h attending to in this skirmishing affair, I did it, did n't I?
But I tell you, man, there is mighty little good trying to buck against
Fate, and when Luck once finally lets go of a victim, he's bound to
drop straight to the bottom before he stops. That's the sum and
substance of all my philosophy, old fellow, consequently I never kick
simply because things happen to go wrong. What's the use? They 'll go
wrong just the same. Then again, my life has never been so sweet as to
cause any excessive grief over the prospect of losing it. Possibly I
might prefer to pass out from this world in some other manner, but
that's merely a matter of individual taste, and just now there does n't
seem to be very much choice left me. Consequently, upheld by my
acquired philosophy, and encouraged by the rectitude of my past
conduct, I 'm merely holding back one shot for myself, as a sort of
grand finale to this fandango, and another for that little girl out
yonder."

These words were uttered slowly, the least touch of a lazy drawl
apparent in the low voice, yet there was an earnest simplicity
pervading the speech which somehow gave it impressiveness. The man
meant exactly what he said, beyond the possibility of a doubt. The old
soldier, accustomed to every form of border eccentricity, gazed at him
with disapproval.

"Either you 're the coolest devil I 've met during thirty years of
soldiering," he commented, doubtfully, "or else the craziest. Who are
you, anyhow? I half believe you might be Bob Hampton, of Placer."

The other smiled grimly. "You have the name tolerably correct, old
fellow; likewise that delightful spot so lately honored by my
residence. In brief, you have succeeded in calling the turn perfectly,
so far as your limited information extends. In strict confidence I
propose now to impart to you what has hitherto remained a profound
secret. Upon special request of a number of influential citizens of
Placer, including the city marshal and other officials, expressed in
mass-meeting, I have decided upon deserting that sagebrush metropolis
to its just fate, and plan to add the influence of my presence to the
future development of Glencaid. I learn that the climate there is more
salubrious, more conducive to long living, the citizens of Placer being
peculiarly excitable and careless with their fire-arms."

The sergeant had been listening with open mouth. "The hell you say!"
he finally ejaculated.

"The undented t