pounds were more noticeable there, and it was part of his plan to
attract attention to himself. No one, however, appeared to notice him.
The pool-players were noisily intent on their game, the same crowd of
motley-robed Mexicans hung over the reeking bar. Gale's roving glance
soon fixed upon the man he took to be Rojas. He recognized the huge,
high-peaked, black sombrero with its ornamented band. The Mexican's
face was turned aside. He was in earnest, excited colloquy with a
dozen or more comrades, most of whom were sitting round a table. They
were listening, talking, drinking. The fact that they wore cartridge
belts crossed over their breasts satisfied that these were the rebels.
He had noted the belts of the Mexicans outside, who were apparently
guards. A waiter brought more drinks to this group at the table, and
this caused the leader to turn so Gale could see his face. It was
indeed the sinister, sneering face of the bandit Rojas. Gale gazed at
the man with curiosity. He was under medium height, and striking in
appearance only because of his dandified dress and evil visage. He wore
a lace scarf, a tight, bright-buttoned jacket, a buckskin vest
embroidered in red, a sash and belt joined by an enormous silver clasp.
Gale saw again the pearl-handled gun swinging at the bandit's hip.
Jewels flashed in his scarf. There were gold rings in his ears and
diamonds on his fingers.

Gale became conscious of an inward fire that threatened to overrun his
coolness. Other emotions harried his self-control. It seemed as if
sight of the man liberated or created a devil in Gale. And at the
bottom of his feelings there seemed to be a wonder at himself, a
strange satisfaction for the something that had come to him.

He stepped out of the doorway, down the couple of steps to the floor of
the saloon, and he staggered a little, simulating drunkenness. He fell
over the pool tables, jostled Mexicans at the bar, laughed like a
maudlin fool, and, with his hat slouched down, crowded here and there.
Presently his eye caught sight of the group of cowboys whom he had
before noticed with such interest.

They were still in a corner somewhat isolated. With fertile mind
working, Gale lurched over to them. He remembered his many
unsuccessful attempts to get acquainted with cowboys. If he were to
get any help from these silent aloof rangers it must be by striking
fire from them in one swift stroke. Planting himself squarely before
th