and surveyed the landlord.

"Any chance to eat?" he asked. "We're both of us about starved."

Timmons scratched his head.

"I reckon there's plenty o' cold provender out thar," he said
doubtfully, "an' maybe I could hustle you up some hot coffee, but we
don't aim ter do no feedin' at this time o' night. What's the matter
with the diner?"

"Hot box, and had to cut her off; be a good fellow, and hustle us up
something."

"I'll see what there is," and Timmons started for the kitchen, "but I
wouldn't wake Ma Timmons up fer a thousand dollars. She'd never git
over it."

The large man, a rather heavy-footed fellow, with scraggly grey
moustache, turned to his companion.

"Better luck than I expected at that, Colgate," he said, restored to
good humour. "The old duffer seems to be quite human."

His eyes caught sight of Cavendish, and hardened, the grizzly moustache
seeming to stiffen. His mouth was close to the ear of his companion,
and he spoke without moving his lips.

"Our bird; stand ready."

The three were talking earnestly, and he was standing before them
before any of the group marked his approach. His eyes were on
Cavendish, who instantly arose to his feet, startled by the man's
sudden appearance.

"There is no use making a scene, Burke," the big man said sternly, "for
my partner there has you covered."

"My name is not Burke; it is Cavendish."

"So I heard in Denver," dryly. "We hardly expected to find you here,
for we were down on another matter So you are not Gentleman Tom Burke?"

"No."

"I know he is not," interposed Westcott. "I have been acquainted with
this man for nearly twenty years; he is a New York capitalist."

"And who the hell are you--a pal?" the fellow sneered. "Now, see here,
both of you. I've met plenty of your kind before, and it is my
business not to forget a face. This man is under arrest," and he laid
a hand heavily on Cavendish's shoulder.

"Under the name of Burke? On what charge?"

"Robbery, at Poughkeepsie, New York; wanted also for burglary and
assault in Denver. My name is Roberts," he added, stiffly, "assistant
superintendent of the Pinkerton agency; the man with me is an operative
from the New York office."

Cavendish glanced past Roberts toward Colgate, who stood with one hand
thrust in his side pocket.

"You know this man Burke?" he asked.

"I saw him once; that's why I was put on the case. You certainly gave
me some hot chase, Tom."

"Some c