secret. Three of these gentlemen will go with you. They will point out
to you your duty; their shotguns will apprise you of any dereliction
from it. What do you say?"

"Who yer talking to?" said Collinson in a dull voice.

"You remind us," said the orator suavely, "that we have not yet the
pleasure of knowing."

"My name's Seth Collinson."

There was a dead silence in the room, and every eye was fixed upon the
two men. The orator's smile slightly stiffened.

"Where from?" he continued blandly.

"Mizzouri."

"A very good place to go back to,--through Thompson's Pass. But you
haven't answered our proposal."

"I reckon I don't intend to sell this house, or leave it," said
Collinson simply.

"I trust you will not make us regret the fortunate termination of your
little accident, Mr. Collinson," said the orator with a singular smile.
"May I ask why you object to selling out? Is it the figure?"

"The house isn't mine," said Collinson deliberately. "I built this yer
house for my wife wot I left in Mizzouri. It's hers. I kalkilate to
keep it, and live in it ontil she comes fur it! And when I tell ye
that she is dead, ye kin reckon just what chance ye have of ever
gettin' it."

There was an unmistakable start of sensation in the room, followed by a
silence so profound that the moaning of the wind on the mountain-side
was distinctly heard. A well-built man, with a mask that scarcely
concealed his heavy mustachios, who had been standing with his back to
the orator in half contemptuous patience, faced around suddenly and
made a step forward as if to come between the questioner and
questioned. A voice from the corner ejaculated, "By G--d!"

"Silence," said the orator sharply. Then still more harshly he turned
to the others "Pick him up, and stand him outside with a guard; and
then clear out, all of you!"

The prisoner was lifted up and carried out; the room was instantly
cleared; only the orator and the man who had stepped forward remained.
Simultaneously they drew the masks from their faces, and stood looking
at each other. The orator's face was smooth and corrupt; the full,
sensual lips wrinkled at the corners with a sardonic humor; the man who
confronted him appeared to be physically and even morally his superior,
albeit gloomy and discontented in expression. He cast a rapid glance
around the room, to assure himself that they were alone; and then,
straightening his eyebrows as he backed against the