turn and watch that door until itshould be filled by the bulk of Jack Landis. Yet he fought the desire. 

And in the midst of this torturing suspense an idea came to him, and atthe same instant Jack Landis entered the doorway. He stood there lookingvast against the night. One glance around was sufficient to teach himthe meaning of the silence. The stage was set, and the way opened toDonnegan. Without a word, big George stole to one side. 

Straight to the middle of the dance floor went Jack Landis, red-faced, with long, heavy steps. He faced Donnegan. 

"You skunk!" shouted Landis. "I've come for you!"

And he went for his gun. Donnegan, too, stirred. But when the revolverleaped into the hand of Landis, it was seen that the hands of Donneganrose past the line of his waist, past his shoulders, and presentlylocked easily behind his head. A terrible chance, for Landis had comewithin a breath of shooting. So great was the impulse that, as hechecked the pressure of his forefinger, he stumbled a whole paceforward. He walked on. 

"You need cause to fight?" he cried, striking Donnegan across the facewith the back of his left hand, jerking up the muzzle of the gun in hisright. 

Now a dark trickle was seen to come from the broken lips of Donnegan, yet he was smiling faintly. 

Jack Landis muttered a curse and said sneeringly: "Are you afraid?"

There were sick faces in that room; men turned their heads, for nothingis so ghastly as the sight of a man who is taking water. 

"Hush, " said Donnegan. "I'm going to kill you, Jack. But I want to killyou fairly and squarely. There's no pleasure, you see, in beating ayoungster like you to the draw. I want to give you a fighting chance. Besides"--he removed one hand from behind his head and waved itcarelessly to where the men of The Corner crouched in the shadow--"youpeople have seen me drill one chap already, and I'd like to shoot you ina new way. Is that agreeable?"

Two terrible, known figures detached themselves from the gloom near thedoor. 

"Hark to this gent sing, " said one, and his name was the Pedlar. "Harkto him sing, Jack, and we'll see that you get fair play. "

"Good, " said his friend, Joe Rix. "Let him take his try, Jack. "

As a matter of fact, had Donnegan reached for a gun, he would have beenshot before even Landis could bring out a weapon, for the steady eye ofJoe Rix, hidden behind the Pedlar, had been looking down a revolverbarrel at the forehead of Donnegan, waiting for that first move. Butsomething about the coolness of Donnegan fascinated them. 

"Don't shoot, Joe, " the Pedlar had said. "That bird is the chief overagain. Don't plug him!"

And that was why Donnegan lived. 

23

If he had taken the eye of the hardened Rix and the still harder Pedlar, he had stunned the men of The Corner. And breathlessly they waited forhis proposal to Jack Landis. 

He spoke with his hands behind his head again, after he had slowly takenout a handkerchief and wiped his chin. 

"I'm a methodical fellow, Landis, " he said. "I hate to do an untidypiece of work. I have been disgusted with myself since my little fallingout with Lewis. I intended to shoot him cleanly through the hand, butinstead of that I tore up his whole forearm. Sloppy work, Landis. Idon't like it. Now, in meeting you, I want to do a clean, neat, precisejob. One that I'll be proud of. "

A moaning voice was heard faintly in the distance. It was the Pedlar, who had wrapped himself in his gaunt arms and was crooning softly, withunspeakable joy: "Hark to him sing! Hark to him sing! A ringer for thechief!"

"Why should we be in such a hurry?" continued Donnegan. "You see thatclock in the corner? Tut, tut! Turn your head and look. Do you thinkI'll drop you while you look around?"

Landis flung one glance over his shoulder at the big clock, whosependulum worked solemnly back and forth. 

"In five minutes, " said Donnegan, "it will be eleven o'clock. And whenit's eleven o'clock the clock will chime. Now, Landis, you and I shallsit down here like gentlemen and drink our liquor and think our lastthoughts. Heavens, man, is there anything more disagreeable than beinghurried out of life? But when the clock chimes, we draw our guns andshoot each other through the heart--the brain--wherever we have chosen. But, Landis, if one of us should inadvertently--or throughnervousness--beat the clock's chime by the split part of a second, thegood people of The Corner will fill that one of us promptly full oflead. "

He turned to the crowd. 

"Gentlemen, is it a good plan?"

As well as a Roman crowd if it wanted to see a gladiator die, the frayednerves of The Corner responded to the stimulus of this delightfulentertainment. There was a joyous chorus of approval. 

"When the clock strikes, then, " said Landis, and flung himself down in achair, setting his teeth over his rage. 

Donnegan smiled benevolently upon him; then he turned again and beckonedto George. The big man strode closer and leaned. 

"George, " he said. "I'm not going to kill this fellow. "

"No, sir; certainly, sir, " whispered the other. "George can kill him foryou, sir. "

Donnegan smiled wanly. 

"I'm not going to kill him, George, on account of the girl on the hill. You know? And the reason is that she's fond of the lubber. I'll try tobreak his nerve, George, and drill him through the arm, say. No, I can'ttake chances like that. But if I have him shaking in time, I'll shoothim through the right shoulder, George. 

"But if I miss and he gets me instead, mind you, never raise a handagainst him. If you so much as touch his skin, I'll rise out of my graveand haunt you. You hear? Good-by, George. "

But big George withdrew without a word, and the reason for hisspeechlessness was the glistening of his eyes. 

"If I live, " said Donnegan, "I'll show that George that I appreciatehim. "

He went on aloud to Landis: "So glum, my boy? Tush! We have still fourminutes left. Are you going to spend your last four minutes hating me?"

He turned: "Another liqueur, George. Two of them. "

The big man brought the drinks, and having put one on the table ofDonnegan, he was directed to take the other to Landis. 

"It's really good stuff, " said Donnegan. "I'm not an expert on thesematters; but I like the taste. Will you try it?"

It seemed that Landis dared not trust himself to speech. As though avast and deadly hatred were gathered in him, and he feared lest itshould escape in words the first time he parted his teeth. 

He took the glass of liqueur and slowly poured it upon the floor. Fromthe crowd there was a deep murmur of disapproval. And Landis, feelingthat he had advanced the wrong foot in the matter, glowered scornfullyabout him and then stared once more at Donnegan. 

"Just as you please, " said Donnegan, sipping his glass. "But rememberthis, my young friend, that a fool is a fool, drunk or sober. "

Landis showed his teeth, but made no other answer. And Donnegananxiously flashed a glance at the clock. He still had three minutes. Three minutes in which he must reduce this stalwart fellow to atrembling, nervous wreck. Otherwise, he must shoot to kill, or else sitthere and become a certain sacrifice for the sake of Lou Macon. Yet hecontrolled the muscles of his face and was still able to smile as heturned again to Landis. 

"Three minutes left, " he said. "Three minutes for you to composeyourself, Landis. Think of it, man! All the good life behind you. Haveyou nothing to remember? Nothing to soften your mind? Why die, Landis, with a curse in your heart and a scowl on your lips?"

Once more Landis stirred his lips; but there was only the flash of histeeth; he maintained his resolute silence. 

"Ah, " murmured Donnegan, "I am sorry to see this. And before all youradmirers, Landis. Before all your friends. Look at them scattered thereunder the lights and in the shadows. No farewell word for them? Nothingkindly to say? Are you going to leave them without a syllable ofgoodfellowship?"

"Confound you!" muttered Landis. 

There was another hum from the crowd; it was partly wonder, partlyanger. Plainly they were not pleased with Jack Landis on this day. 

Donnegan shook his head sadly. 

"I hoped, " he said, "that I could teach you how to die. But I fail. Andyet you should be grateful to me for one thing, Jack. I have kept youfrom being a murderer in cold blood. I kept you from killing adefenseless man as you intended to do when you walked up to me a momentago. "

He smiled genially in mockery, and there was a scowl on the face ofLandis. 

"Two minutes, " said Donnegan. 

Leaning back in his chair, he yawned. For a whole minute he did notstir. 

"One minute?" he murmured inquisitively. 

And there was a convulsive shudder through the limbs of Landis. It wasthe first sign that he was breaking down under the strain. Thereremained only one minute in which to reduce him to a nervous wreck!

The strain was telling in other places. Donnegan turned and saw in theshadow and about the edges of the room a host of drawn, tense faces andburning eyes. Never while they lived would they forget that scene. 

"And now that the time is close, " said Donnegan, "I must look to mygun. "

He made a gesture; how it was, no one was swift enough of eye to tell, but a gun appeared in his hand. At the flash of it, Landis' weaponleaped up to the mark and his face convulsed. But Donnegan calmly spunthe cylinder of his revolver and held it toward Landis, dangling fromhis forefinger under the guard. 

"You see?" he said to Landis. "Clean as a whistle, and easy as a girl'ssmile. I hate a stiff action, Jack. "

And Landis slowly allowed the muzzle of his own gun to sink. For thefirst time his eyes left the eyes of Donnegan, and sinking, inch byinch, stared fascinated at the gun in the hand of the enemy. 

"Thirty seconds, " said Donnegan by way of conversation. 

Landis jerked up his head and his eyes once more met the eyes ofDonnegan, but this time they were wide, and the pointed glance ofDonnegan sank into them. The lips of Landis parted. His tonguetremblingly moistened them. 

"Keep your nerve, " said Donnegan in an undertone. 

"You hound!" gasped Landis. 

"I knew it, " said Donnegan sadly. "You'll die with a curse on yourlips. "

He added: "Ten seconds, Landis!"

And then he achieved his third step toward victory, for Landis jerkedhis head around, saw the minute hand almost upon its mark, and swungback with a shudder toward Donnegan. From the crowd there was a deepbreath. 

And then Landis was seen to raise the muzzle of his gun again, andcrouch over it, leveling it straight at Donnegan. He, at least, wouldsend his bullet straight to the mark when that first chime went hummingthrough the big room. 

But Donnegan? He made his last play to shatter the nerve of Landis. Withthe minute hand on the very mark, he turned carelessly, the revolverstill dangling by the trigger guard, and laughed toward the crowd. 

And out of the crowd there came a deep, sobbing breath of heartbreakingsuspense. 

It told on Landis. Out of the corner of his eye Donnegan saw the musclesof the man's face sag and tremble; saw him allow his gun to fall, inimitation of Donnegan, to his side; and saw the long arm quivering. 

And then the chime rang, with a metallic, sharp click and then a longand reverberant clanging. 

With a gasp Landis whipped up his gun and fired. Once, twice, again, theweapon crashed. And, to the eternal wonder of all who saw it, at adistance of five paces Landis three times missed his man. But Donnegan, sitting back with a smile, raised his own gun almost with leisure, unhurried, dropped it upon the mark, and sent a forty-five slug throughthe right shoulder of Jack Landis. 

The blow of the slug, like the punch of a strong man's fist, knocked thevictim out of his chair to the floor. He lay clutching at his shoulder. 

"Gentlemen, " said Donnegan, rising, "is there a doctor here?"

24

That was the signal for the rush that swept across the floor and left aflood of marveling men around the fallen Landis. On the outskirts ofthis tide, Donnegan stepped up to two men, Joe Rix and the Pedlar. Theygreeted him with expectant glances. 

"Gentlemen, " said Donnegan, "will you step aside?"

They followed him to a distance from the clamoring group. 

"I have to thank you, " said Donnegan. 

"For what?"

"For changing your minds, " said Donnegan, and left them. 

And afterward the Pedlar murmured with an oddly twisted face: "Cat-eye, Joe. He can see in the dark! But I told you he was worth savin'. "

"Speakin' in general, " said Joe, "which you ain't hardly ever wrong whenyou get stirred up about a thing. "

"He's something new, " the Pedlar said wisely. 

"Ay, he's rare. "

"But talkin' aside, suppose he was to meet up with Lord Nick?"

The smile of Joe Rix was marvelously evil. 

"You got a great mind for great things, " he declared. "You ought to ofbeen in politics. "

In the meantime the doctor had been found. The wound had been cleansed. It was a cruel one, for the bullet had torn its way through flesh andsinew, and for many a week the fighting arm of Jack Landis would beuseless. It had, moreover, carried a quantity of cloth into the wound, and it was almost impossible to cleanse the hole satisfactorily. As forthe bullet itself, it had whipped cleanly through, at that shortdistance making nothing of its target. 

A door was knocked off its hinges. But before the wounded man was placedupon it, Lebrun appeared at the door into Milligan's. He was never avery cheery fellow in appearance, and now he looked like a demoniac. Hewent straight to Joe Rix and the skeleton form of the Pedlar. He raisedone finger as he looked at them. 

"I've heard, " said Lebrun. "Lord Nick likewise shall hear. "

Joe Rix changed color. He bustled about, together with the Pedlar, andlent a hand in carrying the wounded man to the house of Lebrun, forNelly Lebrun was to be the nurse of Landis. 

In the meantime, Donnegan went up the hill with big George behind him. Already he was a sinisterly marked man. Working through the crowd nearLebrun's gambling hall, a drunkard in the midst of a song stumbledagainst him. But the sight of the man with whom he had collided, soberedhim as swiftly as the lash of a whip across his face. It was impossiblefor him, in that condition, to grow pale. But he turned a vivid purple. 

"Sorry, Mr. Donnegan. "

Donnegan, with a shrug of his shoulders, passed on. The crowd splitbefore him, for they had heard his name. There were brave men, he knew, among them. Men who would fight to the last drop of blood rather than beshamed, but they shrank from Donnegan without shame, as they would haveshrunk from the coming of a rattler had their feet been bare. So he wenteasily through the crowd with big George in his wake, walking proudly. 

For George had stood to one side and watched Donnegan indomitably beatdown the will of Jack Landis, and the sight would live in his mindforever. Indeed, if Donnegan had bidden the sun to stand in the heavens, the big man would have looked for obedience. That the forbearance ofDonnegan should have been based on a desire to serve a girl certainlyupset the mind of George, but it taught him an amazing thing--thatDonnegan was capable of affection. 

The terrible Donnegan went on. In his wake the crowd closed slowly, formany had paused to look after the little man. Until they came to theoutskirts of the town and climbed the hill toward the two shacks. Theone was, of course, dark. But the shack in which Lou Macon lived burstwith light. Donnegan paused to consider this miracle. He listened, andhe heard voices--the voice of a man, laughing loudly. Thinking somethingwas wrong, he hurried forward and called loudly. 

What he saw when he was admitted made him speechless. Colonel Macon, ensconced in his invalid chair, faced the door, and near him was LouMacon. Lou rose, half-frightened by the unexpected interruption, but theliquid laughter of the colonel set all to rights at once. 

"Come in, Donnegan. Come in, lad, " said the colonel. 

"I heard a man's voice, " Donnegan said half apologetically. The sickcolor began to leave his face, and relief swept over it slowly. "Ithought something might be wrong. I didn't think of you. " And lookingdown, as all men will in moments of relaxation from a strain, he did notsee the eyes of Lou Macon grow softly luminous as they dwelt upon him. 

"Come in, George, " went on the colonel, "and make yourself comfortablein the kitchen. Close the door. Sit down, Donnegan. When your lettercame I saw that I was needed here. Lou, have you looked into ourfriend's cabin? No? Nothing like a woman's touch to give a man thefeeling of homeliness, Lou. Step over to Donnegan's cabin and put it torights. Yes, I know that George takes care of it, but George is onething, and your care will be another. Besides, I must be alone with himfor a moment. Man talk confuses a girl, Lou. You shouldn't listen toit. "

She withdrew with that faint, dreamy smile with which she so often heardthe instructions of her father; as though she were only listening withhalf of her mind. When she was gone, though the door to the kitchenstood wide open, and big George was in it, the colonel lowered his bassvoice so successfully that it was as safe as being alone with Donnegan. 

"And now for facts, " he began. 

"But, " said Donnegan, "how--that chair--how in the world have you comehere?"

The colonel shook his head. 

"My dear boy, you grieve and disappoint me. The manner in which a thingis done is not important. Mysteries are usually simply explained. As formy small mystery--a neighbor on the way to The Corner with a wagonstopped in, and I asked him to take me along. So here I am. But now foryour work here, lad?"

"Bad, " said Donnegan. 

"I gathered you had been unfortunate. And now you have been fighting?"

"You have heard?"

"I see it in your eye, Donnegan. When a man has been looking fear in theface for a time, an image of it remains in his eyes. They are wider, glazed with the other thing. "

"It was forced on me, " said Donnegan. "I have shot Landis. "

He was amazed to see the colonel was vitally affected. His lips remainedparted over his next word, and one eyelid twitched violently. But thespasm passed over quickly. When he raised his perfect hands and pressedthem together just under his chin. He smiled in a most winning mannerthat made the blood of Donnegan run cold. 

"Donnegan, " he said softly, "I see that I have misjudged you. Iunderestimated you. I thought, indeed, that your rare qualities werequalified by painful weaknesses. But now I see that you are a man, andfrom this moment we shall act together with open minds. So you have doneit? Tush, then I need not have taken my trip. The work is done; themines come to me as the heir of Jack. And yet, poor boy, I pity him! Hemisjudged me; he should not have ventured to this deal with Lord Nickand his compatriots!"

"Wait, " exclaimed Donnegan. "You're wrong; Landis is not dead. "

Once more the colonel was checked, but this time the alteration in hisface was no more than a comma's pause in a long balanced sentence. Itwas impossible to obtain more than one show of emotion from him in asingle conversation. 

"Not dead? Well, Donnegan, that is unfortunate. And after you hadpunctured him you had no chance to send home the finishing shot?"

Donnegan merely watched the colonel and tapped his bony finger againstthe point of his chin. 

"Ah, " murmured the colonel, "I see another possibility. It is almost asgood--it may even be better than his death. You have disabled him, andhaving done this you at once take him to a place where he shall be underyour surveillance--this, in fact, is a very comfortable outlook--for meand my interests. But for you, Donnegan, how the devil do you benefit byhaving Jack flat on his back, sick, helpless, and in a perfect positionto excite all the sympathies of Lou?"

Now, Donnegan had known cold-blooded men in his day, but that thereexisted such a man as the colonel had never come into his mind. Helooked upon the colonel, therefore, with neither disgust nor anger, butwith a distant and almost admiring wonder. For perfect evil always winssomething akin to admiration from more common people. 

"Well, " continued the colonel, a little uneasy under this silentscrutiny--silence was almost the only thing in the world that couldtrouble him--"well, Donnegan, my lad, this is your plan, is it not?"

"To shoot down Landis, then take possession of him and while I nurse himback to health hold a gun--metaphorically speaking--to his head and makehim do as I please: sign some lease, say, of the mines to you?"

The colonel shifted himself to a more comfortable position in his chair, brought the tips of his fingers together under his vast chin, and smiledbenevolently upon Donnegan. 

"It is as I thought, " he murmured. "Donnegan, you are rare; you areexquisite!"

"And you, " said Donnegan, "are a scoundrel. "

"Exactly. I am very base. " The colonel laughed. "You and I alone canspeak with intimate knowledge of me. " His chuckle shook all his body, and set the folds of his face quivering. His mirth died away when he sawDonnegan come to his feet. 

"Eh?" he called. 

"Good-by, " said Donnegan. 

"But where--Landis--Donnegan, what devil is in your eye?"

"A foolish devil, Colonel Macon. I surrender the benefits of all mywork for you and go to make sure that you do not lay your hands uponJack Landis. "

The colonel opened and closed his lips foolishly like a fish gaspingsilently out of water. It was rare indeed for the colonel to appearfoolish. 

"In heaven's name, Donnegan!"

The little man smiled. He had a marvelously wicked smile, which camefrom the fact that his lips could curve while his eyes remained brightand straight, and malevolently unwrinkled. He laid his hand on the knobof the door. 

"Donnegan, " cried the colonel, gray of face, "give me one minute. "

25

Donnegan stepped to a chair and sat down. He took out his watch and heldit in his hand, studying the dial, and the colonel knew that his timelimit was taken literally. 

"I swear to you, " he said, "that if you can help me to the possession ofLandis while he is ill, I shall not lay a finger upon him or harm him inany way. "

"You swear?" said Donnegan with that ugly smile. 

"My dear boy, do you think I am reckless enough to break a promise Ihave given to you?"

The cynical glance of Donnegan probed the colonel to the heart, but theeyes of the fat man did not wince. Neither did he speak again, but thetwo calmly stared at each other. At the end of the minute, Donneganslipped the watch into his pocket. 

"I am ready to listen to reason, " he said. And the colonel passed one ofhis strong hands across his forehead. 

"Now, " and he sighed, "I feel that the crisis is passed. With a man ofyour caliber, Donnegan, I fear a snap judgment above all things. Sinceyou give me a chance to appeal to your reason I feel safe. As from thefirst, I shall lay my cards upon the table. You are fond of Lou. I tookit for granted that you would welcome a chance to brush Landis out ofyour path. It appears that I am wrong. I admit my error. Only foolscling to convictions; wise men are ready to meet new viewpoints. Verywell. You wish to spare Landis for reasons of your own which I do notpretend to fathom. Perhaps, you pity him; I cannot tell. Now, you wonderwhy I wish to have Landis in my care if I do not intend to put an end tohim and thereby become owner of his mines? I shall tell you frankly. Iintend to own the mines, if not through the death of Jack, then througha legal act signed by the hand of Jack. "

"A willing signature?" asked Donnegan, calmly. 

A shadow came and went across the face of the colonel, and Donnegancaught his breath. There were times when he felt that if the colonelpossessed strength of body as well as strength of mind even he, Donnegan, would be afraid of the fat man. 

"Willing or unwilling, " said the colonel, "he shall do as I direct!"

"Without force?"

"Listen to me, " said the colonel. "You and I are not children, andtherefore we know that ordinary men are commanded rather by fear of whatmay happen to them than by being confronted with an actual danger. Ihave told you that I shall not so much as raise the weight of a fingeragainst Jack Landis. I shall not. But a whisper adroitly put in his earmay accomplish the same ends. " He added with a smile. "Personally, Idislike physical violence. In that, Mr. Donnegan, we belong to oppositeschools of action. "

The picture came to Donnegan of Landis, lying in the cabin of thecolonel, his childish mind worked upon by the devilish insinuation ofthe colonel. Truly, if Jack did not go mad under the strain he would bevery apt to do as the colonel wished. 

"I have made a mess of this from the beginning, " said Donnegan, quietly. "In the first place, I intended to play the role of theself-sacrificing. You don't understand? I didn't expect that you would. In short, I intended to send Landis back to Lou by making a flash thatwould dazzle The Corner, and dazzle Nelly Lebrun as well--win her awayfrom Landis, you see? But the fool, as soon as he saw that I wasflirting with the girl, lowered his head and charged at me like a bull. I had to strike him down in self-defense. 

"But now you ask me to put him wholly in your possession. Colonel, youomit one link in your chain of reasoning. The link is important--to me. What am I to gain by placing him within the range of your whispering?"

"Tush! Do I need to tell you? I still presume you are interested in Lou, though you attempted to do so much to give Landis back to her. Well, Donnegan, you must know that when she learns it was a bullet from yourgun that struck down Landis, she'll hate you, my boy, as if you were asnake. But if she knows that after all you were forced into the fight, and that you took the first opportunity to bring Jack intomy--er--paternal care--her sentiments may change. No, they willchange. "

Donnegan left his chair and began to pace the floor. He was no moreself-conscious in the presence of the colonel than a man might be in thepresence of his own evil instincts. And it was typical of the colonel'sinsight that he made no attempt to influence the decision of Donneganafter this point was reached. He allowed him to work out the matter inhis own way. At length, Donnegan paused. 

"What's the next step?" he asked. 

The colonel sighed, and by that sigh he admitted more than words couldtell. 

