upon the
refinement of his handsome face. And, added to them was an air of
moroseness, of cold reserve, that suggested nothing so much as
impotent resentment at the conditions under which he found himself.

Without any appearance of interest he was listening to the talk of
those at the bar. And somehow, though his back was turned toward him,
O'Brien, judging by the frequency with which his quick-moving eyes
flashed in his direction, was aware of his real interest, and was
looking for some sign whereby he might draw him into the talk. But the
sign did not come, and the saloonkeeper was left without the least
encouragement.

Finally, however, O'Brien made a direct attempt. He was standing a
round of drinks and included in his invitation the man on the coal
box. He passed him a glass of whisky.

"Have another," he said, in his short way. Then he added: "On me."

Charlie thanked him curtly, and took the drink. He drank it at a gulp
and passed the glass back. But his general attitude underwent no
change. His eyes remained morosely fixed upon the poker players.

Billy Unguin winked significantly at O'Brien and glanced at Charlie.

"Queer cuss," he said, under his breath. Then he turned to Allen Dy,
as though imparting news: "Drinks alone--always alone."

Dy nodded comprehendingly.

"Sure sign of a drunkard," he returned wisely, in a similar undertone.

O'Brien smiled. He was about to give vent to one of his coldest
cynicisms, when Nick Devereux looked over from the card table and
claimed him.

"Say, Dirty," he drawled, in his rather musical southern accent,
"wher' in hell is Fyles located anyhow? There's been a mighty piece
of big talk goin' on, but none of us ain't seen him. Big talk makes
me sick." He spat on the floor as though to emphasize his disgust.

"He's around anyways," O'Brien returned coldly. "I've seen him right
here. After that he rode east. One of the boys see him pick up
Sergeant McBain an' two troopers. Will that do you?" he inquired
sarcastically.

Nick picked up a fresh hand of cards.

"Have to--till I see him," he said savagely.

"Oh, you'll see him all right--all right," O'Brien returned with a
laugh, while the men at the bar grinned over at the card players.
"Guess you boys'll see him later--all you need." Then his eyes flashed
in Charlie's direction, and he winked at those near him. "Maybe some
folks around here'll hate the sight of him before long."

Pete looked up, turning his crue