ant a horse, a blanket, some grub and a gun. I'm to take them down
to the jail at eleven o'clock."

"Huh! Goin' to hold up the guard?" queried Blinky.

"That was my intention," replied Pan, "but I know that fellow Hurd,
who'll be on guard then. I'll not have to hold him up."

"Hurd? I know him. Hard nut, but I think he's square."

"Reckon Hurd will lose his job," said Pan reflectively. "If he does,
let's take him with us on the wild horse deal."

"Suits me. An' he'll shore love thet job. Hurd hasn't any use for
Matthews."

"Blinky, do you know another man we can hire or get to throw in with
us? We've got five now counting my dad, and we'll need at least six."

"Why so many? It'll cut out profits."

"No, it'll increase them. One good rider means a great deal to us."

"Then let's get thet miner, Charley Brown."

"But he's working a gold claim."

"Wal, if I know anythin' he'll not be workin' it any longer than
findin' blue dirt. Gus an' me seen Jard Hardman with two men ridin'
out thet way this mawnin'."

"Ah!... So Hardman is here now.--We'll hunt up Brown and see what he
says. Suppose we walk downtown now."

"All right, but let me get a hoss up for Blake," replied Blinky. "Gus,
you find thet old saddle of mine, an' a blanket. There's an old canvas
saddlebag an' water bottle heah somewheres. Ask Juan. An' get him to
pack the grub."

The night of the sabbath was no barrier to the habitues of the Yellow
Mine. But early in the evening it was not yet in full swing. The
dance was on with a few heavy-footed miners and their gaudy partners,
and several of the gambling tables were surrounded.

Pan stalked about alone. His new-found cowboy friends had been
instructed to follow him unobtrusively. Pan did not wish to give an
impression that he had taken up with allies. He was looking for
Charley Brown, but he had a keen roving eye for every man in sight. It
was doubtful if Hardman or Matthews could have espied Pan first, unless
they were hidden somewhere. He took up a position, presently, behind
one of the poker games, with his back to the wall, so that he had
command of the room. A stiff game was in progress, which Pan watched
casually. Blinky and Gus lounged around, with apparently no more aim
than other idle drinking visitors of the place.

Gradually more men came in, the gaming tables filled up, and the
white-armed girls appeared to mingle with the guests.

Pan espied the girl Lo