"A reasonable man, " he said, "is the delight of my heart. The next step, Donnegan, is to bring Jack Landis to this house. "

"Tush!" said Donnegan. "Bring him away from Lebrun? Bring him away fromthe tigers of Lord Nick's gang? I saw them at Milligan's place tonight. A bad set, Colonel Macon. "

"A set you can handle, " said the colonel, calmly. 

"Ah?"

"The danger will in itself be the thing that tempts you, " he went on. "To go among those fellows, wild as they are, and bring Jack Landis awayto this house. "

"Bring him here, " said Donnegan with indescribable bitterness, "so thatshe may pity his wounds? Bring him here where she may think of him andtend him and grow to hate me?"

"Grow to fear you, " said the colonel. 

"An excellent thing to accomplish, " said Donnegan coldly. 

"I have found it so, " remarked the colonel, and lighted a cigarette. 

He drew the smoke so deep that when it issued again from between hislips it was a most transparent, bluish vapor. Fear came upon Donnegan. Not fear, surely, of the fat man, helpless in his invalid's chair, butfear of the mind working ceaselessly behind those hazy eyes. He turnedwithout a word and went to the door. The moment it opened under hishand, he felt a hysterical impulse to leap out of the room swiftly andslam the door behind him--to put a bar between him and the eye of thecolonel, just as a child leaps from the dark room into the lighted andcloses the door quickly to keep out the following night. He had tocompel himself to move with proper dignity. 

When outside, he sighed; the quiet of the night was like a blessingcompared with the ordeal of the colonel's devilish coldness. Macon'sadvice had seemed almost logical the moment before. Win Lou Macon by thepower of fear, well enough, for was not fear the thing which she hadfollowed all her life? Was it not through fear that the colonel himselfhad reduced her to such abject, unquestioning obedience?

He went thoughtfully to his own cabin, and, down-headed in his musings, he became aware with a start of Lou Macon in the hut. She had changedthe room as her father had bidden her to do. Just wherein the differencelay, Donnegan could not tell. There was a touch of evergreen in onecorner; she had laid a strip of bright cloth over the rickety littletable, and in ten minutes she had given the hut a semblance of permanentlivableness. Donnegan saw her now, with some vestige of the smile of herart upon her face; but she immediately smoothed it to perfect gravity. He had never seen such perfect self-command in a woman. 

"Is there anything more that I can do?" she asked, moving toward thedoor. 

"Nothing. "

"Good night. "

"Wait. "

She still seemed to be under the authority which the colonel haddelegated to Donnegan when they started for The Corner. She turned, andwithout a word came back to him. And a pang struck through Donnegan. What would he not have given if she had come at his call not with thesedumb eyes, but with a spark of kindliness? Instead, she obeyed him as asoldier obeys a commander. 

"There has been trouble, " said Donnegan. 

"Yes?" she said, but there was no change in her face. 

"It was forced upon me. " Then he added: "It amounted to a shootingaffair. "

There was a change in her face now, indeed. A glint came in her eyes, and the suggestion of the colonel which he had once or twice beforesensed in her, now became more vivid than ever before. The samecontemptuous heartlessness, which was the colonel's most habitualexpression, now looked at Donnegan out of the lovely face of the girl. 

"They were fools to press you to the wall, " she said. "I have no pityfor them. "

For a moment Donnegan only stared at her; on what did she base herconfidence in his prowess as a fighting man?

"It was only one man, " he said huskily. 

Ah, there he had struck her home! As though the words were a burden, sheshrank from him; then she slipped suddenly close to him and caught bothhis hands. Her head was raised far back; she had pressed close to him;she seemed in every line of her body to plead with him against himself, and all the veils which had curtained her mind from him dropped away. Hefound himself looking down into eyes full of fire and shadow; and eagerlips; and the fiber of her voice made her whole body tremble. 

"It isn't Jack?" she pleaded. "It isn't Jack that you've fought with?"

And he said to himself: "She loves him with all her heart and soul!"

"It is he, " said Donnegan in an agony. Pain may be like a fire thattempers some strong men; and now Donnegan, because he was in torment, smiled, and his eye was as cold as steel. 

The girl flung away his hands. 

"You bought murderer!" she cried at him. 

"He is not dead. "

"But you shot him down!"

"He attacked me; it was self-defense. "

She broke into a low-pitched, mirthless laughter. Where was thefilmy-eyed girl he had known? The laughter broke off short--like a sob. 

"Don't you suppose I've known?" she said. "That I've read my father?That I knew he was sending a bloodhound when he sent you? But, oh, Ithought you had a touch of the other thing!"

He cringed under her tone. 

"I'll bring him to you, " said Donnegan desperately. "I'll bring him hereso that you can take care of him. "

"You'll take him away from Lord Nick--and Lebrun--and the rest?" And itwas the cold smile of her father with which she mocked him. 

"I'll do it. "

"You play a deep game, " said the girl bitterly. "Why would you do it?"

"Because, " said Donnegan faintly. "I love you. "

Her hand had been on the knob of the door; now she twitched it open andwas gone; and the last that Donnegan saw was the width of the startledeyes. 

"As if I were a leper, " muttered Donnegan. "By heaven, she looked at meas if I were unclean!"

But once outside the door, the girl stood with both hands pressed to herface, stunned. When she dropped them, they folded against her breast, and her face tipped up. 

Even by starlight, had Donnegan been there to look, he would have seenthe divinity which comes in the face of a woman when she loves. 

26

Had he been there to see, even in the darkness he would have known, andhe could have crossed the distance between their lives with a singlestep, and taken her into his heart. But he did not see. He had thrownhimself upon his bunk and lay face down, his arms stretched rigidly outbefore him, his teeth set, his eyes closed. 

For what Donnegan had wanted in the world, he had taken; by force whenhe could, by subtlety when he must. And now, what he wanted most of allwas gone from him, he felt, forever. There was no power in his arms totake that part of her which he wanted; he had no craft which couldencompass her. 

Big George, stealing into the room, wondered at the lithe, slender formof the man in the bed. Seeing him thus, it seemed that with the power ofone hand, George could crush him. But George would as soon have closedhis fingers over a rattler. He slipped away into the kitchen and satwith his arms wrapped around his body, as frightened as though he hadseen a ghost. 

But Donnegan lay on the bed without moving for hours and hours, untilbig George, who sat wakeful and terrified all that time, was sure thathe slept. Then he stole in and covered Donnegan with a blanket, for itwas the chill, gray time of the night. 

But Donnegan was not asleep, and when George rose in the morning, hefound the master sitting at the table with his arms folded tightlyacross his breast and his eyes burning into vacancy. 

He spent the day in that chair. 

It was the middle of the afternoon when George came with a scared faceand a message that a "gen'leman who looks riled, sir, " wanted to seehim. There was no answer, and George perforce took the silence asacquiescence. So he opened the door and announced: "Mr. Lester to seeyou, sir. "

Into the fiery haze of Donnegan's vision stepped a raw-boned fellow withsandy hair and a disagreeably strong jaw. 

"You're the gent that's here with the colonel, ain't you?" said Lester. 

Donnegan did not reply. 

"You're the gent that cleaned up on Landis, ain't you?" continued thesandy-haired man. 

There was still the same silence, and Lester burst out: "It don't work, Donnegan. You've showed you're man-sized several ways since you been inThe Corner. Now I come to tell you to get out from under Colonel Macon. Why? Because he's crooked, because we know he's crooked; because heplayed crooked with me. You hear me talk?"

Still Donnegan considered him without a word. 

"We're goin' to run him out, Donnegan. We want you on our side if we canget you; if we can't get you, then we'll run you out along with thecolonel. "

He began to talk with difficulty, as though Donnegan's stare unnervedhim. He even took a step back toward the door. 

"You can't bluff me out, Donnegan. I ain't alone. They's others behindme. I don't need to name no names. Here's another thing: you ain't aloneyourself. You got a woman and a cripple on your hands. Now, Donnegan, you're a fast man with a gun and you're a fast man at thinkin', but Iask you personal: have you got a chance runnin' under that weight?"

He added fiercely: "I'm through. Now, talk turkey, Donnegan, or you'redone!"

For the first time Donnegan moved. It was to make to big George asignificant signal with his thumb, indicating the visitor. However, Lester did not wait to be thrown bodily from the cabin. One enormousoath exploded from his lips, and he backed sullenly through the door andslammed it after him. 

"It kind of looks, " said big George, "like a war, sir. "

And still Donnegan did not speak, until the afternoon was gone, and theevening, and the full black of the night had swallowed up the hillsaround The Corner. 

Then he left the chair, shaved, and dressed carefully, looked to hisrevolver, stowed it carefully and invisibly away among his clothes, andwalked leisurely down the hill. An outbreak of cursing, stamping, hair-tearing, shooting could not have affected big George as this quietdeparture did. He followed, unordered, but as he stepped across thethreshold of the hut he rolled up his eyes to the stars. 

"Oh, heavens above, " muttered George, "have mercy on Mr. Donnegan. Heain't happy. "

And he went down the hill, making sure that he was fit for battle withknife and gun. 

He had sensed Donnegan's mental condition accurately enough. The heartof the little man was swelled to the point of breaking. A twenty-hourvigil had whitened his face, drawn in his cheeks, and painted his eyeswith shadow; and now he wanted action. He wanted excitement, strife, competition; something to fill his mind. And naturally enough he had twoplaces in mind--Lebrun's and Milligan's. 

It is hard to relate the state of Donnegan's mind at this time. Chiefly, he was conscious of a peculiar and cruel pain that made him hollow; itwas like homesickness raised to the nth degree. Vaguely he realizedthat in some way, somehow, he must fulfill his promise to the girl andbring Jack Landis home. The colonel dared not harm the boy for fear ofDonnegan; and the girl would be happy. For that very reason Donneganwanted to tear Landis to shreds. 

It is not extremely heroic for a man tormented with sorrow to go to agambling hall and then to a dance hall to seek relief. But Donnegan wasnot a hero. He was only a man, and, since his heart was empty, he wantedsomething that might fill it. Indeed, like most men, suffering made hima good deal of a boy. 

So the high heels of Donnegan tapped across the floor of Lebrun's. Amurmur went before him whenever he appeared now, and a way opened forhim. At the roulette wheel he stopped, placed fifty on red, and watchedit double three times. George, at a signal from the master, raked in thewinnings. And Donnegan sat at a faro table and won again, and again rosedisconsolately and went on. For when men do not care how luck runs itnever fails to favor them. The devotees of fortune are the ones shepunishes. 

In the meantime the whisper ran swiftly through The Corner. 

"Donnegan is out hunting trouble. "

About the good that is in men rumor often makes mistakes, but for evilshe has an infallible eye and at once sets all of her thousand tongueswagging. Indeed, any man with half an eye could not fail to get themeaning of his fixed glance, his hard set jaw, and the straightness ofhis mouth. If he had been a ghost, men could not have avoided him moresedulously, and the giant servant who stalked at his back. Not that TheCorner was peopled with cowards. The true Westerner avoids trouble, butcornered, he will fight like a wildcat. 

So people watched from the corner of their eyes as Donnegan passed. 

He left Lebrun's. There was no competition. Luck blindly favored him, and Donnegan wanted contest, excitement. He crossed to Milligan's. Rumorwas there before him. A whisper conveyed to a pair of mighty-limbedcow-punchers that they were sitting at the table which Donnegan hadoccupied the night before, and they wisely rose without further hint andsought other chairs. Milligan, anxious-eyed, hurried to the orchestra, and with a blast of sound they sought to cover up the entry of thegunman. 

As a matter of fact that blare of horns only served to announce him. Something was about to happen; the eyes of men grew shadowy; the eyes ofwomen brightened. And then Donnegan appeared, with George behind him, and crossed the floor straight to his table of the night before. Notthat he had forethought in going toward it, but he was movingabsent-mindedly. 

Indeed, he had half forgotten that he was a public figure in The Corner, and sitting sipping the cordial which big George brought him at once, helet his glance rove swiftly around the room. The eye of more than onebrave man sank under that glance; the eye of more than one woman smiledback at him; but where the survey of Donnegan halted was on the face ofNelly Lebrun. 

She was crossing the farther side of the floor alone, unescorted exceptfor the whisper about her, but seeing Donnegan she stopped abruptly. Donnegan instantly rose. She would have gone on again in a flurry; butthat would have been too pointed. 

A moment later Donnegan was threading his way across the dance floor toNelly Lebrun, with all eyes turned in his direction. He had his hatunder his arm; and in his black clothes, with his white stock, he madean old-fashioned figure as he bowed before the girl and straightenedagain. 

"Did you send for me?" Donnegan inquired. 

Nelly Lebrun was frankly afraid; and she was also delighted. She feltthat she had been drawn into the circle of intense public interest whichsurrounded the red-headed stranger; she remembered on the other handthat her father would be furious if she exchanged two words with theman. And for that very reason she was intrigued. Donnegan, beingforbidden fruit, was irresistible. So she let the smile come to her lipsand eyes, and then laughed outright in her excitement. 

"No, " she said with her lips, while her eyes said other things. 

"I've come to ask a favor: to talk with you one minute. "

"If I should--what would people say?";

"Let's find out. "

"It would be--daring, " said Nelly Lebrun. "After last night. "

"It would be delightful, " said Donnegan. "Here's a table ready for us. "

She went a pace closer to it with him. 

"I think you've frightened the poor people away from it. I mustn't sitdown with you, Mr. Donnegan. "

And she immediately slipped into the chair. 

27

She qualified her surrender, of course, by sitting on the very edge ofthe chair. She had on a wine-colored dress, and, with the excitementwhipping color into her cheeks and her eyes dancing, Nelly Lebrun was alovely picture. 

"I must go at once, " said Nelly. 

"Of course, I can't expect you to stay. "

She dropped one hand on the edge of the table. One would have thoughtthat she was in the very act of rising. 

"Do you know that you frighten me?"

"I?" said Donnegan, with appropriate inflection. 

"As if I were a man and you were angry. "

"But you see?" And he made a gesture with both of his palms turned up. "People have slandered me. I am harmless. "

"The minute is up, Mr. Donnegan. What is it you wish?"

"Another minute. "

"Now you laugh at me. "

"No, no!"

"And in the next minute?"

"I hope to persuade you to stay till the third minute. "

"Of course, I can't. "

"I know; it's impossible. "

"Quite. " She settled into the chair. "See how people stare at me! Theyremember poor Jack Landis and they think--the whole crowd--"

"A crowd is always foolish. In the meantime, I'm happy. "

"You?"

"To be here; to sit close to you; to watch you. "

Her glance was like the tip of a rapier, searching him through for someiota of seriousness under this banter. 

"Ah?" and Nelly Lebrun laughed. 

"Don't you see that I mean it?"

"You can watch me from a distance, Mr. Donnegan. "

"May I say a bold thing?"

"You have said several. "

"No one can really watch you from a distance. "

She canted her head a little to one side; such an encounter of personalquips was a seventh heaven to her. 

"That's a riddle, Mr. Donnegan. "

"A simple one. The answer is, because there's too much to watch. "

He joined her when she laughed, but the laughter of Donnegan made not asound, and he broke in on her mirth suddenly. 

"Ah, don't you see I'm serious?"

Her glance flicked on either side, as though she feared someone mighthave read his lips. 

"Not a soul can hear me, " murmured Donnegan, "and I'm going to be bolderstill, and tell you the truth. "

"It's the last thing I dare stay to hear. "

"You are too lovely to watch from a distance, Nelly Lebrun. "

He was so direct that even Nelly Lebrun, expert in flirtations, wasgiven pause, and became sober. She shook her head and raised acautioning finger. But Donnegan was not shaken. 

"Because there is a glamour about a beautiful girl, " he said gravely. "One has to step into the halo to see her, to know her. Are youcontented to look at a flower from a distance? That's an old comparison, isn't it? But there is something like a fragrance about you, NellyLebrun. Don't be afraid. No one can hear; no one shall ever dream I'vesaid such bold things to you. In the meantime, we have a truth party. There is a fragrance, I say. It must be breathed. There is a glow whichmust touch one. As it touches me now, you see?"

Indeed, there was a faint color in his cheeks. And the girl flushed moredeeply; her eyes were still bright, but they no longer sharpened to sucha penetrating point. She was believing at least a little part of what hesaid, and her disbelief only heightened her joy in what was real in thisstrangest of lovemakings. 

"I shall stay here to learn one thing, " she said. "What deviltry isbehind all this talk, Mr. Donnegan?"

"Is that fair to me? Besides, I only follow a beaten trail in TheCorner. "

"And that?"

"Toward Nelly Lebrun. "

"A beaten trail? You?" she cried, with just a touch of anger. "I'm not achild, Mr. Donnegan!"

"You are not; and that's why I am frank. "

"You have done all these things--following this trail you speak of?"

"Remember, " said Donnegan soberly. "What have I done?"

"Shot down two men; played like an actor on a stage a couple of times atleast, if I must be blunt; hunted danger like--like a reckless madman;dared all The Corner to cross you; flaunted the red rag in the face ofthe bull. Those are a few things you have done, sir! And all on onetrail? That trail you spoke of?"

"Nelly Lebrun--"

"I'm listening; and do you know I'm persuading myself to believe you?"

"It's because you feel the truth before I speak it. Truth speaks foritself, you know. "

"I have closed my eyes--you see? I have stepped into a masquerade. Nowyou can talk. "

"Masquerades are exciting, " murmured Donnegan. 

"And they are sometimes beautiful. "

"But this sober truth of mine--"

"Well?"

"I came here unknown--and I saw you, Nelly Lebrun. "

He paused; she was looking a little past him. 

"I came in rags; no friends; no following. And I saw that I should haveto make you notice me. "

"And why? No, I shouldn't have asked that. "

"You shouldn't ask that, " agreed Donnegan. "But I saw you the queen ofThe Corner, worshiped by all men. What could I do? I am not rich. I amnot big. You see?"

He drew her attention to his smallness with a flush which never failedto touch the face of Donnegan when he thought of his size; and he seemedto swell and grow greater in the very instant she glanced at him. 

"What could I do? One thing; fight. I have fought. I fought to get theeye of The Corner, but most of all to attract your attention. I camecloser to you. I saw that one man blocked the way--mostly. I decided tobrush him aside. How?"

"By fighting?" She had not been carried away by his argument. She waswatching him like a lynx every moment. 

"Not by that. By bluffing. You see, I was not fool enough to think thatyou would--particularly notice a fighting bully. "

He laid his open hand on the table. It was like exposing both strengthand weakness; and into such a trap it would have been a singularlyhard-minded woman who might not have stepped. Nelly Lebrun leaned alittle closer. She forgot to criticize. 

"It was bluff. I saw that Landis was big and good-looking. And what wasI beside him? Nothing. I could only hope that he was hollow; yellow--yousee? So I tried the bluff. You know about it. The clock, and all thatclaptrap. But Landis wasn't yellow. He didn't crumble. He lasted longenough to call my bluff, and I had to shoot in self-defense. And then, when he lay on the floor, I saw that I had failed. "

"Failed?"

He lowered his eyes for fear that she would catch the glitter of them. 

"I knew that you would hate me for what I had done because I had onlyproved that Landis was a brave youngster with enough nerve for nine outof ten. And I came tonight--to ask you to forgive me. No, not that--onlyto ask you to understand. Do you?"

He raised his glance suddenly at that, and their eyes met with one ofthese electric shocks which will go tingling through two people. Andwhen the lips of Nelly Lebrun parted a little, he knew that she was inthe trap. He closed his hand that lay on the table--curling the fingersslowly. In that way he expressed all his exultation. 

"There is something wrong, " said the girl, in a tone of one who argueswith herself. "It's all too logical to be real. "

"Ah?"

"Was that your only reason for fighting Jack Landis?"

"Do I have to confess even that?"

She smiled in the triumph of her penetration, but it was a brief, unhappy smile. One might have thought that she would have been glad tobe deceived. 

"I came to serve a girl who was unhappy, " said Donnegan. "Her fiancé hadleft her; her fiancé was Jack Landis. And she's now in a hut up the hillwaiting for him. And I thought that if I ruined him in your eyes he'd goback to a girl who wouldn't care so much about bravery. Who'd forgivehim for having left her. But you see what a fool I was and how clumsilyI worked? My bluff failed, and I only wounded him, put him in yourhouse, under your care, where he'll be happiest, and where there'llnever be a chance for this girl to get him back. "

Nelly Lebrun, with her folded hands under her chin, studied him. 

"Mr. Donnegan, " she said, "I wish I knew whether you are the mostchivalrous, self-sacrificing of men, or simply the most gorgeous liar inthe desert. "

"And it's hardly fair, " said Donnegan, "to expect me to tell you that. "

28

It gave them both a welcome opportunity to laugh, welcome to the girlbecause it broke into an excitement which was rapidly telling upon her, and welcome to Donnegan because the strain of so many distortions of thetruth was telling upon him as well. They laughed together. One hastyglance told Donnegan that half the couples in the room were whisperingabout Donnegan and Nelly Lebrun; but when he looked across the table hesaw that Nelly Lebrun had not a thought for what might be going on inthe minds of others. She was quite content. 

"And the girl?" she said. 

Donnegan rested his forehead upon his hand in thought. He dared not letNelly see his face at this moment, for the mention of Lou Macon hadpoured the old flood of sorrow back upon him And therefore, when helooked up, he was sneering. 

"You know these blond, pretty girls?" he said. 

"Oh, they are adorable!"

"With dull eyes, " said Donnegan coldly, and a twinkle came into theresponsive eye of Nelly Lebrun. "The sort of a girl who sees a hero insuch a fellow as Jack Landis. "

"And Jack is brave. "

"I shouldn't have said that. "

"Never mind. Brave, but such a boy. "

"Are you serious?"

She looked questioningly at Donnegan and they smiled together, slowly. 

"I--I'm glad it's that way, " and Donnegan sighed. 

"And did you really think it could be any other way?"

"I didn't know. I'm afraid I was blind. "

"But the poor girl on the hill; I wish I could see her. "

She was watching Donnegan very sharply again. 

"A good idea. Why don't you?"

"You seem to like her?"

"Yes, " said Donnegan judiciously. "She has an appealing way; I'm verysorry for her. But I've done my best; I can't help her. "

"Isn't there some way?"

"Of what?"

"Of helping her. "

Donnegan laughed. "Go to your father and persuade him to send Landisback to her. "

She shook her head. 

"Of course, that wouldn't do. There's business mixed up in all this, youknow. "

"Business? Well, I guessed at that. "

"My part in it wasn't very pleasant, " she remarked sadly. 

Donnegan was discreetly silent, knowing that silence extracts secrets. 

"They made me--flirt with poor Jack. I really liked him!"

How much the past tense may mean!

"Poor fellow, " murmured the sympathetic Donnegan. "But why, " withgathering heat, "couldn't you help me to do the thing I can't do alone?Why couldn't you get him away from the house?"

"With Joe Rix and the Pedlar guarding him?"

"They'll be asleep in the middle of the night. "

"But Jack would wake up and make a noise. "

"There are things that would make him sleep through anything. "

"But how could he be moved?"

"On a horse litter kept ready outside. "

"And how carried to the litter?"

"I would carry him. " The girl looked at him with a question and thenwith a faint smile beginning. "Easily, " said Donnegan, stiffening in hischair. "Very easily. "

It pleased her to find this weakness in the pride of the invincibleDonnegan. It gave her a secure feeling of mastery. So she controlled hersmile and looked with a sort of superior kindliness upon the red-headedlittle man. 

"It's no good, " Nelly Lebrun said with a sigh. "Even if he were takenaway--and then it would get you into a bad mess. "

"Would it? Worse than I'm in?"

"Hush! Lord Nick is coming to The Corner; and no matter what you've doneso far--I think I could quiet him. But if you were to take Landisaway--then nothing could stop him. "

Donnegan sneered. 

