dn't gamble that away--I'll swear it. I used it in
business."

"Business? What business have you got outside of your position as a land
office spy?"

"A good business, if you only knew it. I've been following up a little
deal that started in the East--in New York. Out there I had to hire a
fellow I could trust to work for me, and that took most of the money.
But the whole thing is coming my way now, and I want to talk things over
with you. How would you like to have a thousand back in return for the
five hundred you loaned me?"

"What sort of a game are you working on me now?"

"A square deal, Tucker. I've been keeping my eye on you, and I reckon
you are the fellow to do what I want done."

"And what do you want done?"

Vorlange stepped closer.

"The boomers are going to try to cross into Oklahoma either to-morrow or
day after. There will be a fight, I am certain of it, and somebody will
be shot and killed. When you fire I want you to pick out your man--two
men--or, rather, a man and a boy, if you can do it. I may be on hand to
take part myself, but there is a possibility that I may be ordered
elsewhere."

"And you are willing to pay me five hundred extra for picking out my
target, Vorlange?"

"You've struck it."

"Who is the man?"

"Can I trust you?"

"Yes."

"Pawnee Brown."

At the mention of the great scout's name Tucker started back.

"Why--why do you want him knocked over?"

"He is my enemy. I have hated him from my boyhood!" cried Louis
Vorlange. "And there are other reasons--he stands in the way of my
pushing the scheme I mentioned."

"Pawnee Brown was here but a short while ago. He insulted and abused
me," growled Tucker. "I'll put a bullet through him quick enough if I
get the chance--that is, in a skirmish. I don't want to run any risk of
being strung up for--you know."

"The shooting will be O. K., Tucker, and I'll help if I'm not ordered
away. Do it and the five hundred extra are yours, I'll give you my
word."

"What about that boy you mentioned?"

"His name is Dick Arbuckle. He is----"

"Dick Arbuckle? I know him. He stole my horse. I captured him and Pawnee
Brown came to his rescue and made me, Ross and Skimmy give him up," and
Tucker gave the particulars in his own version of the affair.

"Then you bear the lad no love?"

"Love?" The cavalryman grated his teeth. "I was wishing I could get a
shot at him."

"Then keep that wish in mind, Tucker, when the time for action arr