hereby? How could a kindliness of purpose be read into the
acts of a man who would have no scruple in taking life, under
provocation, without the least mercy or qualm of conscience? He
displayed no tenderness, he hated what he considered such weakness. It
was his studied practice to avoid showing consideration for others,
and he would have bitterly resented those who considered him. He
preferred that his attitude towards the world should be one of
unyielding selfishness. Such was the game of life as he understood
it.

Yes, honestly enough, he hated sentiment, and for this very reason he
cursed himself bitterly that such a feeling as he now experienced
should so disturb him. He hurried down the slope a shade quicker than
there was any necessity for. And it was as though he were endeavoring
to outstrip the feelings which pursued him.

Scipio heard him coming, and glanced round quickly. When he beheld his
visitor he nodded a greeting and continued his work. In his heart was
a curious feeling towards the gambler. He could not have described it.
It was too complicated. He liked Wild Bill. He felt that for some
indefinite reason he was his friend. Yet he resented him, too. He did
not know he resented him. Only he felt that this man dominated him,
and he was forced to obey him against his will. At sight of him his
mind went back to the events of that morning. He thought of Bill's
promise, and a curious excitement stirred within him. He wondered now
what this visit portended.

For once the gambler did not display his usual readiness. He did not
speak for some moments, but took up a position whence he could see the
children at their play, and best watch the little washerman, on whom
he intended to thrust a proposition that had been revolving in his
mind some time. He chewed his tobacco steadily, while his expression
went through many changes. At last he drew his shaggy brows together
and eyed his victim with shrewd suspicion.

"Say, you're kind o' smart, ain't you?" he demanded harshly.

The other looked up with a start, and his mildly inquiring glance
should have convinced the most skeptical to the contrary. But
apparently it had no such effect on his visitor.

"I'd never ha' tho't it," Bill went on coldly. "To look at you one 'ud
sure think you was that simple a babby could fool you. Howsum," he
sighed, "I don't guess you ken never rightly tell."

A flush began to warm Scipio's cheeks. He couldn't understand. He
wonde