"I begin to think Lord Nick is a bogie, " he said. "Everyone whisperswhen they speak of him. " He leaned forward. "I should like to meet him, Nelly Lebrun!"

It staggered Nelly. "Do you mean that?" she cried softly. 

"I do. "

She caught her breath and then a spark of deviltry gleamed. "I wonder!"said Nelly Lebrun, and her glance weighed Donnegan. 

"All I ask is a fair chance, " he said. 

"He is a big man, " said the girl maliciously. 

The never-failing blush burned in the face of Donnegan. 

"A large target is more easily hit, " he said through his teeth. 

Her thoughts played back and forth in her eyes. 

"I can't do it, " she said. 

Donnegan played a random card. 

"I was mistaken, " he said darkly. "Jack was not the man I should havefaced. Lord Nick!"

"No, no, no, Mr. Donnegan!"

"You can't persuade me. Well, I was a fool not to guess it!"

"I really think, " said the girl gloomily, "that as soon as Lord Nickcomes, you'll hunt him out!"

He bowed to her with cold politeness. "In spite of his size, " saidDonnegan through his teeth once more. 

And at this the girl's face softened and grew merry. 

"I'm going to help you to take Jack away, " she said, "on onecondition. "

"And that?"

"That you won't make a step toward Lord Nick when he comes. "

"I shall not avoid him, " said Donnegan. 

"You're unreasonable! Well, not avoid him, but simply not provoke him. I'll arrange it so that Lord Nick won't come hunting trouble. "

"And he'll let Jack stay with the girl and her father?"

"Perhaps he'll persuade them to let him go of their own free will. "

Donnegan thought of the colonel and smiled. 

"In that case, of course, I shouldn't care at all. " He added: "But doyou mean all this?"

"You shall see. "

They talked only a moment longer and then Donnegan left the hall withthe girl on his arm. Certainly the thoughts of all in Milligan'sfollowed that pair; and it was seen that Donnegan took her to the doorof her house and then went away through the town and up the hill. Andbig George followed him like a shadow cast from a lantern behind a manwalking in a fog. 

In the hut on the hill, Donnegan put George quickly to work, and with adoor and some bedding, a litter was hastily constructed and swungbetween the two horses. In the meantime, Donnegan climbed higher up thehill and watched steadily over the town until, in a house beneath him, two lights were shown. He came back at that and hurried down the hillwith George behind and around the houses until they came to thepretentious cabin of the gambler, Lebrun. 

Once there, Donnegan went straight to an unlighted window, tapped; andit was opened from within, softly. Nelly Lebrun stood within. 

"It's done, " she said. "Joe and the Pedlar are sound asleep. They dranktoo much. "

"Your father. "

"Hasn't come home. "

"And Jack Landis?"

"No matter what you do, he won't wake up; but be careful of hisshoulder. It's badly torn. How can you carry him?"

She could not see Donnegan's flush, but she heard his teeth grit. Andhe slipped through the window, gesturing to George to come close. It wasstill darker inside the room--far darker than the starlit night outside. And the one path of lighter gray was the bed of Jack Landis. His heavybreathing was the only sound. Donnegan kneeled beside him and worked hisarms under the limp figure. 

And while he kneeled there a door in the house was opened and closedsoftly. Donnegan stood up. 

"Is the door locked?"

"No, " whispered the girl. 

"Quick!"

"Too late. It's father, and he'd hear the turning of the key. "

They waited, while the light, quick step came down the hall of thecabin. It came to the door, it went past; and then the steps retracedand the door was opened gently. 

There was a light in the hall; the form of Lebrun was outlined black anddistinct.. 

"Jack!" he whispered. 

No sound; he made as if to enter, and then he heard the heavy breathingof the sleeper, apparently. 

"Asleep, poor fool, " murmured the gambler, and closed the door. 

The door was no sooner closed than Donnegan had raised the body of thesleeper. Once, as he rose, straining, it nearly slipped from his arms;and when he stood erect he staggered. But once he had gained hisequilibrium, he carried the wounded man easily enough to the windowthrough which George reached his long arms and lifted out the burden. 

"You see?" said Donnegan, panting, to the girl. 

"Yes; it was really wonderful!"

"You are laughing, now. "

"I? But hurry. My father has a fox's ear for noises. "

"He will not hear this, I think. " There was a swift scuffle, very softof movement. 

"Nelly!" called a far-off voice. 

"Hurry, hurry! Don't you hear?"

"You forgive me?"

"No--yes--but hurry!"

"You will remember me?"

"Mr. Donnegan!"

"Adieu!"

She caught a picture of him sitting in the window for the split part ofa second, with his hat off, bowing to her. Then he was gone. And shewent into the hall, panting with excitement. 

"Heavens!" Nelly Lebrun murmured. "I feel as if I had been hunted, and Imust look it. What if he--" Whatever the thought was she did notcomplete it. "It may have been for the best, " added Nelly Lebrun. 

29

It is your phlegmatic person who can waken easily in the morning, but anactive mind readjusts itself slowly to the day. So Nelly Lebrun rousedherself with an effort and scowled toward the door at which the hand wasstill rapping. 

"Yes?" she called drowsily. 

"This is Nick. May I come in?"

"This is who?"

The name had brought her instantly into complete wakefulness; she wasout of the bed, had slipped her feet into her slippers and whipped adressing gown around her while she was asking the question. It was aluxurious little boudoir which she had managed to equip. Skins of thelynx, cunningly matched, had been sewn together to make her a rug, andthe soft fur of the wildcat was the outer covering of her bed. She threwback the tumbled bedclothes, tossed half a dozen pillows into place, transforming it into a day couch, and ran to the mirror. 

And in the meantime, the deep voice outside the door was saying: "Yes, Nick. May I come in?"

She gave a little ecstatic cry, but while it was still tingling on herlips, she was winding her hair into shape with lightning speed; haddipped the tips of her fingers in cold water and rubbed her eyes awakeand brilliant, and with one circular rub had brought the color into hercheeks. 

Scarcely ten seconds from the time when she first answered the knock, Nelly was opening the door and peeping out into the hall. 

The rest was done by the man without; he cast the door open with thepressure of his foot, caught the girl in his arms, and kissed her; andwhile he closed the door the girl slipped back and stood with one handpressed against her face, and her face held that delightful expressionhalfway between laughter and embarrassment. As for Lord Nick, he did noteven smile. He was not, in fact, a man who was prone to gentleexpressions, but having been framed by nature for a strong dominanceover all around him, his habitual expression was a proudself-containment. It would have been insolence in another man; in LordNick it was rather leonine. 

He was fully as tall as Jack Landis, but he carried his height easily, and was so perfectly proportioned that unless he was seen beside anotherman he did not look large. The breadth of his shoulders was concealed bythe depth of his chest; and the girth of his throat was made to appearquite normal by the lordly size of the head it supported. To crown andset off his magnificent body there was a handsome face; and he had thecombination of active eyes and red hair, which was noticeable inDonnegan, too. In fact, there was a certain resemblance between the twomen; in the set of the jaw for instance, in the gleam of the eye, andabove all in an indescribable ardor of spirit, which exuded from themboth. Except, of course, that in Donnegan, one was conscious of allspirit and very little body, but in Lord Nick hand and eye were terriblymated. Looking upon so splendid a figure, it was no wonder that themountain desert had forgiven the crimes of Lord Nick because of thecareless insolence with which he treated the law. It requires anexceptional man to make a legal life attractive and respected; it takesa genius to make law-breaking glorious. 

No wonder that Nelly Lebrun stood with her hand against her cheek, looking him over, smiling happily at him, and questioning him about hisimmediate past all in the same glance. He waved her back to her couch, and she hesitated. Then, as though she remembered that she now had todo with Lord Nick in person, she obediently curled up on the lounge, andwaited expectantly. 

"I hear you've been raising the devil, " said this singularly frankadmirer. 

The girl merely looked at him. 

"Well?" he insisted. 

"I haven't done a thing, " protested Nelly rather childishly. 

"No?" One felt that he could have crushed her with evidence to thecontrary but that he was restraining himself--it was not worthwhile tobother with such a girl seriously. "Things have fallen into a tanglesince I left, old Satan Macon is on the spot and your rat of a fatherhas let Landis get away. What have you been doing, Nelly, while all thiswas going on? Sitting with your eyes closed?"

He took a chair and lounged back in it gracefully. 

"How could I help it? I'm not a watchdog. "

He was silent for a time. "Well, " he said, "if you told me the truth Isuppose I shouldn't love you, my girl. But this time I'm in earnest. Landis is a mint, silly child. If we let him go we lose the mint. "

"I suppose you'll get him back?"

"First, I want to find out how he got away. "

"I know how. "

"Ah?"

"Donnegan. "

"Donnegan, Donnegan, Donnegan!" burst out Lord Nick, and though he didnot raise the pitch of his voice, he allowed its volume to swell softlyso that it filled the room like the humming of a great, angry tiger. "Nobody says three words without putting in the name of Donnegan as oneof them! You, too!"

She shrugged her shoulders. 

"Donnegan thrills The Corner!" went on the big man in the same terriblevoice. "Donnegan wears queer clothes; Donnegan shoots Scar-faced Lewis;Donnegan pumps the nerve out of poor Jack Landis and then drills him. Why, Nelly, it looks as though I'll have to kill this intruding fool!"

She blanched at this, but did not appear to notice. 

"It's a long time since you've killed a man, isn't it?" she askedcoldly. 

"It's an awful business, " declared Lord Nick. "Always complications;have to throw the blame on the other fellow. And even these blockheadsare beginning to get tired of my self-defense pleas. "

"Well, " murmured the girl, "don't cross that bridge until you come toit; and you'll never come to it. "

"Never. Because I don't want him killed. "

"Ah, " Lord Nick murmured. "And why?"

"Because he's in love--with me. "

"Tush!" said Lord Nick. "I see you, my dear. Donnegan seems to be a rarefellow, but he couldn't have gotten Landis out of this house withouthelp. Rix and the Pedlar may have been a bit sleepy, but Donnegan had tofind out when they fell asleep. He had a confederate. Who? Not Rix; notthe Pedlar; not Lebrun. They all know me. It had to be someone whodoesn't fear me. Who? Only one person in the world. Nelly, you're theone!"

She hesitated a breathless instant. 

"Yes, " she said. "I am. "

She added, as he stared calmly at her, considering: "There's a girl inthe case. She came up here to get Landis; seems he was in love with heronce. And I pitied her. I sent him back to her. Suppose he is a mint;haven't we coined enough money out of him? Besides, I couldn't have kepton with it. "

"No?"

"He was getting violent, and he talked marriage all day, every day. Ihaven't any nerves, you say, but he began to put me on edge. So I gotrid of him. "

"Nelly, are you growing a conscience?"

She flushed and then set her teeth. 

"But I'll have to teach you business methods, my dear. I have to bringhim back. "

"You'll have to go through Donnegan to do it. "

"I suppose so. "

"You don't understand, Nick. He's different. "

"Eh?"

"He's like you. "

"What are you driving at?"

"Nick, I tell you upon my word of honor, no matter what a terriblefighter you may be, Donnegan will give you trouble. He has your hairand your eyes and he moves like a cat. I've never seen such aman--except you. I'd rather see you fight the plague than fightDonnegan!"

For the first time Lord Nick showed real emotion; he leaned a littleforward. 

"Just what does he mean to you?" he asked. "I've stood for a good deal, Nelly; I've given you absolute freedom, but if I ever suspect you--"

The lion was up in him unmistakably now. And the girl shrank. 

"If it were serious, do you suppose I'd talk like this?"

"I don't know. You're a clever little devil, Nell. But I'm clever, too. And I begin to see through you. Do you still want to save Donnegan?"

"For your own sake. "

He stood up. 

"I'm going up the hill today. If Donnegan's there, I'll go through him;but I'm going to have Landis back!"

She, also, rose. 

"There's only one way out and I'll take that way. I'll get Donnegan toleave the house. "

"I don't care what you do about that. "

"And if he isn't there, will you give me your word that you won't hunthim out afterward?"

"I never make promises, Nell. "

"But I'll trust you, Nick. "

"Very well. I start up the hill in an hour. You have that long. "

30

The air was thin and chilly; snow had fallen in the mountains to thenorth, and the wind was bringing the cold down to The Corner. NellyLebrun noted this as she dressed and made up her mind accordingly. Shesent out two messages: one to the cook to send breakfast to her room, which she ate while she finished dressing with care; and the other tothe gambling house, summoning one of the waiters. When he came, she gavehim a note for Donnegan. The fellow flashed a glance at her as he tookthe envelope. There was no need to give that name and address in TheCorner, and the girl tingled under the glance. 

She finished her breakfast and then concentrated in polishing up herappearance. From all of which it may be gathered that Nelly Lebrun wasin love with Donnegan, but she really was not. But he had touched in herthat cord of romance which runs through every woman; whenever it istouched the vibration is music, and Nelly was filled with the sound ofit. And except for Lord Nick, there is no doubt that she would havereally lost her head; for she kept seeing the face of Donnegan, as hehad leaned toward her across the little table in Milligan's. And that, as anyone may know, is a dangerous symptom. 

Her glances were alternating between her mirror and her watch, and thehands of the latter pointed to the fact that fifty minutes of her hourhad elapsed when a message came up that she was waited for in the streetbelow. So Nelly Lebrun went down in her riding costume, the corduroyswishing at each step, and tapping her shining boots with the ridingcrop. Her own horse she found at the hitching rack, and beside itDonnegan was on his chestnut horse. It was a tall horse, and he lookedmore diminutive than ever before, pitched so high in the saddle. 

He was on the ground in a flash with the reins tucked under one arm andhis hat under the other; she became aware of gloves and white-linenstock, and pale, narrow face. Truly Donnegan made a natty appearance. 

"There's no day like a cool day for riding, " she said, "and I thoughtyou might agree with me. "

He untethered her horse while he murmured an answer. But for hisattitude she cared little so long as she had him riding away from thathouse on the hill where Lord Nick in all his terror would appear in somefew minutes. Besides, as they swung up the road--the chestnut at along-strided canter and Nelly's black at a soft and choppy pace--thewind of the gallop struck into her face; Nelly was made to enjoy thingsone by one and not two by two. They hit over the hills, and when thefirst impulse of the ride was done they were a mile or more away fromThe Corner--and Lord Nick. 

The resemblance between the two men was less striking now that she hadDonnegan beside her. He seemed more wizened, paler, and intense as aviolin string screwed to the snapping point; there was none of thelordly tolerance of Nick about him; he was like a bull terrier comparedwith a stag hound. And only the color of his eyes and his hair made hermake the comparison at all. 

"What could be better?" she said when they checked their horses on ahilltop to look over a gradual falling of the ground below. "What couldbe better?" The wind flattened a loose curl of hair against her cheek, and overhead the wild geese were flying and crying, small and far away. 

"One thing better, " said Donnegan, "and that is to sit in a chair andsee this. "

She frowned at such frankness; it was almost blunt discourtesy. 

"You see, I'm a lazy man. "

"How long has it been, " the girl asked sharply, "since you have slept?"

"Two days, I think. "

"What's wrong?"

He lifted his eyes slowly from a glittering, distant rock, and broughthis glance toward her by degrees. He had a way of exciting people evenin the most commonplace conversation, and the girl felt a thrill underhis look. 

"That, " said Donnegan, "is a dangerous question. "

And he allowed such hunger to come into his eye that she caught herbreath. The imp of perversity made her go on. 

"And why dangerous?"

It was an excellent excuse for an outpouring of the heart from Donnegan, but, instead, his eyes twinkled at her. 

"You are not frank, " he remarked. 

She could not help laughing, and her laughter trailed away musically inher excitement. 

"Having once let down the bars I cannot keep you at arm's length. Afterlast night I suppose I should never have let you see me for--days anddays. "

"That's why I'm curious, " said Donnegan, "and not flattered. I'm tryingto find what purpose you have in taking me riding. "

"I wonder, " she said thoughtfully, "if you will. "

And since such fencing with the wits delighted her, she let all herdelight come with a sparkle in her eyes. 

"I have one clue. "

"Yes?"

"And that is that you may have the old-woman curiosity to find out howmany ways a man can tell her that he's fond of her. "

Though she flushed a little she kept her poise admirably. 

"I suppose that is part of my interest, " she admitted. 

"I can think of a great many ways of saying it, " said Donnegan. "I amthe dry desert, you are the rain, and yet I remain dry and produce nograss. " "A very pretty comparison, " said the girl with a smile. 

"A very green one, " and Donnegan smiled. "I am the wind and you are thewild geese, and yet I keep on blowing after you are gone and do notcarry away a feather of you. "

"Pretty again. "

"And silly. But, really, you are very kind to me, and I shall try not totake too much advantage of it. "

"Will you answer a question?"

"I had rather ask one: but go on. "

"What made you so dry a desert, Mr. Donnegan?"

"There is a very leading question again. "

"I don't mean it that way. For you had the same sad, hungered look thefirst time I saw you--when you came into Milligan's in that beggarlydisguise. "

"I shall confess one thing. It was not a disguise. It was the fact ofme; I am a beggarly person. "

"Nonsense! I'm not witless, Mr. Donnegan. You talk well. You have aneducation. "

"In fact I have an educated taste; I disapprove of myself, you see, andlong ago learned not to take myself too seriously. "

"Which leads to--"

"The reason why I have wandered so much. "

"Like a hunter on a trail. Hunting for what?"

"A chance to sit in a saddle--or a chair--and talk as we are talking. "

"Which seems to be idly. "

"Oh, you mistake me. Under the surface I am as serious as fire. "

"Or ice. "

At the random hit he glanced sharply at her, but she was looking alittle past him, thinking. 

"I have tried to get at the reason behind all your reasons, " she said. "You came on me in a haphazard fashion, and yet you are not a haphazardsort. "

"Do you see nothing serious about me?"

"I see that you are unhappy, " said the girl gently. "And I am sorry. "

Once again Donnegan was jarred, and he came within an ace of openinghis mind to her, of pouring out the truth about Lou Macon. Love is atalking madness in all men and he came within an ace of confessing histroubles. 

"Let's go on, " she said, loosening her rein. 

"Why not cut back in a semicircle toward The Corner?"

"Toward The Corner? No, no!"

There was a brightening of his eye as he noted her shudder of distasteor fear, and she strove to cover her traces. 

"I'm sick of the place, " she said eagerly. "Let's get as far from it aswe may. "

"But yonder is a very good trail leading past it. "

"Of course we'll ride that way if you wish, but I'd rather go straightahead. "

If she had insisted stubbornly he would have thought nothing, but themoment she became politic he was on his guard. 

"You dislike something in The Corner, " he said, thinking carelessly andaloud. "You are afraid of something back there. But what could you beafraid of? Then you may be afraid of something for me. Ah, I have it!They have decided to 'get' me for taking Jack Landis away; Joe Rix andthe Pedlar are waiting for me to come back!"

He looked steadily and she attempted to laugh. 

"Joe Rix and the Pedlar? I would not stack ten like them against you!"

"Then it is someone else. "

"I haven't said so. Of course there's no one. "

She shook her rein again, but Donnegan sat still in his saddle andlooked fixedly at her. 

"That's why you brought me out here, " he announced. "Oh, Nelly Lebrun, what's behind your mind? Who is it? By heaven, it's this Lord Nick!"

"Mr. Donnegan, you're letting your imagination run wild. "

"It's gone straight to the point. But I'm not angry. I think I may getback in time. "

He turned his horse, and the girl swung hers beside him and caught hisarm. 

"Don't go!" she pleaded. "You're right; it's Nick, and it's suicide toface him!"

The face of Donnegan set cruelly. 

"The main obstacle, " he said. "Come and watch me handle it!"

But she dropped her head and buried her face in her hands, and, sittingthere for a long time, she heard his careless whistling blow back to heras he galloped toward The Corner. 

31

If Nelly Lebrun had consigned him mentally to the worms, that thoughtmade not the slightest impression upon Donnegan. A chance for action wasopening before him, and above all a chance of action in the eye of LouMacon; and he welcomed with open arms the thought that he would have anopportunity to strike for her, and keep Landis with her. He went arrowystraight and arrowy fast to the cabin on the hill, and he found ampleevidence that it had become a center of attention in The Corner. Therewas a scattering of people in the distance, apparently loitering with noparticular purpose, but undoubtedly because they awaited an explosion ofsome sort. He went by a group at which the chestnut shied, and asDonnegan straightened out the horse again he caught a look of bothinterest and pity on the faces of the men. 

Did they give him up so soon as it was known that Lord Nick had enteredthe lists against him? Had all his display in The Corner gone fornothing as against the repute of this terrible mystery man? His vanitymade him set his teeth again. 

Dismounting before the cabin of the colonel, he found that worthy inhis invalid chair, enjoying a sun bath in front of his house. But therewas no sign of Lord Nick--no sign of Lou. A grim fear came to Donneganthat he might have to attack Nick in his own stronghold, for Jack Landismight already have been taken away to the Lebrun house. 

So he went straight to the colonel, and when he came close he saw thatthe fat man was apparently in the grip of a chill. He had gathered avast blanket about his shoulders and kept drawing it tighter; beneathhis eyes, which looked down to the ground, there were violet shadows. 

"I've lost, " said Donnegan through his teeth. "Lord Nick has been here?"

The invalid lifted his eyes, and Donnegan saw a terrible thing--that thenerve of the fat man had been crushed. The folds of his face quivered ashe answered huskily: "He has been here!"

"And Landis is gone?"

"No. "

"Not gone? Then--"

"Nick has gone to get a horse litter. He came up just to clear the way. "

"When he comes back he'll find me!"

The glance of the colonel cleared long enough to survey Donnegan slowlyfrom head to foot, and his amusement sent the familiar hot flush overthe face of the little man. He straightened to his full height, which, in his high heels, was not insignificant. But the colonel was apparentlyso desperate that he was willing to throw caution away. 

"Compared with Lord Nick, Donnegan, " he said, "you don't look half aman--even with those heels. "

And he smiled calmly at Donnegan in the manner of one who, havingescaped the lightning bolt itself, does not fear mere thunder. 

"There is no fool like a fat fool, " said Donnegan with childishviciousness. "What did Lord Nick, as you call him, do to you? He'sbrought out the yellow, my friend. "

The colonel accepted the insult without the quiver of an eyelid. Throughout he seemed to be looking expectantly beyond Donnegan. 

"My young friend, " he said, "you have been very useful to me. But Imust confess that you are no longer a tool equal to the task. I dismissyou. I thank you cordially for your efforts. They are worthless. You seethat crowd gathering yonder? They have come to see Lord Nick prepare youfor a hole in the ground. And make no mistake: if you are here when hereturns that hole will have to be dug--unless they throw you out for theclaws of the buzzards. In the meantime, our efforts have been wastedcompletely. I hadn't enough time. I had thrown the fear of sudden deathinto Landis, and in another hour he would have signed away his soul tome for fear of poison. "

The colonel paused to chuckle at some enjoyable memory. 

"Then Nick came. You see, I know all about Nick. "

"And Nick knows all about you?"

For a moment the agate, catlike eyes of the colonel clouded and clearedagain in their unfathomable manner. 

"At moments, Donnegan, " he said, "you have rare perceptions. That isexactly it--Nick knows just about everything concerning me. And so--rollyour pack and climb on your horse and get away. I think you may haveanother five minutes before he comes. "

Donnegan turned on his heel. He went to the door of the hut and threw itopen. Lou sat beside Landis holding his hand, and the murmur of hervoice was still pleasant as an echo through the room when she looked andsaw Donnegan. At that she rose and her face hardened as she looked athim. Landis, also, lifted his head, and his face was convulsed withhatred. So Donnegan closed the door and went softly away to his ownshack. 

