, and held back the curtain. A burly figure
occupied the bench, with feet upon the rail. Even in that outside
dimness could be distinguished a black beard. The very man, and the
Sergeant chuckled grimly with a swiftly born hope that the fellow might
create a row. Nothing at that moment could have pleased him more. He
blew out the parlor light, partially closed the door, and stepped forth
on to the porch.

"Say, you," he said gruffly, dropping one hand heavily on the other's
shoulder. "Did you hear what I said to those fellows inside? Well, it
goes out here the same. Pack up, and clear the deck."

"Reb" dropped his feet to the floor and stood up, his bearded lips
growling profanity, but Hamlin gripped his wrist, and the man stopped,
with mouth still open, staring into the Sergeant's face. All bravado
seemed to desert him instantly.

"Who--who says so?" and he stepped back farther into the shadow.

"I do, if you need to know," pleasantly enough. "Sergeant Hamlin,
Seventh Cavalry."

"Oh!" the exclamation came from between clenched teeth. "Hell, man, you
startled me."

"So I see; nervous disposition, I reckon. Well, are you going quietly,
or shall I hoist you over the rail?"

"I had an appointment here."

"Can't help that, partner. This porch is going to be vacant inside of
one minute, or there is a declaration of war. Your easiest way out is
through that window, but you can go by rail if you prefer."

The black beard wasted half his allowed time in an effort at bluster;
then, to Hamlin's utter disgust, slunk through the open window and across
the darkened parlor.

"The pusillanimous cuss," the latter muttered, "he 's worse than a cur
dog. Blamed if he was n't actually afraid of me. A gun-fighter--pugh!"
He lifted his voice, as "Reb" paused in the light of the hall beyond and
glanced back, a fist doubled and uplifted. "Oh, go on! Sure, you 'll
get me? You are the brave boy, now," and Hamlin strode toward the door
threateningly. "Lope along, son, and don't turn around again until you
face the bar."

He drew the door partially to again, and sat down facing the opening,
where a stray beam of light fell across the floor. Thus far the
adventure had scarcely proven interesting. The last encounter had been a
distinct disappointment. The dispersal of the card-players was, as
anticipated, easily managed, but the reputation of "Reb" as killer and
bad man had given him hope of resistance. But inst