doubt this was exaggerated, but I am a
careful man, and prefer to have the 'drop,' and so I sincerely hope you
will pardon my keeping you covered during what is really intended as a
friendly call. I regret the necessity, but trust you are resting
comfortably."

"Oh, go to hell!"

"We will consider that proposition somewhat later." Hampton laid his
hat with calm deliberation on the table. "No doubt, Mr. Slavin,--if
you move that hand again I 'll fill your system with lead,--you
experience some very natural curiosity regarding the object of my
unanticipated, yet I hope no less welcome, visit."

Slavin's only reply was a curse, his bloodshot eyes roaming the room
furtively.

"I suspected as much," Hampton went on, coolly. "Indeed, I should have
felt hurt had you been indifferent upon such an occasion. It does
credit to your heart, Slavin. Come now, keep your eyes on me! I was
about to gratify your curiosity, and, in the first place, I came to
inquire solicitously regarding the state of your health during my
absence, and incidentally to ask why you are exhibiting so great an
interest in Miss Naida Gillis."

Slavin straightened up, his great hands clinching nervously, drops of
perspiration appearing on his red forehead. "I don't understand your
damned fun."

Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly. "Slavin, you greatly discourage
me. The last time I was here you exhibited so fine a sense of humor
that I was really quite proud of you. Yet, truly, I think you do
understand this joke. Your memory can scarcely be failing at your
age.--Make another motion like that and you die right there! You know
me.--However, as you seem to shy over my first question, I 'll honor
you with a second,--Where's Silent Murphy?"

Slavin's great square jaws set, a froth oozing from between his thick
lips, and for an instant the other man believed that in his paroxysm of
rage he would hurl himself across the table. Then suddenly the
ungainly brute went limp, his face grown haggard.

"You devil!" he roared, "what do you mean?"

Surprised as Hampton was by this complete breaking down, he knew his
man far too well to yield him the slightest opportunity for treachery.
With revolver hand resting on the table, the muzzle pointing at the
giant's heart, he leaned forward, utterly remorseless now, and keen as
an Indian on the trail.

"Do you know who I am?"

The horror in Slavin's eyes had changed to sullenness, but he nodded
silently.