She hated him even as Landis hated him, it seemed. He should have knownthat he would not be thanked for bringing back her lover to her with abullet through his shoulder. Sitting in his cabin, he took his headbetween his hands and thought of life and death, and made up his mind. He was afraid. If Lord Nick had been the devil himself Donnegan couldnot have been more afraid. But if the big stranger had been ten devilsinstead of one Donnegan would not have found it in his soul to run away. 

Nothing remained for him in The Corner, it seemed, except his positionas a man of power--a dangerous fighter. It was a less than worthlessposition, and yet, once having taken it up, he could not abandon it. More than one gunfighter has been in the same place, forced to act as apublic menace long after he has ceased to feel any desire to fight. Ofselfish motives there remained not a scruple to him, but there was stillthe happiness of Lou Macon. If the boy were taken back to Lebrun's, itwould be fatal to her. For even if Nelly wished, she could not teach hereyes new habits, and she would ceaselessly play on the heart of thewounded man. 

It was the cessation of all talk from the gathering crowd outside thatmade Donnegan lift his head at length, and know that Lord Nick had come. But before he had time to prepare himself, the door was cast open andinto it, filling it from side to side, stepped Lord Nick. 

There was no need of an introduction. Donnegan knew him by the aptnesswith which the name fitted that glorious figure of a man and by thecalm, confident eye which now was looking him slowly over, from head tofoot. Lord Nick closed the door carefully behind him. 

"The colonel told me, " he said in his deep, smooth voice, "that you werewaiting for me here. "

And Donnegan recognized the snakelike malice of the fat man in drawinghim into the fight. But he dismissed that quickly from his mind. He wasstaring, fascinated, into the face of the other. He was a reader of men, was Donnegan; he was a reader of mind, too. In his life of battle he hadlearned to judge the prowess of others at a glance, just as a musiciancan tell the quality of a violin by the first note he hears played uponit. So Donnegan judged the quality of fighting men, and, looking intothe face of Lord Nick, he knew that he had met his equal at last. 

It was a great and a bitter moment to him. The sense of physicalsmallness he had banished a thousand times by the recollection of hisspeed of hand and his surety with weapons. He had looked at menmuscularly great and despised them in the knowledge that a gun or aknife would make him their master. But in Lord Nick he recognized hisown nerveless speed of hand, his own hair-trigger balance, his owndeadly seriousness and contempt of life. The experience in battle wasthere, too. And he began to feel that the size of the other crushed himto the floor and made him hopeless. It was unnatural, it was wrong, thatthis giant in the body should be a giant in adroitness also. 

Already Donnegan had died one death before he rose from his chair andstood to the full of his height ready to die again and summoning hisnervous force to meet the enemy. He had seen that the big man hadfollowed his own example and had measured him at a glance. 

Indeed the history of some lives of action held less than theconcentrated silence of these two men during that second's space. 

And now Donnegan felt the cold eye of the other eating into his own, striving to beat him down, break his nerve. For an instant panic gothold on Donnegan. He, himself, had broken the nerve of other men by theweight of his unaided eye. Had he not reduced poor Jack Landis to atrembling wreck by five minutes of silence? And had he not seen otherbrave men become trembling cowards unable to face the light, and allbecause of that terrible power which lies in the eye of some? He foughtaway the panic, though perspiration was pouring out upon his foreheadand beneath his armpits. 

"The colonel is very kind, " said Donnegan. 

And that moment he sent up a prayer of thankfulness that his voice wassmooth as silk, and that he was able to smile into the face of LordNick. The brow of the other clouded and then smoothed itself deftly. Perhaps he, too, recognized the clang of steel upon steel and knew themetal of his enemy. 

"And therefore, " said Lord Nick, "since most of The Corner expectsbusiness from us, it seems much as if one of us must kill the otherbefore we part. "

"As a matter of fact, " said Donnegan, "I have been keeping that inmind. " He added, with that deadly smile of his that never reached hiseyes: "I never disappoint the public when it's possible to satisfythem. "

"No, " and Lord Nick nodded, "you seem to have most of the habits of anactor--including an inclination to make up for your part. "

Donnegan bit his lip until it bled, and then smiled. 

"I have been playing to fools, " he said. "Now I shall enjoy adiscriminating critic. "

"Yes, " remarked Lord Nick, "actors generally desire an intelligentaudience for the death scene. "

"I applaud your penetration and I shall speak well of you when thisdisagreeable duty is finished. "

"Come, " and Lord Nick smiled genially, "you are a game little cock!"

The telltale flush crimsoned Donnegan's face. And if the fight had begunat that moment no power under heaven could have saved Lord Nick from thefrenzy of the little man. 

"My size keeps me from stooping, " said Donnegan, "I shall look up toyou, sir, until the moment you fall. "

"Well hit again! You are also a wit, I see! Donnegan, I am almost sorryfor the necessity of this meeting. And if it weren't for the audience--"

"Say no more, " said Donnegan, bowing. "I read your heart and appreciateall you intend. "

He had touched his stock as he bowed, and now he turned to the mirrorand carefully adjusted it, for it was a little awry from the ride; butin reality he used that moment to examine his own face, and the set ofhis jaw and the clearness of his eye reassured him. Turning again, hesurprised a glint of admiration in the glance of Lord Nick. 

"We are at one, sir, it appears, " he said. "And there is no other wayout of this disagreeable necessity?"

"Unfortunately not. I have a certain position in these parts. People areapt to expect a good deal of me. And for my part I see no way out excepta gunplay--no way out between the devil and the moon!"

Astonishment swept suddenly across the face of the big man, forDonnegan, turning white as death, shrank toward the wall as though hehad that moment received cold steel in his body. 

"Say that again!" said Donnegan hoarsely. 

"I said there was no way out, " repeated Lord Nick, and though he kepthis right hand in readiness, he passed his left through his red hair andstared at Donnegan with a tinge of contempt; he had seen men buckle likethis at the last moment when their backs were to the wall. 

"Between--" repeated Donnegan. 

"The devil and the moon. Do you see a way yourself?"

He was astonished again to see Donnegan wince as if from a blow. Hislips were trembling and they writhed stiffly over his words. 

"Who taught you that expression?" said Donnegan. 

"A gentleman, " said Lord Nick. 

"Ah?"

"My father, sir!"

"Oh, heaven, " moaned Donnegan, catching his hands to his breast. "Oh, heaven, forgive us!"

"What the devil is in you?" asked Lord Nick. 

The little man stood erect again and his eyes were now on fire. 

"You are Henry Nicholas Reardon, " he said. 

Lord Nick set his teeth. 

"Now, " he said, "it is certain that you must die!"

But Donnegan cast out his arms and broke into a wild laughter. 

"Oh, you fool, you fool!" he cried. "Don't you know me? I am thecripple!"

32

The big man crossed the floor with one vast stride, and, seizingDonnegan by both shoulders, dragged him under the full light of thewindow; and still the crazy laughter shook Donnegan and made himhelpless. 

"They tied me to a board--like a papoose, " said Donnegan, "and theystraightened my back--but they left me this way--wizened up. " He wasstammering; hysterical, and the words tumbled from his lips in a jumble. "That was a month after you ran away from home. I was going to find you. Got bigger. Took the road. Kept hunting. Then I met a yegg who toldabout Rusty Dick--described him like you--I thought--I thought you weredead!"

And the tears rolled down his face; he sobbed like a woman. 

A strange thing happened then. Lord Nick lifted the little man in hisarms as if he were a child and literally carried him in that fashion tothe bunk. He put him down tenderly, still with one mighty arm around hisback. 

"You are Garry? You!"

"Garrison Donnegan Reardon. Aye, that's what I am. Henry, don't saythat you don't know me!"

"But--your back--I thought--"

"I know--hopeless they said I was. But they brought in a young doctor. Now look at me. Little. I never grew big--but hard, Henry, as leather!"

And he sprang to his feet. And knowing that Donnegan had begun life as acripple it was easy to appreciate certain things about his expression--acold wistfulness, and his manner of reading the minds of men. Lord Nickwas like a man in a dream. He dragged Donnegan back to the bunk andforced him to sit down with the weight of his arms. And he could notkeep his hands from his younger brother. As though he were blind and hadto use the sense of touch to reassure him. 

"I heard lies. They said everybody was dead. I thought--"

"The fever killed them all, except me. Uncle Toby took me in. He was adevil. Helped me along, but I left him when I could. And--"

"Don't tell me any more. All that matters is that I have you at last, Garry. Heaven knows it's a horrible thing to be kithless and kinless, but I have you now! Ah, lad, but the old pain has left its mark on you. Poor Garry!"

Donnegan shuddered. 

"I've forgotten it. Don't bring it back. "

"I keep feeling that you should be in that chair. "

"I know. But I'm not. I'm hard as nails, I tell you. "

He leaped to his feet again. 

"And not so small as you might think, Henry!"

"Oh, big enough, Garry. Big enough to paralyze The Corner, from whatI've heard. "

"I've been playing a game with 'em, Henry. And now--if one of us couldclear the road, what will we do together? Eh?"

The smile of Lord Nick showed his teeth. 

"Haven't I been hungry all my life for a man like you, lad? Somebody tostand and guard my back while I faced the rest of the world?"

"And I'll do my share of the facing, too. "

"You will, Garry. But I'm your elder. "

"Man, man! Nobody's my elder except one that's spent half his life--as Ihave done!"

"We'll teach you to forget the pain I'll make life roses for you, Garry. "

"And the fools outside thought--"

Donnegan broke into a soundless laughter, and, running to the door, opened it a fraction of an inch and peeped out. 

"They're standing about in a circle. I can see 'em gaping. Even fromhere. What will they think, Henry?"

Lord Nick ground his teeth. 

"They'll think I've backed down from you, " he said gloomily. "They'llthink I've taken water for the first time. "

"Why, confound 'em, the first man that opens his head--"

"I know, I know. You'd fill his mouth with lead, and so would I. But ifit ever gets about--as it's sure to--that Lord, Nick, as they call me, has been bluffed down without a fight, I'll have every Chinaman thatcooks on the range talking back to me. I'll have to start all overagain. "

"Don't say that, Henry. Don't you see that I'll go out and explain thatI'm your brother?"

"What good will that do? No, do we look alike?"

Donnegan stopped short. 

"I'm not very big, " he said rather coldly, "but then I'm not so verysmall, either. I've found myself big enough, speaking in general. Besides, we have the same hair and eyes. "

"Why, man, people will laugh when they hear that we call ourselvesbrothers. "

Donnegan ground his teeth and the old flush burned upon his face. 

"I'll cut some throats if they do, " he said, trembling with his passion. 

"I can hear them say it. 'Lord Nick walked in on Donnegan prepared toeat him up. He measured him up and down, saw that he was a fightingwildcat in spite of his size, and decided to back out. And Donnegan waswilling. They couldn't come out without a story of some kind--with thewhole world expecting a death in that cabin--so they framed a crazycock-and-bull story about being brothers. ' I can hear them say that, Donnegan, and it makes me wild!"

"Do you call me Donnegan?" said Donnegan sadly. 

"No, no. Garry, don't be so touchy. You've never got over that, I see. Still all pride and fire. "

"You're not very humble yourself, Henry. "

"Maybe not, maybe not. But I've been in a certain position around theseparts, Don--Garry. And it's hard to see it go!"

Donnegan closed his eyes in deep reverie. And then he forced out thewords one by one. 

"Henry, I'll let everybody know that it was I who backed down. That wewere about to fight. " He was unable to speak; he tore the stock loose athis throat and went on: "We were about to fight; I lost my nerve; youcouldn't shoot a helpless man. We began to talk. We found out we arebrothers--"

"Damnation!" broke out Lord Nick, and he struck himself violently acrossthe forehead with the back of his hand. "I'm a skunk, Garry, lad. Why, for a minute I was about to let you do it. No. No, no! A thousand timesno!"

It was plain to be seen that he was arguing himself away from thetemptation. 

"What do I care what they say? We'll cram the words back down theirthroats and be hanged to 'em. Here I am worrying about myself like aselfish dog without letting myself be happy over finding you. But I amhappy, Garry. Heaven knows it. And you don't doubt it, do you, oldfellow?"

"Ah, " said Donnegan, and he smiled to cover a touch of sadness. "I hopenot. No, I don't doubt you, of course. I've spent my life wishing foryou since you left us, you see. And then I followed you for three yearson the road, hunting everywhere. "

"You did that?"

"Yes. Three years. I liked the careless life. For to tell you the truth, I'm not worth much, Henry. I'm a loafer by instinct, and--"

"Not another word. " There were tears in the eyes of Lord Nick, and hefrowned them away. "Confound it, Garry, you unman me. I'll be weepinglike a woman in a minute. But now, sit down. We still have some thingsto talk over. And we'll get to a quick conclusion. "

"Ah, yes, " said Donnegan, and at the emotion which had come in the faceof Lord Nick, his own expression softened wonderfully. A light seemed tostand in his face. "We'll brush over the incidentals. And everything isincidental aside from the fact that we're together again. They canchisel iron chain apart, but we'll never be separated again, Godwilling!" He looked up as he spoke, and his face was for the moment aspure as the face of a child--Donnegan, the thief, the beggar, the liarby gift, and the man-killer by trade and artistry. 

But Lord Nick in the meantime was looking down to the floor andmustering his thoughts. 

"The main thing is entirely simple, " he said. "You'll make oneconcession to my pride, Garry, boy?"

"Can you ask me?" said Donnegan softly, and he cast out his hands in agesture that offered his heart and his soul. "Can you ask me? Anything Ihave is yours!"

"Don't say that, " answered Lord Nick tenderly. "But this small thing--mypride, you know--I despise myself for caring what people think, but I'mweak. I admit it, but I can't help it. "

"Talk out, man. You'll see if there's a bottom to things that I cangive!"

"Well, it's this. Everyone knows that I came up here to get young JackLandis and bring him back to Lebrun's--from which you stole him, youclever young devil! Well, I'll simply take him back there, Garry; andthen I'll never have to ask another favor of you. "

He was astonished by a sudden silence, and looking up again, he saw thatDonnegan sat with his hand at his breast. It was a singularly femininegesture to which he resorted. It was a habit which had come to him inhis youth in the invalid chair, when the ceaseless torment of hiscrippled back became too great for him to bear. 

And clearly, indeed, those days were brought home to Lord Nick as heglanced up, for Donnegan was staring at him in the same old, familiaragony, mute and helpless. 

33

At this Lord Nick very frankly frowned in turn. And when he frowned hisface grew marvelously dark, like some wrathful god, for there was anoble, a Grecian purity to the profile of Henry Nicholas Reardon, andwhen he frowned he seemed to be scorning, from a distance, ignoble, earthly things which troubled him. 

"I know it isn't exactly easy for you, Garry, " he admitted. "You haveyour own pride; you have your own position here in The Corner. But Iwant you to notice that mine is different. You've spent a day for whatyou have in The Corner, here. I've spent ten years. You've played aprank, acted a part, and cast a jest for what you have. But for theplace which I hold, brother mine, I've schemed with my wits, played fastand loose, and killed men. Do you hear? I've bought it with blood, andthings you buy at such a price ought to stick, eh?"

He banished his frown; the smile played suddenly across his features. 

"Why, I'm arguing with myself. But that look you gave me a minute agohad me worried for a little while. "

At this Donnegan, who had allowed his head to fall, so that he seemedto be nodding in acquiescence, now raised his face and Lord Nickperceived the same white pain upon it. The same look which had been onthe face of the cripple so often in the other days. 

"Henry, " said the younger brother, "I give you my oath that my pride hasnothing to do with this. I'd let you drive me barefoot before youthrough the street yonder. I'd let every soul in The Corner know that Ihave no pride where you're concerned. I'll do whatever you wish--withone exception--and that one is the unlucky thing you ask. Pardner, youmustn't ask for Jack Landis! Anything else I'll work like a slave to getfor you: I'll fight your battles, I'll serve you in any way you name:but don't take Landis back!"

He had talked eagerly, the words coming with a rush, and he found at theend that Lord Nick was looking at him in bewilderment. 

"When a man is condemned to death, " said Lord Nick slowly, "supposesomebody offers him anything in the world that he wants--palaces, riches, power--everything except his life. What would the condemned mansay to a friend who made such an offer? He'd laugh at him and then callhim a traitor. Eh? But I don't laugh at you, Garry. I simply explain toyou why I have to have Landis back. Listen!"

He counted off his points upon the tips of his fingers, in the confidentmanner of a teacher who deals with a stupid child, waiting patiently forthe young mind to comprehend. 

"We've been bleeding Jack Landis. Do you know why? Because it was Lesterwho made the strike up here. He started out to file his claim. Hestopped at the house of Colonel Macon. That old devil learned thelocation, learned everything; detained Lester with a trick, and rushedyoung Landis away to file the claims for himself. Then when Lester cameup here he found that his claims had been jumped, and when he went tothe law there was no law that could help him. He had nothing but hisnaked word for what he had discovered. And naturally the word of aruffian like Lester had no weight against the word of Landis. And, yousee, Landis thought that he was entirely in the right. Lester tried theother way; tried to jump the claims; and was shot down by Landis. SoLester sent for me. What was I to do? Kill Landis? The mine would go tohis heirs. I tried a different way--bleeding him of his profits, afterI'd explained to him that he was in the wrong. He half admitted that, but he naturally wouldn't give up the mines even after we'd almostproved to him that Lester had the first right. So Landis has been miningthe gold and we've been drawing it away from him. It looks tricky, butreally it's only just. And Lester and Lebrun split with me. 

"But I tell you, Garry, that I'd give up everything without anafterthought. I'll give up the money and I'll make Lebrun and Lestershut up without a word. I'll make them play square and not try to knifeLandis in the back. I'll do all that willingly--for you! But, Garry, Ican't give up taking Landis back to Lebrun's and keeping him there untilhe's well. Why, man, I saw him in the hut just now. He wants to go. He'safraid of the old colonel as if he were poison--and I think he's wise inbeing afraid. "

"The colonel won't touch him, " said Donnegan. 

"No?"

"No. I've told him what would happen if he does. "

"Tush. Garry, Colonel Macon is the coldest-blooded murderer I've everknown. But come out in the open, lad. You see that I'm ready to listento reason--except on one point. Tell me why you're so set on thiskeeping of Landis here against my will and even against the lad's ownwill? I'm reasonable, Garry. Do you doubt that?"

Explaining his own mildness, the voice of Lord Nick swelled again andfilled the room, and he frowned on his brother. But Donnegan looked onhim sadly. 

"There is a girl--" he began. 

"Why didn't I guess it?" exclaimed Lord Nick. "If ever you find a manunreasonable, stubborn and foolish, you'll always find a woman behindit! All this trouble because of a piece of calico?"

He leaned back, laughing thunderously in his relief. 

"Come, come! I was prepared for a tragedy. Now tell me about this girl. Who and what is she?"

"The daughter of the colonel. "

"You're in love with her? I'm glad to hear it, Garry. As a matter offact I've been afraid that you were hunting in my own preserve, but ifit's the colonel's daughter, you're welcome to her. So you love thegirl? She's pretty, lad!"

"I love her?" said Donnegan in an indescribably tender voice. "I loveher? Who am I to love her? A thief, a man-killer, a miserable playactor, a gambler, a drunkard. I love her? Bah!"

If there was one quality of the mind with which Lord Nick was lessfamiliar than with all others, it was humbleness of spirit. He nowabased his magnificent head, and resting his chin in the mighty palm ofhis hand, he stared with astonishment and commiseration into the face ofDonnegan. He seemed to be learning new things every moment about hisbrother. 

"Leave me out of the question, " said Donnegan. 

"Can't be done. If I leave you out, dear boy, there's not one of themthat I care a hang about; I'd ride roughshod over the whole lot. I'vedone it before to better men than these!"

"Then you'll change, I know. This is the fact of the matter. She lovesLandis. And if you take Landis away where will you put him?"

"Where he was stolen away. In Lebrun's. "

"And what will be in Lebrun's?"

"Joe Rix to guard him and the old negress to nurse him. "'

"No, no! Nelly Lebrun will be there!"

"Eh? Are you glancing at her, now?"

"Henry, you yourself know that Landis is mad about that girl. "

"Oh, she's flirted a bit with him. Turned the fool's head. He'll comeout of it safe. She won't break his heart. I've seen her work onothers!"

He chuckled at the memory. 

"What do I care about Landis?" said Donnegan with unutterable scorn. "It's the girl. You'll break her heart, Henry; and if you do I'll neverforgive you. "

"Steady, lad. This is a good deal like a threat. "

"No, no, no! Not a threat, heaven knows!"

"By heaven!" exclaimed Lord Nick. "I begin to be irritated to see youstick on a silly point like this. Listen to me, lad. Do you mean to saythat you are making all! this trouble about a slip of a girl?"

"The heart of a girl, " said Donnegan calmly. 

"Let Landis go; then take her in your arms and kiss her worries away. Iwarrant you can do it! I gather from Nell that you're not tongue-tiedaround women!"

"I?" echoed Donnegan, turning pale. "Don't jest at this, Henry. I'm asserious as death. She's the type of woman made to love one man, and oneman only. Landis may be common as dirt; but she doesn't see it. She'sfastened her heart on him. I looked in on her a little while ago. Sheturned white when she saw me. I brought Landis to her, but she hates mebecause I had to shoot him down. "

"Garry, " said the big man with a twinkle in his eye, "you're in love!"

It shook Donnegan to the core, but he replied instantly; "If I were inlove, don't you suppose that I would have shot to kill when I metLandis?"

At this his brother blinked, frowned, and shook his head. The point wasapparently plain to him and wiped out his previous convictions. Also, iteased his mind. 

"Then you don't love the girl?"

"I?"

"Either way, my hands are cleared of the worry. If you want her, let metake Landis. If you don't want her, what difference does it make to youexcept silly sentiment?"

Donnegan made no answer. 

"If she comes to Lebrun's house, I'll see that Nell doesn't bother himtoo much. "

"Can you control her? If she wants to see this fool can you keep heraway, and if she goes to him can you control her smiling?"

"Certainly, " said Lord Nick, but he flushed heavily. 

Donnegan smiled. 

"She's a devil of a girl, " admitted Henry Reardon. "But this is besidethe point: which is, that you're sticking on a matter that meanseverything to me, and which is only a secondhand interest to you--apoint of sentiment. You pity the girl. What's pity? Bah! I pity a dog inthe street, but would I cross you, Garry, lad, to save the dog?Sentiment, I say, silly sentiment. "

Donnegan rose. 

"It was a silly sentiment, " he said hoarsely, "that put me on the roadfollowing you, Henry. It was a silly sentiment that turned me into awastrel, a wanderer, a man without a home and without friends. "

"It's wrong to throw that in my face, " muttered Lord Nick. 

"It is. And I'm sorry for it. But I want you to see that matters ofsentiment may be matters of life and death with me. "

"Aye, if it were for you it would be different. I might see my wayclear--but for a girl you have only a distant interest in--"

"It is a matter of whether or not her heart shall be broken. "

"Come, come. Let's talk man talk. Besides, girls' hearts don't break inthis country. You're old-fashioned. "

"I tell you the question of her happiness is worth more than a dozenlives like yours and mine. "

There had been a gathering impatience in Lord Nick. Now he, also, leapedto his feet; a giant. 

"Tell me in one word: You stick on this point?"

"In one word--yes!"

"Then you deny me, Garry. You set me aside for a silly purpose of yourown--a matter that really doesn't mean much to you. It shows me where Istand in your eyes--and nothing between the devil and the moon shallmake me sidestep!"

They remained silent, staring at each other. Lord Nick stood with aflush of anger growing; Donnegan became whiter than ever, and hestiffened himself to his full height, which, in all who knew him well, was the danger signal. 

