last card around when Wyatt came in and his eyes lit
up. Then his face stiffened, the light changed to a gleam of
malevolence. Following Wyatt were the three partners, taking open order
as they came through the entrance, about which the space was clear,
Sandy in the middle, Mormon on the right flank and Sam on the left. The
two last smiled and nodded to one or two acquaintances. Sandy's face was
set in serious cast. The players at Plimsoll's table turned to see what
caused the suspension of the game, others followed their example. The
Three Star men were known personally to some of those in the room. The
story of what had happened during the day had buzzed in everybody's
ears, from Roaring Russell's discomfiture to Plimsoll's failure to hold
the claims and the eviction notice served on him by Sandy.

The phrase "you'll see me through smoke," held a grim significance that
touched the fancy of these gold gatherers, men of the cruder types for
the most part. The issue between Sandy and Plimsoll was the paramount
topic, they wanted to see the two men face to face and size them up.
There was no especial sympathy with one or the other. There were other
gamblers to provide them with excitement. Mormon's challenge of Russell
was a sporting event that appealed to them more directly and there were
many possessed of a rough chivalry that appreciated the heavyweight
cowman's taking up the cudgels on behalf of a woman. But that was sport,
this was a business matter, a duel, with Death offering services as
referee.

Chairs edged back, the standing moved for a better view-point, the room
focussed on Plimsoll, Wyatt and the three cow-chums. Then Wyatt stepped
aside. There was a malicious little grin on his face. Mormon's
suggestion as to his private grudge against Plimsoll was not without
foundation. Wyatt had been glad to find excuse for severing relations
with the gambler. He had done his best and failed, but his failure was
not bitter.

The partners walked between the tables toward Plimsoll who sat regarding
them balefully, his teeth just showing between his parted lips, cards in
midair, action in a paralysis that was caused by the concentration
forced by Sandy's even gaze, by the same sickening conviction that his
manhood shriveled in front of Sandy and that Sandy knew it. Oaths
against Wyatt rose automatically in his brain like bubbles in a mineral
spring, together with the consciousness that Wyatt, if not allied
against him, w