h was to be
read there, and not in her later more deliberate attempt at leading his
suspicions astray. There was nothing pleasant about this thought, and
Winston's sensitive face flushed, his glance wandering uneasily down
the midnight street. For the space of a block, or more, where numerous
tents and low wooden buildings stood deserted of tenants, all remained
dark and silent; but just beyond glowed brilliantly the many-hued
lights of the wide-awake Poodle-Dog, and he could even hear the band
playing noisily within the still more distant dance hall. This
combined sight and sound served to arouse him to action and a cool
resolve. If he really intended to play out this game successfully he
must learn something of its conditions. Besides, he had now two most
excellent reasons for desiring to form an early acquaintance with this
man Farnham--the fellow had come across his line of life twice within
the past twelve hours. For the purpose there could be no time better
than the present. He struck a match against the rough railing and
lighted for himself a fresh cigar, his clear-cut, manly features
showing calmly determined in that instant glare of sputtering flame.
Almost unconsciously, following the instinct of his long Western
training, he slipped a revolver from its customary resting-place at the
hip, and dropped the weapon conveniently into the side pocket of his
loose sack coat. He had heard some tales of this man he purposed
seeking, and it might prove well to be prepared for emergencies.

The bar-room of the blazing Poodle-Dog was thronged with men--men
standing before the long, sloppy bar, men seated around rough tables,
and men lounging here and there in groups about the heavily sanded
floor. Uninterestedly glancing at these, Winston paused for an idle
moment, his eyes fastened upon a whirling spectacle of dancers in the
hall beyond. It formed a scene of mad revelry; yet in his present
state of mind, he cared little for its frontier picturesqueness, and
soon turned away, mounting the broad stairway down which, like an
invitation, echoed the sharp click of ivory chips, and the excited
voices of those absorbed in play. In both size and gorgeousness of
decoration the rooms above were a surprise--a glitter of lights, a
babel of noises, a continuous jumble of figures, while over all
trembled a certain tension of excitement, terrible in its enchaining
power. The very atmosphere seemed electric, filled with a de