"You take Landis?" he said softly. 

"I do. "

"Not, " said Donnegan, "while I live!"

"You mean--" cried Lord Nick. 

"I mean it!"

They had been swept back to the point at which that strangest of scenesbegan, but this time there was an added element--horror. 

"You'd fight?"

"To the death, Henry!"

"Garry, if one of us should kill the other, he'd be cursed forever!"

"I know it. "

"And she's worth even this?"

"A thousand times more! What are we? Dust in the wind; dust in the wind. But a woman like that is divine, Henry!"

Lord Nick swayed a little, setting himself in balance like an animalpreparing for the leap. 

"If it comes to the pinch, it is you who will die, " he said. 

"You've no chance against me, Garry. And I swear to you that I won'tweaken. You prove that you don't care for me. You put another above me. It's my pride, my life, that you'd sacrifice to the whim of a girl!" Hispassion choked him. 

"Are you ready?" said Donnegan. 

"Yes!"

"Move first!"

"I have never formed the habit. "

"Nor I! You fool, take what little advantage you can, because it won'thelp you in the end. "

"You shall see. I have a second sight, Henry, and it shows me you deadon the floor there, looking bigger than ever, and I see the gun smokingin my hand and my heart as dead as ashes! Oh, Henry, if there were onlysome other way!"

They were both pale now. 

"Aye, " murmured Lord Nick, "if we could find a judge. My hand turns tolead when I think of fighting you, Garry. "

Perspiration stood on the face of Donnegan. 

"Name a judge; I'll abide by the decision. "

"Some man--"

"No, no. What man could understand me? A woman, Henry!"

"Nell Lebrun. "

"The girl who loves you? You want me to plead before her?"

"Put her on her honor and she'll be as straight as a string with both ofus. "

For a moment Donnegan considered, and at length: "She loves you, Henry. You have that advantage. You have only to let her know that this is avital matter to you and she'll speak as you wish her to speak. "

"Nonsense. You don't know her. You've seen yourself that no man cancontrol her absolutely. "

"Make a concession. "

"A thousand, Garry, dear boy, if they'll get us clear from this horriblemess. "

"Only this. Leave The Corner for a few hours. Give me until--tonight. Let me see Nelly during that time. You've had years to work on her. Iwant only this time to put my own case before her. "

"Thank heaven that we're coming to see light and a way out!"

"Aye, Henry. "

The big man wiped his forehead and sighed in his relief. 

"A minute ago I was ready--but we'll forget all this. What will you do?How will you persuade Nelly? I almost think that you intend to make loveto her, Garry!"

The little man turned paler still. 

"It is exactly what I intend, " he said quietly. 

The brow of Lord Nick darkened solemnly, and then he forced a laugh. 

"She'll be afraid to turn me down, Garry. But try your own way. " He bithis lips. "Why, if you influence her that way--do it. What's a ficklejade to me? Nothing!"

"However I do it, you'll stick by her judgment, Henry?"

The perspiration had started on Lord Nick's forehead again. Doubt swayedhim, but pride forced him on. 

"I'll come again tonight, " he said gloomily. "I'll meet youin--Milligan's?"

"In Milligan's, then. "

Lord Nick, without a word of farewell, stamped across the hut and out. 

As for Donnegan, he stepped backward, his legs buckled beneath him, andwhen big George entered, with a scared face, he found the little manhalf sitting on the bunk, half lying against the wall with the face andthe staring eyes of a dead man. 

34

It was a long time before Donnegan left the hut, and when he came outthe crowd which had gathered to watch the fight, or at least to mark thereports of the guns when those two terrible warriors met, was scattered. There remained before Donnegan only the colonel in his invalid's chair. Even from the distance one could see that his expression was changed, and when the little red-headed man came near the colonel looked up tohim with something akin to humility. 

"Donnegan, " he said, stopping the other as Donnegan headed for the doorof the hut, "Donnegan, don't go in there just now. "

Donnegan turned and came slowly toward him. 

"The reason, " said the colonel, "is that you probably won't receive avery cheery reception. Unfortunate--very unfortunate. Lou has turnedwrong-headed for the first time in her life and she won't listen toreason. "

He chuckled softly. 

"I never dreamed there was so much of my metal in her. Blood will tell, my boy; blood will tell. And when you finally get her you'll find thatshe's worth waiting for. "

"Let me tell you a secret, " said Donnegan dryly. "I am no longer waitingfor her!"

"Ah?" smiled the colonel. "Of course not. This bringing of Landis toher--it was all pure self-sacrifice. It was not an attempt to soften herheart. It was not a cunning maneuver. Tush! Of course not!"

"I am about to make a profound remark, " said Donnegan carelessly. 

"By all means. "

"You read the minds of other people through a colored glass, colonel. You see yourself everywhere. "

"In other words I put my own motives into the actions and behind theactions of people? Perhaps. I am full of weaknesses. Very full. In themeantime let me tell you one important thing--if you have not made theheart of Lou tender toward you, you have at least frightened her. "

The jaw on Donnegan set. 

"Excellent!" he said huskily. 

"Perhaps better than you think; and to keep you abreast with the times, you must know another thing. Lou has a silly idea that you are a lostsoul, Donnegan, but she attributes your fall entirely to my weakness. Nothing can convince her that you did not intend to kill Landis; nothingcan convince her that you did not act on my inspiration. I have triedarguing. Bah! she overwhelmed me with her scorn. You are a villain, saysLou, and I have made you one. And for the first time in my memory ofher, her eyes fill with tears. "

"Tears?"

"Upon my honor, and when a girl begins to weep about a man I don't needto say he is close to her heart. "

"You are full of maxims, Colonel Macon. "

"As a nut is full of meat. Old experience, you know. In the meantime Louis perfectly certain that I intend to make away with Landis. Ha, ha, ha!" The laughter of the colonel was a cheery thunder, and soft as withdistance. "Landis is equally convinced. He begs Lou not to fall asleeplest I should steal in on him. She hardly dares leave him to cook hisfood. I actually think she would have been glad to see that fiend, LordNick, take Landis away!"

Donnegan smiled wanly. But could he tell her, poor girl, the story ofNelly Lebrun? Landis, in fear of his life, was no doubt at this momentpouring out protestations of deathless affection. 

"And they both consider you an archdemon for keeping Lord Nick away!"

Again Donnegan winced, and coughed behind his hand to cover it. 

"However, " went on the colonel, "when it comes to matters with thehearts of women, I trust to time. Time alone will show her that Landisis a puppy. "

"In the meantime, colonel, she keeps you from coming near Landis?"

"Not at all! You fail to understand me and my methods, dear boy. I haveonly to roll my chair into the room and sit and smile at Jack in orderto send him into an hysteria of terror. It is amusing to watch. And Ican be there while Lou is in the room and through a few carefulinnuendoes convey to Landis my undying determination to either removehim from my path and automatically become his heir, or else secure fromhim a legal transfer of his rights to the mines. "

"I have learned, " said Donnegan, "that Landis has not the slightestclaim to them himself. And that you set him on the trail of the claimsby trickery. "

The colonel did not wince. 

"Of course not, " said the fat trickster. "Not the slightest right. Myclaim is a claim of superior wits, you see. And in the end all yourlabor shall be rewarded, for my share will go to Lou and through her itshall come to you. No?"

"Quite logical. "

The colonel disregarded the other's smile. 

"But I have a painful confession to make. "

"Well?"

"I misjudged you, Donnegan. A moment since, when I was nearly distraughtwith disappointment, I said some most unpleasant things to you. "

"I have forgotten them. "

But the colonel raised his strong forefinger and shook his head, smiling. 

"No, no, Donnegan. If you deny it, I shall know that you are harboringthe most undying grudge against me. As a matter of fact, I have justhad an interview with Lord Nick, and the cursed fellow put my nerves onedge. "

The colonel made a wry face. 

"And when you came, I saw no manner in which you could possibly thwarthim. "

His eyes grew wistful. 

"Between friends--as a son to his future father, " he said softly, "can'tyou tell me what the charm was that you used on. Nick to send him away?I watched him come out of the shack. He was in a fury. I could see thatby the way his head thrust out between his big shoulders. And when hewent down the hill he was striding like a giant, but every now and thenhe would stop short, and his head would go up as if he were tempted toturn around and go back, but didn't quite have the nerve. Donnegan, tellme the trick of it?"

"Willingly. I appealed to his gambling instinct. "

"Which leaves me as much in the dark as ever. "

But Donnegan smiled in his own peculiar and mirthless manner and he wenton to the hut. Not that he expected a cheery greeting from Lou Macon, but he was drawn by the same perverse instinct which tempts a man tothrow himself from a great height. At the door he paused a moment. Hecould distinguish no words, but he caught the murmur of Lou's voice asshe talked to Jack Landis, and it had that infinitely gentle qualitywhich only a woman's voice can have, and only when she nurses the sick. It was a pleasant torture to Donnegan to hear it. At length he summonedhis resolution and tapped at the door. 

The voice of Lou Macon stopped. He heard a hurried and whisperedconsultation. What did they expect? Then swift foot-falls on the floor, and she opened the door. There was a smile of expectancy on her lips;her eyes were bright; but when she saw Donnegan her lips pinched in. Shestared at him as if he were a ghost. 

"I knew; I knew!" she said piteously, falling back a step but stillkeeping her hand upon the knob of the door as if to block the way toDonnegan. "Oh, Jack, he has killed Lord Nick and now he is here--"

To do what? To kill Landis in turn? Her horrified eyes implied as much. He saw Landis in the distance raise himself upon one elbow and his facewas gray, not with pain but with dread. 

"It can't be!" groaned Landis. 

"Lord Nick is alive, " said Donnegan. "And I have not come here totorment you; I have only come to ask that you let me speak with youalone for a moment, Lou!"

He watched her face intently. All the cabin was in deep shadow, but thegolden hair of the girl glowed as if with an inherent light of its own, and the same light touched her face. Jack Landis was stricken withpanic: he stammered in a dreadful eagerness of fear. 

"Don't leave me, Lou. You know what it means. He wants to get you out ofthe way so that the colonel can be alone with me. Don't go, Lou! Don'tgo!"

As though she saw how hopeless it was to try to bar Donnegan by closingthe door against him, she fell back to the bed. She kept her eye on thelittle man, as if to watch against a surprise attack, and, fumblingbehind her, her hand found the hand of Landis and closed over it withthe reassurance of a mother. 

"Don't be afraid, Jack. I won't leave you. Not unless they carry me awayby force. "

"I give you my solemn word. " said Donnegan in torment, "that the colonelshall not come near Landis while you're away with me. "

"Your word!" murmured the girl with a sort of horrified wonder. "Yourword!"

And Donnegan bowed his head. 

But all at once she cast out her free hand toward him, while the otherstill cherished the weakness of Jack Landis. 

"Oh, give them up!" she cried. "Give up my father and all his wickedplans. There is something good in you. Give him up; come with us;stand for us: and we shall be grateful all our lives!"

The little man had removed his hat, so that the sunshine burned brightlyon his red hair. Indeed, there was always a flamelike quality about him. In inaction he seemed femininely frail and pale; but when his spirit wasroused his eyes blazed as his hair burned in the sunlight. 

"You shall learn in the end, " he said to the girl, "that everything Ido, I do for you. "

She cried out as if he had struck her. 

"It's not worthy of you, " she said bitterly. "You are keeping Jackhere--in peril--for my sake?"

"For your sake, " said Donnegan. 

She looked at him with a queer pain in her eyes. 

"To keep you from needless lying, " she said, "let me tell you that Jackhas told me everything. I am not angry because you come and pretend thatyou do all these horrible things for my sake. I know my father hastempted you with a promise of a great deal of money. But in the end youwill get nothing. No, he will twist everything away from you and leaveyou nothing! But as for me--I know everything; Jack told me. "

"He has told you what? What?"

"About the woman you love. "

"The woman I love?" echoed Donnegan, stupefied. 

It seemed that Lou Macon could only name her with an effort that lefther trembling. 

"The Lebrun woman, " she said. "Jack has told me. "

"Did you tell her that?" he asked Landis. 

"The whole town knows it, " stammered the wounded man. 

The cunning hypocrisy spurred Donnegan. He put his foot on the thresholdof the shack, and at this the girl cried out and shrank from him; butLandis was too paralyzed to stir or speak. For a moment Donnegan waswildly tempted to pour his torrent of contempt and accusation uponLandis. To what end? To prove to the girl that the big fellow had coollytricked her? That it was to be near Nelly Lebrun as much as to be awayfrom the colonel that he wished so ardently to leave the shack? Afterall, Lou Macon was made happy by an illusion; let her keep it. 

He looked at her sadly again. She stood defiant over Landis; ready toprotect the helpless bulk of the man. 

So Donnegan closed the door softly and turned away with ashes in hisheart. 

35

When Nelly Lebrun raised her head from her hands, Donnegan was a farfigure; yet even in the distance she could catch the lilt and easy swayof his body; he rode as he walked, lightly, his feet in the stirrupshalf taking his weight in a semi-English fashion. For a moment she wason the verge of spurring after him, but she kept the rein taut andmerely stared until he dipped away among the hills. For one thing shewas quite assured that she could not overtake that hard rider; and, again, she felt that it was useless to interfere. To step between LordNick and one of his purposes would have been like stepping before anavalanche and commanding it to halt with a raised hand. 

She watched miserably until even the dust cloud dissolved and the bare, brown hills alone remained before her. Then she turned away, and hourafter hour let her black jog on. 

To Nelly Lebrun this day was one of those still times which come overthe life of a person, and in which they see themselves in relation tothe rest of the world clearly. It would not be true to say that Nellyloved Donnegan. Certainly not as yet, for the familiar figure of LordNick filled her imagination. But the little man was different. LordNick commanded respect, admiration, obedience; but there was aboutDonnegan something which touched her in an intimate and disturbingmanner. She had felt the will-o'-the-wisp flame which burned in him inhis great moments. It was possible for her to smile at Donnegan; it waspossible even to pity him for his fragility, his touchy pride about hissize; to criticize his fondness for taking the center of the stage evenin a cheap little mining camp like this and strutting about, the centerof all attention. Yet there were qualities in him which escaped her, apossibility of metallic hardness, a pitiless fire of purpose. 

To Lord Nick, he was as the bull terrier to the mastiff. 

But above all she could not dislodge the memory of his strange talk withher at Lebrun's. Not that she did not season the odd avowals of Donneganwith a grain of salt, but even when she had discounted all that he said, she retained a quivering interest. Somewhere beneath his words shesensed reality. Somewhere beneath his actions she felt a selflesswillingness to throw himself away. 

As she rode she was comparing him steadily with Lord Nick. And as shemade the comparisons she felt more and more assured that she could pickand choose between the two. They loved her, both of them. With Nick itwas an old story; with Donnegan it might be equally true in spite of itsnewness. And Nelly Lebrun felt rich. Not that she would have beenwilling to give up Lord Nick. By no means. But neither was she willingto throw away Donnegan. Diamonds in one hand and pearls in the other. Which handful must she discard?

She remained riding an unconscionable length of time, and when she drewrein again before her father's house, the black was flecked with foamfrom his clamped bit, and there was a thick lather under the stirrupleathers. She threw the reins to the servant who answered her call andwent slowly into the house. 

Donnegan, by this time, was dead. She began to feel that it would behard to look Lord Nick in the face again. His other killings had oftenseemed to her glorious. She had rejoiced in the invincibility of herlover. 

Now he suddenly took on the aspect of a murderer. 

She found the house hushed. Perhaps everyone was at the gaming house;for now it was midafternoon. But when she opened the door to theapartment which they used as a living room she found Joe Rix and thePedlar and Lester sitting side by side, silent. There was no whisky insight; there were no cards to be seen. Marvel of marvels, these threemen were spending their time in solemn thought. A sudden thought rushedover her, and her cry told where her heart really lay, at least at thistime. 

"Lord Nick--has he been--"

The Pedlar lifted his gaunt head and stared at her without expression. It was Joe Rix who answered. 

"Nick's upstairs. "

"Safe?"

"Not a scratch. "

She sank into a chair with a sigh, but was instantly on edge again withthe second thought. 

"Donnegan?" she whispered. 

"Safe and sound, " said Lester coldly. 

She could not gather the truth of the statement. 

"Then Nick got Landis back before Donnegan returned?"

"No. "

Like any other girl, Nelly Lebrun hated a puzzle above all things in theworld, at least a puzzle which affected her new friends. 

"Lester, what's happened?" she demanded. 

At this Lester, who had been brooding upon the floor, raised his eyesand then switched one leg over the other. He was a typical cowman, wasLester, from his crimson handkerchief knotted around his throat to hisshop-made boots which fitted slenderly about his instep with the care ofa gloved hand. 

"I dunno what happened, " said Lester. "Which looks like what counts isthe things that didn't happen. Landis is still with that devil, Macon. Donnegan is loose without a scratch, and Lord Nick is in his room with aface as black as a cloudy night. "

And briefly he described how Lord Nick had gone up the hill, seen thecolonel, come back, taken a horse litter, and gone up the hill again, while the populace of The Corner waited for a crash. For Donnegan hadarrived in the meantime. And how Nick had gone into the cabin, remaineda singularly long time, and then come out, with a face half white andhalf red and an eye that dared anyone to ask questions. He had strodestraight home to Lebrun's and gone to his room; and there he remained, never making a sound. 

"But I'll give you my way of readin' the sign on that trail, " saidLester. "Nick goes up the hill to clean up on Donnegan. He sees him;they size each other up in a flash; they figure that if they's a gun itmeans a double killin'--and they simply haul off and say a perlitefare-thee-well. "

The girl paid no attention to these remarks. She was sunk in a brownstudy. 

"There's something behind it all, " she said, more to herself than to themen. "Nick is proud as the devil himself. And I can't imagine why he'dlet Donnegan go. Oh, it might have been done if they'd met alone in thedesert. But with the whole town looking on and waiting for Nick to cleanup on Donnegan--no, it isn't possible. There must have been a showdownof some kind. "

There was a grim little silence after this. 

"Maybe there was, " said the Pedlar dryly. "Maybe there was ashowdown--and the wind-up of it is that Nick comes home meek as asix-year-old broke down in front. "

She stared at him, first astonished, and then almost frightened. 

"You mean that Nick may have taken water?"

The three, as one man, shrugged their shoulders, and met her glance withcold eyes. 

"You fools!" cried the girl, springing to her feet. "He'd rather die!"

Joe Rix leaned forward, and to emphasize his point he stabbed one dirtyforefinger into the fat palm of his other hand. 

"You just start thinkin' back, " he said solemnly, "and you'll rememberthat Donnegan has done some pretty slick things. "

Lester added with a touch of contempt: "Like shootin' down Landis oneday and then sittin' down and havin' a nice long chat with you the next. I dunno how he does it. "

"That hunch of yours, " said the girl fiercely, "ought to be roped andbranded--lie! Lester, don't look at me like that. And if you think Nickhas lost his grip on things you're dead wrong. Step light, Lester--andthe rest of you. Or Nick may hear you walk--and think. "

She flung out of the room and raced up the stairs to Lord Nick's room. There was an interval without response after her first knock. But whenshe rapped again he called out to know who was there. At her answer sheheard his heavy stride cross the room, and the door opened slowly. Hisface, as she looked up to it, was so changed that she hardly knew him. His hair was unkempt, on end, where he had sat with his fingers thrustinto it, buried in thought. And the marks of his palms were red upon hisforehead. 

"Nick, " she whispered, frightened, "what is it?"

He looked down half fiercely, half sadly at her. And though his lipsparted they closed again before he spoke. Fear jumped coldly in NellyLebrun. 

"Did Donnegan--" she pleaded, white-faced. "Did he--"

"Did he bluff me out?" finished Nick. "No, he didn't. That's whateverybody'll say. I know it, don't I? And that's why I'm staying here bymyself, because the first fool that looks at me with a question in hisface, why--I'll break him in two. "

She pressed close to him, more frightened than before. That Lord Nickshould have been driven to defend himself with words was almost too muchfor credence. 

"You know I don't believe it, Nick? You know that I'm not doubting you?"

But he brushed her hands roughly away. 

"You want to know what it's all about? Then go over to--well, toMilligan's. Donnegan will be there. He'll explain things to you, Iguess. He wants to see you. And maybe I'll come over later and joinyou. "

Seeing Lord Nick before her, so shaken, so gray of face, so dull of eye, she pictured Donnegan as a devil in human form, cunning, resistless. 

"Nick, dear--" she pleaded. 

He closed the door in her face, and she heard his heavy step go backacross the room. In some mysterious manner she felt the Promethean firehad been stolen from Lord Nick, and Donnegan's was the hand that hadrobbed him of it. 

36

It was fear that Nelly Lebrun felt first of all. It was fear becausethe impossible had happened and the immovable object had been at lastmoved. Going back to her own room, the record of Lord Nick flashedacross her mind; one long series of thrilling deeds. He had been a greatand widely known figure on the mountain desert while she herself was nomore than a girl. When she first met him she had been prepared for thesight of a firebreathing monster; and she had never quite recovered fromthe first thrill of finding him not devil but man. 

Quite oddly, now that there seemed another man as powerful as Lord Nickor even more terrible, she felt for the big man more tenderly than ever;for like all women, there was a corner of her heart into which shewished to receive a thing she could cherish and protect. Lord Nick, theinvincible, had seemed without any real need of other human beings. Hislove for her had seemed unreal because his need of her seemed asuperficial thing. Now that he was in sorrow and defeat she suddenlyvisualized a Lord Nick to whom she could truly be a helpmate. Tears cameto her eyes at the thought. 

Yet, very contradictorily and very humanly, the moment she was in herroom she began preparing her toilet for that evening at Lebrun's. Let noone think that she was already preparing to cast Lord Nick away and turnto the new star in the sky of the mountain desert. By no means. No doubther own heart was not quite clear to Nelly. Indeed, she put on her mostlovely gown with a desire for revenge. If Lord Nick had been humbled bythis singular Donnegan, would it not be a perfect revenge to bringDonnegan himself to her feet? Would it not be a joy to see him turn paleunder her smile, and then, when he was well-nigh on his knees, spurn thelove which he offered her?

She set her teeth and her eyes gleamed with the thought. Butnevertheless she went on lavishing care in the preparation for thatnight. 

As she visioned the scene, the many curious eyes that watched her withDonnegan; the keen envy in the faces of the women; the cold watchfulnessof the men, were what she pictured. 

In a way she almost regretted that she was admired by such fighting men, Landis, Lord Nick, and now Donnegan, who frightened away the rank andfile of other would-be admirers. But it was a pang which she couldreadily control and subdue. 

To tell the truth the rest of the day dragged through a weary length. Atthe dinner table her father leaned to her and talked in his usualmurmuring voice which could reach her own ear and no other by anychance. 

"Nelly, there's going to be the devil to pay around The Corner. You knowwhy. Now, be a good girl and wise girl and play your cards. Donnegan islosing his head; he's losing it over you. So play your cards. "

"Turn down Nick and take up Donnegan?" she asked coldly. 

"I've said enough already, " said her father, and would not speak again. But it was easy to see that he already felt Lord Nick's star to be pastits full glory. 

Afterward, Lebrun himself took his daughter over to Milligan's and lefther under the care of the dance-hall proprietor. 

"I'm waiting for someone, " said Nelly, and Milligan sat willingly at hertable and made talk. He was like the rest of The Corner--full of thesubject of the strange encounter between Lord Nick and Donnegan. Whathad Donnegan done to the big man? Nelly merely smiled and said theywould all know in time: one thing was certain--Lord Nick had not takenwater. But at this Milligan smiled behind his hand. 

