oisy, but it's just their way--don't mean
anything--you hang on to me, an' keep the veil down--we 'll be there in
the shake of a dog's tail."

He helped her over the muddy crossing, and as they reached a stretch of
board walk, began expatiating on the various places lining the way.

"That's the 'Mammoth' over there,--dance hall back of it--biggest thing
west of the Missouri--three men killed there last week--what for? Oh,
they got too fresh--that's the 'Casino,' and the one beyond is 'Pony
Joe's Place'--cut his leg off since I've been here--fight over a girl.
Ain't there any stores?--sure; they're farther back--you see the saloons
got in first--that's 'Sheeny Mike's' gambling joint you're looking
at--like to go over and see 'em play? All right, just thought I'd ask
you--it's early anyhow, and things wouldn't be goin' very lively yet.
Say, there, you red head, what are you trying to do?"

The fellow had lurched out of the crowd in such a manner as to brush
partially aside the girl's veil, permitting the glare of "Sheeny Mike's"
lights to fall full upon her revealed face. It was accomplished so
openly as to appear planned, but before he could reel away again,
Fairbain struck out, and the man went down. With an oath he was on his
feet, and Hope cowered back against her protector. Each man had weapons
drawn, the crowd scurrying madly to keep out of the line of fire, when,
with a stride, a new figure stepped quietly in between them. Straight
as an arrow, broad shouldered, yet small waisted as a woman, his hair
hanging low over his coat-collar, his face smooth shaven except for a
long moustache, and emotionless, the revolvers in his belt untouched,
he simply looked at the two, and then struck the revolver out of the
drunken man's hand. It fell harmless to the ground.

"And don't you pick it up until I tell you, Scott," he said quietly. "If
you do you've got to fight me."

Without apparently giving the fellow another thought, he wheeled and
faced the others.

"Oh, it's you, is it, Doctor? The drunken fool won't make any more
trouble. Where were you taking the lady?"

"To the hotel, Bill."

"I'll walk along with you. I reckon the boys will give us plenty of
room." He glanced over the crowd, and then more directly at Scott.

"Pick up your gun!" the brief words snapping out. "This is the second
time I've caught you hunting trouble. The next time you are going to
find it. I saw you run into the lady--what did you do it f