for two. I shall be very glad of your company, stranger, if you
care to honor me."

"That is kind of you," nodded the other. "I shall accept with much
pleasure, for I, too, like to eat in good company."

After a little more conversation the two ascended to Duff's room on the
next floor. Certainly it was the largest and most comfortable guest room
in the hotel, and was furnished in good taste. The main apartment was
set as a gentlemen's lounging room, Duff's bedroom furniture being in a
little room at the rear.

Hardly had Duff pressed the bell button before there came a tap at the
door. One waiter brought in a table for two, with the napery. This he
quickly arranged. As he turned toward the door two other waiters entered
with dishes containing a dainty meal for a hot day.

"You may arrange everything and then leave us, John," directed Duff.
Soon the two new acquaintances were alone together, the gambler serving
the light meal with considerable grace.

"How long have you been with the Colthwaite Company?" asked Jim Duff
presently.

"I didn't say that I had ever been with the Colthwaite Company," smiled
the stranger.

"No," admitted the gambler; "but I took that much for granted."

Again the eyes of the two men met in an exchange of keen looks, Then the
stranger laughed.

"Mr. Duff, I realize that it is a waste of time to try to conceal rather
evident facts from you. I am Frederick Ransom, a special agent for the
Colthwaite Company."

"You are down here to get the contract for filling up the Man-killer
quicksand?" Duff continued, with an air of polite curiosity.

"The contract is not to be awarded," Ransom answered. "The A., G. & N.
M. has decided to do the work itself, with the assistance of two young
engineers who have been retained."

"Reade and Hazelton," nodded Jim Duff.

"Yes."

"They may fail--are almost sure to do so. Then, of course, Mr. Ransom,
you will have a very excellent chance of securing the contract for the
Colthwaite Company."

"Why, yes; if the young men do fail."

"Will you pardon a stranger's curiosity, Mr. Ransom? Have you laid your
plans yet for the way in which the young men are to fail?"

From most strangers this direct questioning would have been offensive.
Jim Duff, however, from long experience in fleecing greenhorns, had
acquired a manner and way, of speaking that stood him in good stead.

After a moment's half-embarrassed silence Fred Ransom burst into a laugh
that wa