Ten minutes later there was that stir which announced the arrival ofsome public figures; and Donnegan with big George behind him came intothe room. This evening he went straight to the table to Nelly Lebrun. Milligan, a little uneasy, rose. But Donnegan was gravely polite andregretted that he had interrupted. 

"I have only come to ask you for five minutes of your time, " he said tothe girl. 

She was about to put him off merely to make sure of her hold over him, but something she saw in his face fascinated her. She could not play hergame. Milligan had slipped away before she knew it, and Donnegan was inhis place at the table. He was as much changed as Lord Nick, shethought. Not that his clothes were less carefully arranged than ever, but in the compression of his lips and something behind his eyes shefelt the difference. She would have given a great deal indeed to havelearned what went on behind the door of Donnegan's shack when Lord Nickwas there. 

"Last time you asked for one minute and stayed half an hour, " she said. "This time it's five minutes. "

No matter what was on his mind he was able to answer fully as lightly. 

"When I talk about myself, I'm always long-winded. "

"Tonight it's someone else?"

"Yes. "

She was, being a woman, intensely disappointed, but her smile was asbright as ever. 

"Of course I'm listening. "

"You remember what I told you of Landis and the girl on the hill?"

"She seems to stick in your thoughts, Mr. Donnegan. "

"Yes, she's a lovely child. "

And by his frankness he very cunningly disarmed her. Even if he hadhesitated an instant she would have been on the track of the truth, buthe had foreseen the question and his reply came back instantly. 

He added: "Also, what I say has to do with Lord Nick. "

"Ah, " said the girl a little coldly. 

Donnegan went on. He had chosen frankness to be his role and he playedit to the full. 

"It is a rather wonderful story, " he went on. "You know that Lord Nickwent up the hill for Landis? And The Corner was standing around waitingfor him to bring the youngster down?"

"Of course. "

"There was only one obstacle--which you had so kindly removed--myself. "

"For your own sake, Mr. Donnegan. "

"Ah, don't you suppose that I know?" And his voice touched her. "He cameto kill me. And no doubt he could have done so. "

Such frankness shocked her into a new attention. 

Perhaps Donnegan overdid his part a little at this point, for in herheart of hearts she knew that the little man would a thousand timesrather die than give way to any living man. 

"But I threw my case bodily before him--the girl--her love forLandis--and the fear which revolved around your own unruly eyes, youknow, if he were sent back to your father's house. I placed it allbefore him. At first he was for fighting at once. But the story appealedto him. He pitied the girl. And in the end he decided to let the matterbe judged by a third person. He suggested a man. But I know that a manwould see in my attitude nothing but foolishness. No man could haveappreciated the position of that girl on the hill. I myself namedanother referee--yourself. "

She gasped. 

"And so I have come to place the question before you, because I knowthat you will decide honestly. "

"Then I shall be honest, " said the girl. 

She was thinking: Why not have Landis back? It would keep the three menrevolving around her. Landis on his feet and well would have beennothing; either of these men would have killed him. But Landis sick shemight balance in turn against them both. Nelly had the instincts of afencer; she loved balance. 

But Donnegan was heaping up his effects. For by the shadow in her eyeshe well knew what was passing through her mind, and he dared not let herspeak too quickly. 

"There is more hanging upon it. In the first place, if Landis is leftwith the girl it gives the colonel a chance to work on him, and like asnot the colonel will get the young fool to sign away the mines tohim--frighten him, you see, though I've made sure that the colonel willnot actually harm him. "

"How have you made sure? They say the colonel is a devil. "

"I have spoken with him. The colonel is not altogether withoutsensibility to fear. "

She caught the glint in the little man's eye and she believed. 

"So much for that. Landis is safe, but his money may not be. Anotherthing still hangs upon your decision. Lord Nick wanted to know why Itrusted to you? Because I felt you were honest. Why did I feel that?There was nothing to do. Besides, how could I conceal myself from such aman? I spoke frankly and told him that I trusted you because I loveyou. "

She closed her hand hard on the edge of the table to steady herself. 

"And he made no move at you?"

"He restrained himself. "

"Lord Nick?" gasped the incredulous girl. 

"He is a gentleman, " said Donnegan with a singular pride which she couldnot understand. 

He went on: "And unfortunately I fear that if you decide in favor of myside of the argument, I fear that Lord Nick will feel that you--thatyou--"

He was apparently unable to complete his sentence. 

"He will feel that you no longer care for him, " said Donnegan at length. 

The girl pondered him with cloudy eyes. 

"What is behind all this frankness?" she asked coldly. 

"I shall tell you. Hopelessness is behind it. Last night I poured myheart at your feet. And I had hope. Today I have seen Lord Nick and I nolonger hope. "

"Ah?"

"He is worthy of a lovely woman's affection; and I--" He called herattention to himself with a deprecatory gesture. 

"Do you ask me to hurt him like this?" said the girl. "His pride is thepride of the fiend. Love me? He would hate me!"

"It might be true. Still I know you would risk it, because--" he paused. 

"Well?" asked the girl, whispering in her excitement. 

"Because you are a lady. "

He bowed to her. 

"Because you are fair; because you are honest, Nelly Lebrun. PersonallyI think that you can win Lord Nick back with one minute of smiling. Butyou might not. You might alienate him forever. It will be clumsy toexplain to him that you were influenced not by me, but by justice. Hewill make it a personal matter, whereas you and I know that it is onlythe right that you are seeing. "

She propped her chin on the tips of her fingers, and her arm was a thingof grace. For the last moments that clouded expression had not cleared. 

"If I only could read your mind, " she murmured now. "There is somethingbehind it all. "

"I shall tell you what it is. It is the restraint that has fallen uponme. It is because I wish to lean closer to you across the table andspeak to you of things which are at the other end of the world fromLandis and the other girl. It is because I have to keep my hands grippedhard to control myself. Because, though I have given up hope, I wouldfollow a forlorn chance, a lost cause, and tell you again and again thatI love you, Nelly Lebrun!"

He had half lowered his eyes as he spoke; he had called up a vision, andthe face of Lou Macon hovered dimly between him and Nelly Lebrun. If allthat he spoke was a lie, let him be forgiven for it; it was thegolden-haired girl whom he addressed, and it was she who gave the tremorand the fiber to his voice. And after all was he not pleading for herhappiness as he believed?

He covered his eyes with his hand; but when he looked up again she couldsee the shadow of the pain which was slowly passing. She had never seensuch emotion in any man's face, and if it was for another, how could sheguess it? Her blood was singing in her veins, and the old, old questionwas flying back and forth through her brain like a shuttle through aloom: Which shall it be?

She called up the picture of Lord Nick, half-broken, but still terrible, she well knew. She pitied him, but when did pity wholly rule the heartof a woman? And as for Nelly Lebrun, she had the ambition of a youngCaesar; she could not fill a second place. He who loved her must standfirst, and she saw Donnegan as the invincible man. She had not believedhalf of his explanation. No, he was shielding Lord Nick; behind thatshield the truth was that the big man had quailed before the small. 

Of course she saw that Donnegan, pretending to be constrained by hisagreement with Lord Nick, was in reality cunningly pleading his owncause. But his passion excused him. When has a woman condemned a man forloving her beyond the rules of fair play?

"Whatever you may decide, " Donnegan was saying. "I shall be prepared tostand by it without a murmur. Send Landis back to your father's houseand I submit: I leave The Corner and say farewell. But now, thinkquickly. For Lord Nick is coming to receive your answer. "

37

If the meeting between Lord Nick and Donnegan earlier that day hadwrought up the nerves of The Corner to the point of hysteria; if thesingular end of that meeting had piled mystery upon excitement; if theappearance of Donnegan, sitting calmly at the table of the girl who wasknown to be engaged to Nick, had further stimulated public curiosity, the appearance of Lord Nick was now a crowning burden under which TheCorner staggered. 

Yet not a man or a woman stirred from his chair, for everyone knew thatif the long-delayed battle between these two gunfighters was at lengthto take place, neither bullet was apt to fly astray. 

But what happened completed the wreck of The Corner's nerves, for LordNick walked quietly across the floor and sat down with Nelly Lebrun andhis somber rival. 

Oddly enough, he looked at Donnegan, not at the girl, and this token ofthe beaten man decided her. 

"Well?" said Lord Nick. 

"I have decided, " said the girl. "Landis should stay where he is. "

Neither of the two men stirred hand or eye. But Lord Nick turned gray. At length he rose and asked Donnegan, quietly, to step aside with him. Seeing them together, the difference between their sizes was moreapparent: Donnegan seemed hardly larger than a child beside the splendidbulk of Lord Nick. But she could not overhear their talk. 

"You've won, " said Lord Nick, "both Landis and Nelly. And--"

"Wait, " broke in Donnegan eagerly. "Henry, I've persuaded Nelly to seemy side of the case, but that doesn't mean that she has turned from youto--"

"Stop!" put in Lord Nick, between his teeth. "I've not come to arguewith you or ask advice or opinions. I've come to state facts. You'vecrawled in between me and Nelly like a snake in the grass. Very well. You're my brother. That keeps me from handling you. You've broken myreputation just as I said you would do. The bouncer at the door lookedme in the eye and smiled when I came in. "

He had to pause a little, breathing heavily, and avoiding Donnegan'seyes. Finally he was able to continue. 

"I'm going to roll my blankets and leave The Corner and everything Ihave in it. You'll get my share of most things, it seems. " He smiledafter a ghastly, mirthless fashion. "I give you a free road. I surrendereverything to you, Donnegan. But there are two things I want to warn youabout. It may be that my men will not agree with me. It may be thatthey'll want to put up a fight for the mine. They can't get at itwithout getting at Macon. They can't get at him without removing you. And they'll probably try it. I warn you now. 

"Another thing: from this moment there's no blood tie between us. I'vefound a brother and lost him in the same day. And if I ever cross youagain, Donnegan, I'll shoot you on sight. Remember, I'm not threatening. I simply warn you in advance. If I were you, I'd get out of the country. Avoid me, Donnegan, as you'd avoid the devil. "

And he turned on his heel. He felt the eyes of the people in the roomfollow him by jerks, dwelling on every one of his steps. Near the door, stepping aside to avoid a group of people coming in, he half turned andhe could not avoid the sight of Donnegan and Nelly Lebrun at the otherend of the room. He was leaning across the table, talking with a smileon his lips--at that distance he could not mark the pallor of the littleman's face--and Nelly Lebrun was laughing. Laughing already, andoblivious of the rest of the world. 

Lord Nick turned, a blur coming before his eyes, and made blindly forthe door. A body collided with him; without a word he drew back hismassive right fist and knocked the man down. The stunned body struckagainst the wall and collapsed along the floor. Lord Nick felt a greatmadness swell in his heart. Yet he set his teeth, controlled himself, and went on toward the house of Lebrun. He had come within an eyelash ofrunning amuck, and the quivering hunger for action was still swellingand ebbing in him when he reached the gambler's house. 

Lebrun was not in the gaming house, no doubt, at this time of night--butthe rest of Nick's chosen men were there. They stood up as he enteredthe room--Harry Masters, newly arrived--the Pedlar--Joe Rix--three namesfamous in the mountain desert for deeds which were not altogether apleasant aroma in the nostrils of the law-abiding, but whose sins hadbeen deftly covered from legal proof by the cunning of Nick, and whosebravery itself had half redeemed them. They rose now as three wolvesrise at the coming of the leader. But this time there was a questionbehind their eyes, and he read it in gloomy silence. 

"Well?" asked Harry Masters. 

In the old days not one of them would have dared to voice the question, but now things were changing, and well Lord Nick could read the changeand its causes. 

"Are you talking to me?" asked Nick, and he looked straight between theeyes of Masters. 

The glance of the other did not falter, and it maddened Nick. 

"I'm talking to you, " said Masters coolly enough. "What happened betweenyou and Donnegan?"

"What should happen?" asked Lord Nick. 

"Maybe all this is a joke, " said Masters bitterly. He was a square-builtman, with a square face and a wrinkled, fleshy forehead. Inintelligence, Nick ranked him first among the men. And if a new leaderwere to be chosen there was no doubt as to where the choice of the menwould fall. No doubt that was why Masters put himself forward now, readyto brave the wrath of the chief. "Maybe we're fooled, " went on Masters. "Maybe they ain't any call for you to fall out with Donnegan?"

"Maybe there's a call to find out this, " answered Lord Nick. "Why didyou leave the mines? What are you doing up here?"

The other swallowed so hard that he blinked. 

"I left the mines, " he declared through his set teeth, "because I wasrun off 'em. "

"Ah, " said Lord Nick, for the devil was rising in him, "I always had anidea that you might be yellow, Masters. "

The right hand of Masters swayed toward his gun, hesitated, and thenpoised idly. 

"You heard me talk?" persisted Lord Nick brutally. "I call you yellow. Why don't you draw on me? I called you yellow, you swine, and I call therest of you yellow. You think you have me down? Why, curse you, if therewere thirty of your cut, I'd say the same to you!"

There was a quick shift, the three men faced Lord Nick, but each from adifferent angle. And opposing them, he stood superbly indifferent, hisarms folded, his feet braced. His arms were folded, but each hand, forall they knew, might be grasping the butt of a gun hidden away in hisclothes. Once they flashed a glance from face to face; but there was noaction. They were remembering only too well some of the wild deeds ofthis giant. 

"You think I'm through, " went on Lord Nick. "Maybe I am--through withyou. You hear me talk?"

One by one, his eyes dared them, and one by one they took up thechallenge, struggled, and lowered their glances. He was still theirmaster and in that mute moment the three admitted it, the Pedlar last ofall. 

Masters saw fit to fall back on the last remark. 

"I've swallowed a lot from you, Nick, " he said gravely. 

"Maybe there'll be an end to what we take one of these days. But nowI'll tell you how yellow I was. A couple of gents come to me and tell meI'm through at the mine. I told them they were crazy. They said oldColonel Macon had sent them down to take charge. I laughed at 'em. Theywent away and came back. Who with? With the sheriff. And he flashed apaper on me. It was all drawn up clean as a whistle. Trimmed up with alot of 'whereases' and 'as hereinbefore mentioned' and such like things. But the sheriff just gimme a look and then he tells me what it's about. Jack Landis has signed over all the mines to the colonel and thecolonel has taken possession. "

As he stopped, a growl came from the others. 

"Lester is the man that has the complaint, " said Lord Nick. "Where dothe rest of you figure in it? Lester had the mines; he lost 'em becausehe couldn't drop Landis with his gun. He'd never have had a smell of thegold if I hadn't come in. Who made Landis see light? I did! Who workedit so that every nickel that came out of the mines went through thefingers of Landis and came back to us? I did! But I'm through with you. You can hunt for yourselves now. I've kept you together to guard oneanother's backs. I've kept the law off your trail. You, Masters, you'dhave swung for killing the McKay brothers. Who saved you? Who was itbribed the jury that tried you for the shooting up of Derbyville, Pedlar? Who took the marshal off your trail after you'd knifed LeftyWaller, Joe Rix? I've saved you all a dozen times. Now you whine at me. I'm through with you forever!"

Stopping, he glared about him. His knuckles stung from the impact of theblow he had delivered in Milligan's place. He hungered to have one ofthese three stir a hand and get into action. 

And they knew it. All at once they crumbled and became clay in hishands. 

"Chief, " said Joe Rix, the smoothest spoken of the lot, and one who wassupposed to stand specially well with Lord Nick on account of hisability to bake beans, Spanish. "Chief, you've said a whole pile. You'reworth more'n the rest of us all rolled together. Sure. We know that. There ain't any argument. But here's just one little point that I wantto make. 

"We was doing fine. The gold was running fine and free. Along comes thisDonnegan. He busts up our good time. He forks in on your girl--"

A convulsion of the chief's face made Rix waver in his speech and thenhe went on: "He shoots Landis, and when he misses killing him--by someaccident, he comes down here and grabs him out of Lebrun's own house. Smooth, eh? Then he makes Landis sign that deed to the mines. Oh, verynice work, I say. Too nice. 

"'Now, speakin' man to man, they ain't any doubt that you'd like to getrid of Donnegan. Why don't you? Because everybody has a jinx, and he'syours. I ain't easy scared, maybe, but I knew an albino with white eyesonce, and just to look at him made me some sick. Well, chief, they ain'tnobody can say that you ever took water or ever will. But maybe the factthat this Donnegan has hair just as plumb red as yours may sort of getyou off your feed. I'm just suggesting. Now, what I say is, let the restof us take a crack at Donnegan, and you sit back and come in on theresults when we've cleaned up. D'you give us a free road?"

How much went through the brain of Lord Nick? But in the end he gave hisbrother up to death. For he remembered how Nelly Lebrun had sat inMilligan's laughing. 

"Do what you want, " he said suddenly. "But I want to know none of yourplans--and the man that tells me Donnegan is dead gets paid--in lead!"

38

The smile of Joe Rix was the smile of a diplomat. It could be maintainedupon his face as unwaveringly as if it were wrought out of marble whileJoe heard insult and lie. As a matter of fact Joe had smiled in the faceof death more than once, and this is a school through which evendiplomats rarely pass. Yet it was with an effort that he maintained thecharacteristic good-natured expression when the door to Donnegan's shackopened and he saw big George and, beyond him, Donnegan himself. 

"Booze, " said Joe Rix to himself instantly. 

For Donnegan was a wreck. The unshaven beard--it was the middle ofmorning--was a reddish mist over his face. His eyes were sunken inshadow. His hair was uncombed. He sat with his shoulders hunched up likeone who suffers from cold. Altogether his appearance was that of onewhose energy has been utterly sapped. 

"The top of the morning, Mr. Donnegan, " said Joe Rix, and put his footon the threshold. 

But since big George did not move it was impossible to enter. 

"Who's there?" asked Donnegan. 

It was a strange question to ask, for by raising his eyes he could haveseen. But Donnegan was staring down at the floor. Even his voice was aweak murmur. 

"What a party! What a party he's had!" thought Joe Rix, and after all, there was cause for a celebration. Had not the little man in almost onestroke won the heart of the prettiest girl in The Corner, and also didhe not probably have a working share in the richest of the diggings?

"I'm Joe Rix, " he said. 

"Joe Rix?" murmured Donnegan softly. "Then you're one of Lord Nick'smen?"

"I was, " said Joe Rix, "sort of attached to him, maybe. "

Perhaps this pointed remark won the interest of Donnegan. He raised hiseyes, and Joe Rix beheld the most unhappy face he had ever seen. "A badhangover, " he decided, "and that makes it bad for me!"

"Come in, " said Donnegan in the same monotonous, lifeless voice. 

Big George reluctantly, it seemed, withdrew to one side, and Rix wasinstantly in the room and drawing out a chair so that he could faceDonnegan. 

"I was, " he proceeded "sort of tied up with Lord Nick. But"--and here hewinked broadly--"it ain't much of a secret that Nick ain't altogether alord any more. Nope. Seems he turned out sort of common, they say. "

"What fool, " murmured Donnegan, "has told you that? What ass had toldyou that Lord Nick is a common sort?"

It shocked Joe Rix, but being a diplomat he avoided friction by changinghis tactics. 

"Between you and me, " he said calmly enough, "I took what I heard with agrain of salt. There's something about Nick that ain't common, no matterwhat they say. Besides, they's some men that nobody but a fool wouldstand up to. It ain't hardly a shame for a man to back down from 'em. "

He pointed this remark with a nod to Donnegan. 

"I'll give you a bit of free information, " said the little man, with hisweary eyes lighted a little. "There's no man on the face of the earthwho could make Lord Nick back down. "

Once more Joe Rix was shocked to the verge of gaping, but again heexercised a power of marvelous self control "About that, " he remarkedas pointedly as before, "I got my doubts. Because there's some thingsthat any gent with sense will always clear away from. Maybe not oneman--but say a bunch of all standin' together. "

Donnegan leaned back in his chair and waited. Both of his hands remaineddrooping from the edge of the table, and the tired eyes drifted slowlyacross the face of Joe Rix. 

It was obviously not the aftereffects of liquor. The astonishingpossibility occurred to Joe Rix that this seemed to be a man with abroken spirit and a great sorrow. He blinked that absurdity away. 

"Coming to cases, " he went on, "there's yourself, Mr. Donnegan. Now, you're the sort of a man that don't sidestep nobody. Too proud to do it. But even you, I guess, would step careful if there was a whole bunchagin' you. "

"No doubt, " remarked Donnegan. 

"I don't mean any ordinary bunch, " explained Joe Rix, "but a lot of hardfellows. Gents that handle their guns like they was born with a holsteron the hip. "

"Fellows like Nick's crowd, " suggested Donnegan quietly. 

At this thrust the eyes of Joe narrowed a little. 

"Yes, " he admitted, "I see you get my drift. "

"I think so. "

"Two hard fighters would give the best man that ever pulled a gun a lotof trouble. Eh?"

"No doubt. "

"And three men--they ain't any question, Mr. Donnegan--would get himready for a hole in the ground. "

"I suppose so. "

"And four men would make it no fight--jest a plain butchery. "

"Yes?"

"Now, I don't mean that Nick's crowd has any hard feeling about you, Mr. Donnegan. "

"I'm glad to hear that. "

"I knew you'd be. That's why I've come, all friendly, to talk thingsover. Suppose you look at it this way--"

"Joe Rix, " broke in Donnegan, sighing, "I'm very tired. Won't you cutthis short? Tell me in ten words just how you stand. "

Joe Rix blinked once more, caught his breath, and fired his volley. 

"Short talk is straight talk, mostly, " he declared. "This is what Lesterand the rest of us want--the mines!"

"Ah?"

"Macon stole 'em. We got 'em back through Landis. Now we've got to get'em back through the colonel himself. But we can't get at the colonelwhile you're around. "

"In short, you're going to start out to get me? I expected it, but it'skind of you to warn me. "

"Wait, wait, wait! Don't rush along to conclusions. We ain't so much ina hurry. We don't want you out of the way. We just want you on ourside. "

"Shoot me up and then bring me back to life, eh?"

"Mr. Donnegan, " said the other, spreading out his hands solemnly on thetable, "you ain't doin' us justice. We don't hanker none for troublewith you. Any way it comes, a fight with you means somebody dead besidesyou. We'd get you. Four to one is too much for any man. But one or twoof us might go down. Who would it be? Maybe the Pedlar, maybe HarryMasters, maybe Lester, maybe me! Oh, we know all that. No gunplay if wecan keep away from it. "

"You've left out the name of Lord Nick, " said Donnegan. 

Joe Rix winked. 

"Seems like you tended to him once and for all when you got him alone inthis cabin. Must have thrown a mighty big scare into him. He won't lifta hand agin' you now. "

"No?" murmured Donnegan hoarsely. 

"Not him! But that leaves four of us, and four is plenty, eh?"

"Perhaps. "

"But I'm not here to insist on that point. No, we put a value on keepin'up good feeling between us and you, Mr. Donnegan. We ain't fools. Weknow a man when we see him--and the fastest gunman that ever slid a gunout of leather ain't the sort of a man that me and the rest of the boyspass over lightly. Not us! We know you, Mr. Donnegan; we respect you; wewant you with us; we're going to have you with us. "

"You flatter me and I thank you. But I'm glad to see that you are atlast coming to the point. "

"I am, and the point is five thousand dollars that's tied behind thehoss that stands outside your door. "

He pushed his fat hand a little way across the table, as though the goldeven then were resting in it, a yellow tide of fortune. 

"For which, " said Donnegan, "I'm to step aside and let you at thecolonel?"

"Right. "

Donnegan smiled. 

"Wait, " said Joe Rix. "I was makin' a first offer to see how you stood, but you're right. Five thousand ain't enough and we ain't cheapskates. Not us. Mr. Donnegan, they's ten thousand cold iron men behind thatsaddle out there and every cent of it belongs to you when you come overon our side. "

But Donnegan merely dropped his chin upon his hand and smiledmirthlessly at Joe Rix. A wild thought came to the other man. Both ofDonnegan's hands were far from his weapons. Why not a quick draw, a snapshot, and then the glory of having killed this manslayer in singlebattle for Joe Rix?

The thought rushed red across his brain and then faded slowly. Somethingkept him back. Perhaps it was the singular calm of Donnegan; no matterhow quiet he sat he suggested the sleeping cat which can leap out ofdead sleep into fighting action at a touch. By the time a second thoughthad come to Joe Rix the idea of an attack was like an idea of suicide. 

"Is that final?" he asked, though Donnegan had not said a word. 

"It is. "

Joe Rix stood up. 

"You put it to us kind of hard. But we want you, Mr. Donnegan. Andhere's the whole thing in a nutshell. Come over to us. We'll standbehind you. Lord Nick is slipping. We'll put you in his place. You won'teven have to face him; we'll get rid of him. "

"You'll kill him and give his place to me?" asked Donnegan. 

"We will. And when you're with us, you cut in on the whole amount ofcoin that the mines turn out--and it'll be something tidy. And rightnow, to show where we stand and how high we put you, I'll let you in onthe rock-bottom truth. Mr. Donnegan. Out there tied behind my saddlethere's thirty thousand dollars in pure gold. You can take it in hereand weigh it out!"

He stepped back to watch this blow take effect. To his unutterableastonishment the little man had not moved. His chin still rested uponthe back of his hand, and the smile which was on the lips and not in theeyes of Donnegan remained there, fixed. 

"Donnegan, " muttered Joe Rix, "if we can't get you, we'll get rid ofyou. You understand?"

But the other continued to smile. 

It gave Joe Rix a shuddering feeling that someone was stealing behindhim to block his way to the door. He cast one swift glance over hisshoulder and then, seeing that the way was clear, he slunk back, alwayskeeping his face to the red-headed man. But when he came to the doorwayhis nerve collapsed. He whirled, covered the rest of the distance with aleap, and emerged from the cabin in a fashion ludicrously like one whohas been kicked through a door. 

His nerve returned as soon as the sunlight fell warmly upon him again;and he looked around hastily to see if anyone had observed his flight. 

There was no one on the whole hillside except Colonel Macon in theinvalid chair, and the colonel was smiling broadly, beneficently. He hadhis perfect hands folded across his breast and seemed to cast a prayerof peace and goodwill upon Joe Rix. 

39

Nelly Lebrun smelled danger. She sensed it as plainly as the deer whenthe puma comes between her and the wind. The many tokens that somethingwas wrong came to her by small hints which had to be put together beforethey assumed any importance. 

First of all, her father, who should have burst out at her in a tiradefor having left Lord Nick for Donnegan said nothing at all, but kept adark smile on his face when she was near him. He even insinuated thatNick's time was done and that another was due to supersede him. 

In the second place, she had passed into a room where Masters, Joe Rix, and the Pedlar sat cheek by jowl in close conference with a hum of deepvoice. But at her appearance all talk was broken off. 

It was not strange that they should not invite her into their confidenceif they had some dark work ahead of them; but it was exceedinglysuspicious that Joe Rix attempted to pass off their whispers byimmediately breaking off the soft talk and springing into the midst of afull-fledged jest; also, it was strangest of all that when the jestended even the Pedlar, who rarely smiled, now laughed uproariously andsmote Joe soundingly upon the back. 

Even a child could have strung these incidents into a chain of evidencewhich pointed toward danger. Obviously the danger was not directly hers, but then it must be directed at some one near to her. Her father? No, hewas more apt to be the mainspring of their action. Lord Nick? There wasnothing to gain by attacking him. Who was left? Donnegan!

As the realization came upon her it took her breath away for a moment. Donnegan was the man. At breakfast everyone had been talking about him. Lebrun had remarked that he had a face for the cards--emotionless. JoeRix had commented upon his speed of hand, and the Pedlar hadcomplimented the little man on his dress. 

But at lunch not a word was spoken about Donnegan even after she haddexterously introduced the subject twice. Why the sudden silence?Between morning and noon Donnegan must have grievously offended them. 

Fear for his sake stimulated her; but above and beyond this, indeed, there was a mighty feminine curiosity. She smelled the secret; it reekedthrough the house, and she was devoured by eagerness to know. Shehandpicked Lord Nick's gang in the hope of finding a weakness amongthem; some weakness upon which she could play in one of them and drawout what they were all concealing. The Pedlar was as unapproachable as acrag on a mountaintop. Masters was wise as an outlaw broncho. Lester wasprobably not even in the confidence of the others because since theaffair with Landis his nerve had been shattered to bits and the otherssecretly despised him for being beaten by the youngster at the draw. There remained, therefore, only Joe Rix. 

But Joe Rix was a fox of the first quality. He lied with the smoothnessof silk. He could show a dozen colors in as many moments. Come to thewindward of Joe Rix? It was a delicate business! But since there wasnothing else to do, she fixed her mind upon it, working out this puzzle. Joe Rix wished to destroy Donnegan for reasons that were evidentlyconnected with the mines. And she must step into his confidence todiscover his plans. How should it be done? And there was a vital needfor speed, for they might be within a step of executing whatevermischief it was that they were planning. 

She went down from her room; they were there still, only Joe Rix wasnot with them. She went to the apartment where he and the other three ofNick's gang slept and rapped at the door. He maintained his smile whenhe saw her, but there was an uncertain quiver of his eyebrows that toldher much. Plainly he was ill at ease. Suspicious? Ay, there were alwaysclouds of suspicion drifting over the red, round face of Joe Rix. Sheput a tremor of excitement and trouble in her voice. 

"Come into my room, Joe, where we won't be interrupted. "

He followed her without a word, and since she led the way she was ableto relax her expression for a necessary moment. When she closed the doorbehind him and faced Joe again she was once more ready to step into herpart. She did not ask him to sit down. She remained for a moment withher hand on the knob and searched the face of Joe Rix eagerly. 

"Do you think he can hear?" she whispered, gesturing over her shoulder. 

"Who?"

"Who but Lord Nick!" she exclaimed softly. 

The bewilderment of Joe clouded his face a second and then he was ableto smooth it away. What on earth was the reason of her concern aboutLord Nick he was obviously wondering. 

"I'll tell you why, " she said, answering the unspoken question at once. "He's as jealous as the devil, Joe!"

The fat little man sighed as he looked at her. 

"He can't hear. Not through that log wall. But we'll talk soft, if youwant. "

"Yes, yes. Keep your voice down. He's already jealous of you, Joe. "

"Of me?"

"He knows I like you, that I trust you; and just now he's on edge abouteveryone I look at. "

The surprising news which the first part of this sentence containedcaused Joe to gape, and the girl looked away in concern, enabling him tocontrol his expression. For she knew well enough that men hate to appearfoolishly surprised. And particularly a fox like Joe Rix. 

"But what's the trouble, Nelly?" He added with a touch of venom: "Ithought everything was going smoothly with you. And I thought youweren't worrying much about what Lord Nick had in his mind. "

She stared at him as though astonished. 

"Do you think just the same as the rest of them?" she asked sadly. "Doyou mean to say that you're fooled just the same as Harry Masters andthe Pedlar and the rest of those fools--including Nick himself?"

Joe Rix was by no means willing to declare himself a fool beforehand. Henow mustered a look of much reserved wisdom. 

"I have my own doubts, Nell, but I'm not talking about them. "

He was so utterly at sea that she had to bite her lip hard to keep frombreaking into ringing laughter. 

"Oh, I knew that you'd seen through it, Joe, " she cried softly. "You seewhat an awful mess I've gotten into?"

He passed a hurried hand across his forehead and then looked at hersearchingly. But he could not penetrate her pretense of concern. 

"No matter what I think, " said Joe Rix, "you come out with it frankly. I'll listen. "

"As a friend, Joe?"

She managed to throw a plea into her voice that made Joe sigh. 

"Sure. You've already said that I'm your friend, and you're right. "

"I'm in terrible, terrible trouble! You know how it happened. I was afool. I tried to play with Lord Nick. And now he thinks I was inearnest. "

As though the strength of his legs had given way, Joe Rix slipped downinto a chair. 

"Go on, " he said huskily. "You were playing with Lord Nick?"

"Can't you put yourself in my place, Joe? It's always been taken forgranted that I'm to marry Nick. And the moment he comes around everybodyelse avoids me as if I were poison. I was sick of it. And when he showedup this time it was the same old story. A man would as soon sign his owndeath warrant as ask me for a dance. You know how it is?"

He nodded, still at sea, but with a light beginning to dawn in hislittle eyes. 

"I'm only a girl, Joe. I have all the weakness of other girls. I don'twant to be locked up in a cage just because I--love one man!"

The avowal made Joe blink. It was the second time that day that he hadbeen placed in an astonishing scene. But some of his old cunningremained to him. 

"Nell, " he said suddenly, rising from his chair and going to her. "Whatare you trying to do to me? Pull the wool over my eyes?"

It was too much for Nelly Lebrun. She knew that she could not face himwithout betraying her guilt and therefore she did not attempt it. Shewhirled and flung herself on her bed, face down, and began to sobviolently, suppressing the sounds. And so she waited. 

Presently a hand touched her shoulder lightly. 

"Go away, " cried Nelly in a choked voice. "I hate you, Joe Rix. You'relike all the rest!"

His knee struck the floor with a soft thud. 

"Come on, Nell. Don't be hard on me. I thought you were stringing me alittle. But if you're playing straight, tell me what you want?"

At that she bounced upright on the bed, and before he could rise shecaught him by both shoulders. 

"I want Donnegan, " she said fiercely. 

"What?"

"I want him dead!"

Joe Rix gasped. 

"Here's the cause of all my trouble. Just because I flirted with himonce or twice, Nick thought I was in earnest and now he's sulking. AndDonnegan puts on airs and acts as if I belonged to him. I hate him, Joe. And if he's gone Nick will come back to me. He'll come back to me, Joe;and I want him so!"

She found that Joe Rix was staring straight into her eyes, striving toprobe her soul to its depths, and by a great effort she was enabled tomeet that gaze. Finally the fat little man rose slowly to his feet. Herhands trailed from his shoulders as he stood up and fell helplessly uponher lap. 

"Well, I'll be hanged, Nell!" exclaimed Joe Rix. 

"What do you mean?"

"You're not acting a part? No, I can see you mean it. But what acold-blooded little--" He checked himself. His face was suddenlyjubilant. "Then we've got him, Nell. We've got him if you're with us. Wehad him anyway, but we'll make sure of him if you're with us. Look atthis! You saw me put a paper in my pocket when I opened the door of myroom? Here it is!"

He displayed before the astonished eyes of Nelly Lebrun a paper coveredwith an exact duplicate of her own swift, dainty script. And she read:

 Nick is terribly angry and is making trouble. I have to get away. It isn't safe for me to stay here. Will you help me? Will you meet me at the shack by Donnell's ford tomorrow morning at ten o'clock?

"But I didn't write it, " cried Nelly Lebrun, bewildered. 

"Nelly, " Joe Rix chuckled, flushing with pleasure, "you didn't. It wasme. I kind of had an idea that you wanted to get rid of this Donnegan, and I was going to do it for you and then surprise you with the goodnews. "

"Joe, you forged it?"

"Don't bother sayin' pretty things about me and my pen, " said Rixmodestly. "This is nothin'! But if you want to help me, Nelly--"

His voice faded partly out of her consciousness as she fought against atigerish desire to spring at the throat of the little fat man. Butgradually it dawned on her that he was asking her to write out that noteherself. Why? Because it was possible that Donnegan might have seen herhandwriting and in that case, though the imitation had been good enoughto deceive Nelly herself, it probably would not for a moment fool thekeen eyes of Donnegan. But if she herself wrote out the note, Donneganwas already as good as dead. 

"That is, " concluded Joe Rix, "if he really loves you, Nell. "

"The fool!" cried Nelly. "He worships the ground I walk on, Joe. And Ihate him for it. "

Even Joe Rix shivered, for he saw the hate in her eyes and could notdream that he himself was the cause and the object of it. There was ared haze of horror and confusion in front of her eyes, and yet she wasable to smile while she copied the note for Joe Rix. 

"But how are you going to work it?" she asked. "How are you going tokill him, Joe?"

"Don't bother your pretty head, " said the fat man, smiling. "Just waittill we bring you the good news. "

"But are you sure?" she asked eagerly. "See what he's done already. He'staken Landis away from us; he's baffled Nick himself, in some manner;and he's gathered the mines away from all of us. He's a devil, Joe, andif you want to get him you'd better take ten men for the job. "

"You hate him, Nell, don't you?" queried Joe Rix, and his voice was bothhard and curious. "But how has he harmed you?"

"Hasn't he taken Nick away from me? Isn't that enough?"

The fat man shivered again. 

"All right. I'll tell you how it works. Now, listen!"

And he began to check off the details of his plan. 

40

The day passed and the night, but how very slowly for Nelly Lebrun; shewent up to her room early for she could no longer bear the meaningglances which Joe Rix cast at her from time to time. But once in herroom it was still harder to bear the suspense as she waited for thenoise to die away in the house. Midnight, and half an hour more went by, and then, at last, the murmurs and the laughter stopped; she alone waswakeful in Lebrun's. And when that time came she caught a scarf aroundher hair and her shoulders, made of a filmy material which would veilher face but through which she could see, and ventured out of her roomand down the hall. 

There was no particular need for such caution, however, it seemed. Nothing stirred. And presently she was outside the house and hurryingbehind the houses and up the hill. Still she met nothing. If The Cornerlived tonight, its life was confined to Milligan's and the gamblinghouse. 

She found Donnegan's shack and the one next to it, which the terriblecolonel occupied, entirely dark, but only a moment after she tapped atthe door it was opened. Donnegan, fully dressed, stood in the entrance, outlined blackly by the light which came faintly from the hooded lanternhanging on the wall. Was he sitting up all the night, unable to sleepbecause he waited breathlessly for that false tryst on the morrow? Agreat tenderness came over the heart of Nelly Lebrun. 

"It is I, " she whispered. 

There was a soft exclamation, then she was drawn into the room. 

"Is there anyone here?"

"Only big George. But he's in the kitchen and he won't hear. He neverhears anything except what's meant for his ear. Take this chair!"

He was putting a blanket over the rough wood to make it morecomfortable, and she submitted dumbly to his ministrations. It seemedterrible and strange to her that one so gentle should be the object ofso much hate--such deadly hate as the members of Nick's gang felt forhim. And now that he was sitting before her she could see that he hadindeed been wakeful for a long time. His face was grimly wasted; thelips were compressed as one who has endured long pain; and his eyesgleamed at her out of a profound shadow. He remained in the gloom; thelight from the lantern fell brightly upon his hands alone--meager, fleshless hands which seemed to represent hardly more strength than thatof a child. Truly this man was all a creature of spirit and nerve. Therein lay his strength, as also his weakness, and again the cherishinginstinct grew strong and swept over her. 

"There is no one near, " he said, "except the colonel and his daughter. They are up the hillside, somewhere. Did you see them?"

"No. What in the world are they out for at this time of night?"

"Because the colonel only wakes up when the sun goes down. And now he'sout there humming to himself and never speaking a word to the girl. Butthey won't be far away. They'll stay close to see that no one comes nearthe cabin to get at Landis. "

He added: "They must have seen you come into my cabin!"

And his lips set even harder than before. Was it fear because of her?

"They may have seen me enter, but they won't know who it was. You havethe note from me?"

"Yes. "

"It's a lie! It's a ruse. I was forced to write it to save you! Forthey're planning to murder you. Oh, my dear!"

"Hush! Hush! Murder?"

"I've been nearly hysterical all day and all the night. But. Thankheaven, I'm here to warn you in time! You mustn't go. You mustn't go!"

"Who is it?"

He had drawn his chair closer: he had taken her hands, and she notedthat his own were icy cold, but steady as a rock. Their pressure soothedher infinitely. 

"Joe Rix, the Pedlar, Harry Masters. They'll be at the shack at teno'clock, but not I!"

"Murder, but a very clumsy scheme. Three men leave town and commit amurder and then expect to go undetected? Not even in the mountaindesert!"

"But you don't understand, you don't understand! They're wise as foxes. They'll take no risk. They don't even leave town together or travel bythe same routes. Harry Masters starts first. He rides out at eighto'clock in the morning and takes the north trail. He rides down thegulch and winds out of it and strikes for the shack at the ford. At halfpast eight the Pedlar starts. He goes past Sandy's place and then overthe trail through the marsh. You know it?"

"Yes. "

"Last of all, Joe Rix starts at nine o'clock. Half an hour betweenthem. "

"How does he go to the shack?"

"By the south trail. He takes the ridge of the hills. But they'll all beat the shack long before you and they'll shoot you down from a distanceas you come up to it. Plain murder, but even for cowardly murder theydaren't face you except three to one. "

He was thoughtful. 

"Suppose they were to be met on the way?"

"You're mad to think of it!"

"But if they fail this time they'll try again. They must be taught alesson. "

"Three men? Oh, my dear, my dear! Promise!"

"Very well. I shall do nothing rash. And I shall never forget thatyou've come to tell me this and been in peril, Nell, for if they foundyou had come to me--"

"The Pedlar would cut my throat. I know him!"

"Ah! But now you must go. I'll take you down the hill, dear. "

"No, no! It's much easier to get back alone. My face will be covered. But there's no way you could be disguised. You have a way ofwalking--good night--and God bless you!"

She was in his arms, straining him to her; and then she slipped out thedoor. 

And sure enough, there was the colonel in his chair not fifty feet awaywith a girl pushing him. The moonlight was too dim for Nelly Lebrun tomake out the face of Lou Macon, but even the light which escaped throughthe filter of clouds was enough to set her golden hair glowing. Thecolor was not apparent, but its luster was soft silver in the night. There was a murmur of the colonel's voice as Nelly came out of thecabin. 

And then, from the girl, a low cry. 

It brought the blood to the cheeks of Nelly as she hurried down thehill, for she recognized the pain that was in it; and it occurred to herthat if the girl was in love with Jack Landis she was strangelyinterested in Donnegan also. 

The thought came so sharply home to her that she paused abruptly on theway down the hill. After all, this Macon girl would be a very strangesort if she were not impressed by the little red-headed man, with hisgentle voice and his fiery ways, and his easy way of making himself abrilliant spectacle whenever he appeared in public. And Nellyremembered, also, with the keen suspicion of a woman in love how weaklyDonnegan had responded to her embrace this night. How absent-mindedlyhis arms had held her, and how numbly they had fallen away when sheturned at the door. 

But she shook her head and made the suspicion shudder its way out ofher. Lou Macon, she decided, was just the sort of girl who would thinkJack Landis an ideal. Besides, she had never had an opportunity to seeDonnegan in his full glory at Milligan's. And as for Donnegan? He waswearied out; his nerves relaxed; and for the deeds with which he hadstartled The Corner and won her own heart he was now paying the penaltyin the shape of ruined nerves. Pity again swelled in her heart, and aconsuming hatred for the three murderers who lived in her father'shouse. 

And when she reached her room again her heart was filled with a singinghappiness and a glorious knowledge that she had saved the man she loved. 

And Donnegan himself?

He had seen Lou and her father: he had heard that low cry of pain; andnow he sat bowed again over his table, his face in his hands and araging devil in his heart. 

41

There was one complication which Nelly Lebrun might have foreseen afterher pretended change of heart and her simulated confession to Joe Rixthat she still loved the lionlike Lord Nick. But strangely enough shedid not think of this phase: and even when her father the next morningapproached her in the hall and tapping her arm whispered: "Good girl!Nick has just heard and he's hunting for you now!" Even then the fullmeaning did not come home to her. It was not until she saw the greatform of Lord Nick stalking swiftly down the hall that she knew. He camewith a glory in his face which the last day had graven with unfamiliarlines; and when he saw her he threw up his hand so that it almostbrushed the ceiling, and cried out. 

What could she do? Try to push him away; to explain?

There was nothing to be done. She had to submit when he swept her intohis arms. 

"Rix has told me. Rix has told me. Ah, Nell, you little fox!"

"Told you what, Nick?"

Was he, too, a party to the murderous plan?

But he allowed himself to be pushed away. 

"I've gone through something in the last few days. Why did you do it, girl?"

She saw suddenly that she must continue to play her part. 

"Some day I'll tell you why it was that I gave you up so easily, Nell. You thought I was afraid of Donnegan?" He ground his teeth and turnedpale at the thought. "But that wasn't it. Some day I can tell you. Butafter this, the first man who comes between us--Donnegan or anyother--I'll turn him into powder--under my heel!"

He ground it into the floor as he spoke. She decided that she would seehow much he knew. 

"It will never be Donnegan, at least, " she said. "He's done for today. And I'm almost sorry for him in spite of all that he's done. "

He became suddenly grave. 

"What are you saying, Nell?"

"Why, Joe told you, didn't he? They've drawn Donnegan out of town, andnow they're lying in wait for him. Yes, they must have him, by thistime. It's ten o'clock!"

A strangely tense exclamation broke from Lord Nick. "They've gone forDonnegan?"

"Yes. Are you angry?"

The big man staggered; one would have said that he had been stunned witha blow. 

"Garry!" he whispered. 

"What are you saying?"

"Nell, " he muttered hoarsely, "did you know about it?"

"But I did it for you, Nick. I knew you hated--"

"No, no! Don't say it!" He added bitterly, after a moment. "This is formy sins. "

And then, to her: "But you knew about it and didn't warn him? You hatedhim all the time you were laughing with him and smiling at him? Oh, Nell! What a merciless witch of a woman you are! For the rest ofthem--I'll wait till they come back!"

"What are you going to do, Nick?"

"I told them I'd pay the man who killed Donnegan--with lead. Did thefools think I didn't mean it?"

Truly, no matter what shadow had passed over the big man, he was thelion again, and Nell shrank from him. 

"We'll wait for them, " he said. "We'll wait for them here. "

And they sat down together in the room. She attempted to speak once in ashaken voice, but he silenced her with a gesture, and after that she satand watched in quiet the singular play of varying expressions across hisface. Grief, rage, tenderness, murderous hate--they followed like apuppet play. 

What was Donnegan to him? And then there was a tremor of fear. Would thethree suspect when they reached the shack by the ford and no Donnegancame to them? The moments stole on. Then the soft beat of a gallopinghorse in the sand. The horse stopped. Presently they saw Joe Rix andHarry Masters pass in front of the window. And they looked as though acyclone had caught them up, juggled them a dizzy distance in the air, and then flung them down carelessly upon bruising rocks. Their hats weregone; and the clothes of burly Harry Masters were literally torn fromhis back. Joe Rix was evidently far more terribly hurt, for he leaned onthe arm of Masters and they came on together, staggering. 

"They've done the business!" exclaimed Lord Nick. "And now, curse them, I'll do theirs!"

But the girl could not speak. A black haze crossed before her eyes. HadDonnegan gone out madly to fight the three men in spite of her warning?

The door opened. They stood in the doorway, and if they had seemed ahorrible sight passing the window, they were a deadly picture at closerange. And opposite them stood Lord Nick; in spite of their wounds therewas murder in his face and his revolver was out. 

"You've met him? You've met Donnegan?" he asked angrily. 

Masters literally carried Joe Rix to a chair and placed him in it. Hehad been shot through both shoulders, and though tight bandages hadstanched the wound he was still in agony. Then Masters raised his head. 

"We've met him, " he said. 

"What happened?"

But Masters, in spite of the naked gun in the hand of Lord Nick, waslooking straight at Nelly Lebrun. 

"We fought him. "

"Then say your prayers, Masters. "

"Say prayers for the Pedlar, you fool, " said Masters bitterly. "He'sdead, and Donnegan's still living!"

There was a faint cry from Nelly Lebrun. She sank into her chair again. 

"We've been double-crossed, " said Masters, still looking at the girl. "Iwas going down the gulch the way we planned. I come to the narrow placewhere the cliffs almost touch, and right off the wall above me drops awildcat. I thought it was a cat at first. And then I found it wasDonnegan. 

"The way he hit me from above knocked me off the horse. Then we hit theground. I started for my gun; he got it out of my hand; I pulled myknife. He got that away, too. His fingers work with steel springs andact like a cat's claws. Then we fought barehanded. He didn't say a word. But kept snarling in his throat. Always like a cat. And his face wasdevilish. Made me sick inside. Pretty soon he dived under my arms. Gotme up in the air. I came down on my head. 

"Of course I went out cold. When I came to there was still a mist infront of my eyes and this lump on the back of my head. He'd figured thatmy head was cracked and that I was dead. That's the only reason he leftme. Later I climbed on my hoss and fed him the spur. 

"But I was too late. I took the straight cut for the ford, and when Igot there I found that Donnegan had been there before me. Joe Rix waslyin' on the floor. When he got to the shack Donnegan was waitin' forhim. They went for their guns and Donnegan beat him to it. The hounddidn't shoot to kill. He plugged him through both shoulders, and lefthim lyin' helpless. But I got a couple of bandages on him and saved him. 

"Then we cut back for home and crossed the marsh. And there we found thePedlar. 

"Too late to help him. Maybe Donnegan knew that the Pedlar was somethingof a flash with a gun himself, and he didn't take any chances. He'd methim face to face the same way he met Joe Rix and killed him. Shot himclean between the eyes. Think of shooting for the head with a snap shot!That's what he done and Joe didn't have time to think twice after thatslug hit him. His gun wasn't even fired, he was beat so bad on the draw. 

"So Joe and me come back home. And we come full of questions!"

"Let me tell you something, " muttered Lord Nick, putting up the weaponwhich he had kept exposed during all of the recital. "You've got whatwas coming to you. If Donnegan hadn't cleaned up on you, you'd have hadto talk turkey with me. Understand?"

"Wait a minute, " protested Harry Masters. 

And Joe Rix, almost too far gone for speech, set his teeth over a groanand cast a look of hatred at the girl. 

"Wait a minute, chief. There's one thing we all got to get straight. Somebody had tipped off Donnegan about our whole plan. Was it the Pedlaror Rix or me? I guess good sense'll tell a man that it wasn't none ofus, eh? Then who was it? The only other person that knew about theplan--Nell--Nell, the crooked witch--and it's her that murdered thePedlar--curse her!"

He thrust out his bulky arm as he spoke. 

"Her that lied her way into our confidence with a lot of talk about you, Nick. Then what did she do? She goes runnin' to the gent that she saidshe hated. Don't you see her play? She makes fools of us--she makes afool out of you!"

She dared not meet the glance of Lord Nick. Even now she might haveacted out her part and filled in with lies, but she was totallyunnerved. 

"Get Rix to bed, " was all he said, and he did not even glance at NellyLebrun. 

Masters glowered at him, and then silently obeyed, lifting Joe as ahelpless bulk, for the fat man was nearly fainting with pain. Not untilthey had gone and he had closed the door after them and upon the murmursof the servants in the hall did Lord Nick turn to Nelly. 

"Is it true?" he asked shortly. 

Between relief and terror her mind was whirling. 

"Is what true?"

"You haven't even sense enough to lie, Nell, eh? It's all true, then?And last night, after you'd wormed it out of Joe, you went to Donnegan?"

She could only stare miserably at him. 

"And that was why you pushed me away when I kissed you a little whileago?"

Once more she was dumb. But she was beginning to be afraid. Not forherself, but for Donnegan. 

"Nell, I told you I'd never let another man come between us again. Imeant it. I know you're treacherous now; but that doesn't keep me fromwanting you. It's Donnegan again--Donnegan still? Nell, you've killedhim. As sure as if your own finger pulled the trigger when I shoot him. He's a dead one, and you've done it!"

If words would only come! But her throat was stiff and cold and aching. She could not speak. 

"You've done more than kill him, " said Lord Nick. "You've put a curse onme as well. And afterward I'm going to even up with you. You hear me?Nell, when I shoot Donnegan I'm doing a thing worse than if he was agirl--or a baby. You can't understand that; I don't want you to know. But some time when you're happy again and you're through grieving forDonnegan, I'll tell you the truth and make your heart black for the restof your life. "

Still words would not come. She strove to cling to him and stop him, buthe cast her away with a single gesture and strode out the door. 

42

There was no crowd to block the hill at this second meeting of Donneganand Lord Nick. There was a blank stretch of brown hillside with the windwhispering stealthily through the dead grass when Lord Nick thrust openthe door of Donnegan's shack and entered. 

The little man had just finished shaving and was getting back into hiscoat while George carried out the basin of water. And Donnegan, as hebuttoned the coat, was nodding slightly to the rhythm of a song whichcame from the cabin of the colonel near by. It was a clear, high music, and though the voice was light it carried the sound far. Donnegan lookedup to Lord Nick; but still he kept the beat of the music. 

He seemed even more fragile this morning than ever before. Yet Lord Nickwas fresh from the sight of the torn bodies of the two fighting men whomthis fellow had struck and left for dead, or dying, as he thought. 

"Dismiss your servant, " said Lord Nick. 

"George, you may go out. "

"And keep him out. "

"Don't come back until I call for you. "

Big George disappeared into the kitchen and the outside door was closed. Yet even with all the doors closed the singing of Lou Macon kept runningthrough the cabin in a sweet and continuous thread. 

 What made the ball so fine? Robin Adair! What made the assembly shine? Robin Adair!

And no matter what Lord Nick could say, it seemed that with half hismind Donnegan was listening to the song of the girl. 

"First, " said the big man, "I've broken my word. "

Donnegan waved his hand and dismissed the charge. He pointed to a chair, but Lord Nick paid no heed. 

"I've broken my word, " he went on. "I promised that I'd give you a clearroad to win over Nelly Lebrun. I gave you the road and you've won her, but now I'm taking her back!"

"Ah, Henry, " said Donnegan, and a flash of eagerness came in his eyes. "You're a thousand times welcome to her. "

Lord Nick quivered. 

"Do you mean it?"

"Henry, don't you see that I was only playing for a purpose all thetime? And if you've opened the eyes of Nelly to the fact that you trulylove her and I've been only acting out of a heartless sham--why, I'mglad of it--I rejoice, Henry, I swear I do!"

He came forward, smiling, and held out his hand; Lord Nick struck itdown, and Donnegan shrank back, holding his wrist tight in the fingersof his other hand. 

"Is it possible?" murmured Henry Reardon. "Is it possible that she lovesa man who despises her?"

"Not that! If any other man said this to me, I'd call for an explanationof his meaning, Henry. No, no! I honor and respect her, I tell you. Byheaven, Nick, she has a thread of pure, generous gold in her nature!"

"Ah?"

"She has saved my life no longer ago than this morning. "

"It's perfect, " said Lord Nick. And he writhed under a torment. "I amdiscarded for the sake of a man who despises her!"

Donnegan, frowning with thought, watched his older brother. And stillthe thin singing entered the room, that matchless old melody of "RobinAdair;" the day shall never come when that song does not go straightfrom heart to heart. But because Donnegan still listened to it, LordNick felt that he was contemptuously received, and a fresh spur wasdriven into his tender pride. 

"Donnegan!" he said sharply. 

Donnegan raised his hand slowly. 

"Do you call me by that name?"

"Aye. You've ceased to be a brother. There's no blood tie between usnow, as I warned you before. "

Donnegan, very white, moved back toward the wall and rested hisshoulders lightly against it, as though he needed the support. He madeno answer. 

"I warned you not to cross me again. " exclaimed Lord Nick. 

"I have not. "

"Donnegan, you've murdered my men!"

"Murder? I've met them fairly. Not murder, Henry. "

"Leave out that name, I say!"

"If you wish, " said Donnegan very faintly. 

The sight of his resistlessness seemed to madden Lord Nick. He made oneof his huge strides and came to the center of the room and dominated allthat was in it, including his brother. 

"You murdered my men, " repeated Lord Nick. "You turned my girl againstme with your lying love-making and turned her into a spy. You made herset the trap and then you saw that it was worked. You showed her how shecould wind me around her finger again. "

"Will you let me speak?"

"Aye, but be short. "

"I swear to you, Henry, that I've never influenced her to act againstyou; except to win her away for just one little time, and she willreturn to you again. It is only a fancy that makes her interested in me. Look at us! How could any woman in her senses prefer me?"

"Are you done?"

"No, no! I have more to say: I have a thousand things!"

"I shall not hear them"

"Henry, there is a black devil in your face. Beware of it. "

"Who put it there?"

"It was not I. "

"What power then?"

"Something over which I have no control. "

"Are you trying to mystify me?"

"Listen!" And as Donnegan raised his hand, the singing poured clear andsmall into the room. 

"That is the power, " said Donnegan. 

"You're talking gibberish'" exclaimed the other pettishly. 

"I suppose I shouldn't expect you to understand. "

"On the other hand, what I have to say is short and to the point. Achild could comprehend it. You've stolen the girl. I tried to let hergo. I can't. I have to have her. Willing or unwilling she has to belongto me, Donnegan. "

"If you wish, I shall promise that I shall never see her again or speakto her. "

"You fool' Won't she find you out? Do you think I could trust you? Onlyin one place--underground. "

Donnegan had clasped his hands upon his breast and his eyes were wide. 

"What is it you mean, Henry?"

"I'll trust you--dead!"

"Henry!"

"That name means nothing to me I've forgotten it. The worlds hasforgotten it. "

"Henry, I implore you to keep cool--to give me five minutes for talk--"

"No, not one. I know your cunning tongue!"

"For the sake of the days when you loved me, my brother. For the sake ofthe days when you used to wheel my chair and be kind to me. "

"You're wasting your time. You're torturing us both for nothing. Donnegan, my will is a rock. It won't change. "

And drawing closer his right hand gripped his gun and the tremblingpassion of the gunfighter set him shuddering. 

"You're armed, Garry. Go for your gun!"

"No, no!"

"Then I'll give you cause to fight. "

And as he spoke, he drew back his massive arm and with his open handsmote Donnegan heavily across the face. The weight of that blow crushedthe little man against the wall. 

"Your gun!" cried Lord Nick, swaying from side to side as the passionchoked him. 

Donnegan fell upon his knees and raised his arms. 

"God have mercy on me, and on yourself!"

At that the blackness cleared slowly on the face of the big man; hethrust his revolver into the holster. 

"This time, " he said, "there's no death. But sooner or later we meet, Donnegan, and then, I swear by all that lives, I'll shoot youdown--without mercy--like a mad dog. You've robbed me; you've houndedme: you've killed my men: you've taken the heart of the woman I love. And now nothing can save you from the end. "

He turned on his heel and left the room. 

And Donnegan remained kneeling, holding a stained handkerchief to hisface. 

All at once his strength seemed to desert him like a tree chopped at theroot, and he wilted down against the wall with closed eyes. 

But the music still came out of the throat and the heart of Lou, and itentered the room and came into the ears of Donnegan. He became awarethat there was a strength beyond himself which had sustained him, andthen he knew it had been the singing of Lou from first to last which hadkept the murder out of his own heart and restrained the hand of LordNick. 

Perhaps of all Donnegan's life, this was the first moment of truehumility. 

43

One thing was now clear. He must not remain in The Corner unless he wasprepared for Lord Nick again: and in a third meeting guns must be drawn. From that greater sin he shrank, and prepared to leave. His order toGeorge made the big man's eyes widen, but George had long since passedthe point where he cared to question the decision of his master. Hebegan to build the packs. 

As for Donnegan, he could see that there was little to be won byremaining. That would save Landis to Lou Macon, to be sure, but afterall, he was beginning to wonder if it were not better to let the bigfellow go back to his own kind--Lebrun and the rest. For if it neededcompulsion to keep him with Lou now, might it not be the same storyhereafter?

Indeed, Donnegan began to feel that all his labor in The Corner had beenrunning on a treadmill. It had all been grouped about the main purpose, which was to keep Landis with the girl. To do that now he must beprepared to face Nick again; and to face Nick meant the bringing of theguilt of fratricide upon the head of one of them. There only remainedflight. He saw at last that he had been fighting blindly from thefirst. He had won a girl whom he did not love--though doubtless herliking was only the most fickle fancy. And she for whom he would havedied he had taught to hate him. It was a grim summing up. Donneganwalked the room whistling softly to himself as he checked up hisaccounts. 

One thing at least he had done; he had taken the joy out of his lifeforever. 

And here, answering a rap at the door, he opened it upon Lou Macon. Shewore a dress of some very soft material. It was a pale blue--faded, nodoubt--but the color blended exquisitely with her hair and with theflush of her face. It came to Donnegan that it was an unnecessarycruelty of chance that made him see the girl lovelier than he had everseen her before at the very moment when he was surrendering the lastshadow of a claim upon her. 

And it hurt him, also, to see the freshness of her face, the clear eyes;and to hear her smooth, untroubled voice. She had lived untouched byanything save the sunshine in The Corner. 

Her glance flicked across his face and then fluttered down, and hercolor increased guiltily. 

"I have come to ask you a favor, " she said. 

"Step in, " said Donnegan, recovering his poise at length. 

At this, she looked past him, and her eyes widened a little. There wasan imperceptible shrug of her shoulders, as though the very thought ofentering this cabin horrified her. And Donnegan had to bear that look aswell. 

"I'll stay here; I haven't much to say. It's a small thing. "

"Large or small, " said Donnegan eagerly. "Tell me!"

"My father has asked me to take a letter for him down to the town andmail it. I--I understand that it would be dangerous for me to go alone. Will you walk with me?"

And Donnegan turned cold. Go down into The Corner? Where by five chancesout of ten he must meet his brother in the street?

"I can do better still, " he said, smiling. "I'll have George take theletter down for you. "

"Thank you. But you see, father would not trust it to anyone save me. Iasked him; he was very firm about it. "

"Tush! I would trust George with my life. "

"Yes, yes It is not what I wish--but my father rarely changes hismind. "

Perspiration beaded the forehead of Donnegan. Was there no way to evadethis easy request?

"You see, " he faltered, "I should be glad to go--"

She raised her eyes slowly. 

"But I am terribly busy this morning. "

She did not answer, but half of her color left her face. 

"Upon my word of honor there is no danger to a woman in the town. "

"But some of the ruffians of Lord Nick--"

"If they dared to even raise their voices at you, they would hear fromhim in a manner that they would never forget. "

"Then you don't wish to go?"

She was very pale now; and to Donnegan it was more terrible than the gunin the hand of Lord Nick. Even if she thought he was slighting her whyshould she take it so mortally to heart? For Donnegan, who saw allthings, was blind to read the face of this girl. 

"It doesn't really matter, " she murmured and turned away. 

A gentle motion, but it wrenched the heart of Donnegan. He was instantlybefore her. 

"Wait here a moment. I'll be ready to go down immediately. "

"No. I can't take you from your--work. "

What work did she assign to him in her imagination? Endless planning ofdeviltry no doubt. 

"I shall go with you, " said Donnegan. "At first--I didn't dream it couldbe so important. Let me get my hat. "

He left her and leaped back into the cabin. 

"I am going down into The Corner for a moment, " he said over hisshoulder to George, as he took his belt down from the wall. 

The big man strode to the wall and took his hat from a nail. 

"I shall not need you, George. "

But George merely grinned, and his big teeth flashed at the master. Andin the second place he took up a gun from the drawer and offered it toDonnegan. 

"The gun in that holster ain't loaded, " he said. 

Donnegan considered him soberly. 

"I know it. There'll be no need for a loaded gun. "

But once more George grinned. All at once Donnegan turned pale. 

"You dog, " he whispered. "Did you listen at the door when Nick washere?"

"Me?" murmured George. "No, I just been thinking. "

And so it was that while Donnegan went down the hill with Lou Macon, carrying an empty-chambered revolver, George followed at a distance of afew paces, and he carried a loaded weapon unknown to Donnegan. 

It was the dull time of the day in The Corner. There were very fewpeople in the single street, and though most of them turned to look atthe little man and the girl who walked beside him, not one of themeither smiled or whispered. 

"You see?" said Donnegan. "You would have been perfectly safe--even fromLord Nick's ruffians. That was one of his men we passed back there. "

"Yes. I'm safe with you, " said the girl. 

And when she looked up to him, the blood of Donnegan turned to fire. 

Out of a shop door before them came a girl with a parcel under her arm. She wore a gay, semi-masculine outfit, bright-colored, jaunty, and shewalked with a lilt toward them. It was Nelly Lebrun. And as she passedthem. Donnegan lifted his hat ceremoniously high. She nodded to him witha smile, but the smile aimed wan and small in an instant. There was aquick widening and then a narrowing of her eyes, and Donnegan knew thatshe had judged Lou Macon as only one girl can judge another who islovelier. 

He glanced at Lou to see if she had noticed, and he saw her raise herhead and go on with her glance proudly straight before her; but her facewas very pale, and Donnegan knew that she had guessed everything thatwas true and far more than the truth. Her tone at the door of the postoffice was ice. 

"I think you are right, Mr. Donnegan. There's no danger. And if you haveanything else to do, I can get back home easily enough. "

"I'll wait for you, " murmured Donnegan sadly, and he stood as the doorof the little building with bowed head. 

And then a murmur came down the street. How small it was, and howsinister! It consisted of exclamations begun, and then broken sharplyoff. A swirl of people divided as a cloud of dust divides before a blastof wind, and through them came the gigantic figure of Lord Nick!

On he came, a gorgeous figure, a veritable king of men. He carried hishat in his hand and his red hair flamed, and he walked with greatstrides. Donnegan glanced behind him. The way was clear. If he turned, Lord Nick would not pursue him, he knew. 

But to flee even from his brother was more than he could do; for thewoman he loved would know of it and could never understand. 

He touched the holster that held his empty gun--and waited!

An eternity between every step of Lord Nick. Others seemed to havesensed the meaning of this silent scene. People seemed to stand frozenin the midst of gestures. Or was that because Donnegan's own thoughtswere traveling at such lightning speed that the rest of the world seemedstanding still? What kept Lou Macon? If she were with him, not even LordNick in his madness would force on a gunplay in the presence of a woman, no doubt. 

Lord Nick was suddenly close; he had paused; his voice rang over thestreet and struck upon Donnegan's ear as sounds come under water. 

"Donnegan!"

"Aye!" called Donnegan softly. 

"It's the time!"

"Aye, " said Donnegan. 

Then a huge body leaped before him; it was big George. And as he spranghis gun went up with his hand in a line of light. The two reports cameclose together as finger taps on a table, and big George, completing hisspring, lurched face downward into the sand. 

Dead? Not yet. All his faith and selflessness were nerving the big man. And Donnegan stood behind him, unarmed!

He reared himself upon his knees--an imposing bulk, even then, and firedagain. But his hand was trembling, and the bullet shattered a sign abovethe head of Lord Nick. He, in his turn, it seemed to Donnegan that themotion was slow, twitched up the muzzle of his weapon and fired oncemore from his hip. And big George lurched back on the sand, with hisface upturned to Donnegan. He would have spoken, but a burst of bloodchoked him; yet his eyes fixed and glazed, he mustered his laststrength and offered his revolver to Donnegan. 

But Donnegan let the hand fall limp to the ground. There were voicesabout him; steps running; but all that he clearly saw was Lord Nick withhis feet braced, and his head high. 

"Donnegan! Your gun!"

"Aye, " said Donnegan. 

"Take it then!"

But in the crisis, automatically Donnegan flipped his useless revolverout of its holster and into his hand. At the same instant the gun fromNick's hand seemed to blaze in his eyes. He was struck a crushing blowin his chest. He sank upon his knees: another blow struck his head, andDonnegan collapsed on the body of big George. 

44

An ancient drunkard in the second story of one of the stores across thestreet had roused himself at the sound of the shots and now he draggedhimself to the window and began to scream: "Murder! Murder!" over andover, and even The Corner shuddered at the sound of his voice. 

Lord Nick, his revolver still in his hand, stalked through the film ofpeople who now swirled about him, eager to see the dead. There was nocall for the law to make its appearance, and the representatives of thelaw were wisely dilatory in The Corner. 

He stood over the two motionless figures with a stony face. 

"You saw it, boys, " he said. "You know what I've borne from this fellow. The big man pulled his gun first on me. I shot in self-defense. Asfor--the other--it was a square fight. "

"Square fight, " someone answered. "You both went for your irons at thesame time. Pretty work, Nick. "

It was a solid phalanx of men which had collected around the movelessbodies as swiftly as mercury sinks through water. Yet none of themtouched either Donnegan or George. And then the solid group dissolved atone side. It was the moan of a woman which had scattered it, and ayellow-haired girl slipped through them. She glanced once, in horror, atthe mute faces of the men, and then there was a wail as she threwherself on the body of Donnegan. Somewhere she found the strength of aman to lift him and place him face upward on the sand, the gun trailinglimply in his hand. And then she lay, half crouched over him, her facepressed to his heart--listening--listening for the stir of life. 

Shootings were common in The Corner; the daily mortality ran high; butthere had never been aftermaths like this one. Men looked at oneanother, and then at Lord Nick. A bright spot of color had come in hischeeks, but his face was as hard as ever. 

"Get her away from him, " someone murmured. 

And then another man cried out, stooped, wrenched the gun from the limphand of Donnegan and opened the cylinder. He spun it: daylight wasglittering through the empty cylinder. 

At this the man stiffened, and with a low bow which would have donecredit to a drawing-room, he presented the weapon butt first to LordNick. 

"Here's something the sheriff will want to see, " he said, "but maybeyou'll be interested, too. "

But Lord Nick, with the gun in his hand, stared at it dumbly, turned theempty cylinder. And the full horror crept slowly on his mind. He had notkilled his brother, he had murdered him. As his eyes cleared, he caughtthe glitter of the eyes which surrounded him. 

And then Lou Macon was on her knees with her hands clasped at her breastand her face glorious. 

"Help!" she was crying. "Help me. He's not dead, but he's dying unlessyou help me!"

Then Lord Nick cast away his own revolver and the empty gun of Donnegan. They heard him shout: "Garry!" and saw him stride forward. 

Instantly men pressed between, hard-jawed men who meant business. It wasa cordon he would have to fight his way through: but he dissolved itwith a word. 

"You fools! He's my brother!"

And then he was on his knees opposite Lou Macon. 

"You?" she had stammered in horror. 

"His brother, girl. "

And ten minutes later, when the bandages had been wound, there was astrange sight of Lord Nick striding up the street with his victim in hisarms. How lightly he walked; and he was talking to the calm, pale facewhich rested in the hollow of his shoulder. 

"He will live? He will live?" Lou Macon was pleading as she hurried atthe side of Lord Nick. 

"God willing, he shall live!"

It was three hours before Donnegan opened his eyes. It was three daysbefore he recovered his senses, and looking aside toward the door he sawa brilliant shaft of sunlight falling into the room. In the midst of itsat Lou Macon. She had fallen asleep in her great weariness now that thecrisis was over. Behind her, standing, his great arms folded, stood theindomitable figure of Lord Nick. 

Donnegan saw and wondered greatly. Then he closed his eyes dreamily. "Hush, " said Donnegan to himself, as if afraid that what he saw was alla dream. "I'm in heaven, or if I'm not, it's still mighty good to bealive. "