Bob Hampton of Placer

It did not seem quite so simple now, this projected interview with

Hampton, as it had appeared the night before. In the clear light of

day, he began to realize the weakness of his position, the fact that he

possessed not the smallest right to speak on behalf of Naida Gillis.

He held no relationship whatsoever to her, and should he venture to

assume any, it was highly probable the older man would laugh

contemptuously in his face. Brant knew better than to believe Hampton

would ever let go unless he was obliged to do so; he comprehended the

impotence of threats on such a character, as well as his probable

indifference to moral obligations. Nevertheless, the die was cast, and

perhaps, provided an open quarrel could be avoided, the meeting might

result in good to all concerned.

Hampton welcomed him with distant but marked courtesy, having evidently

thought out his own immediate plan of action, and schooled himself

accordingly. Standing there, the bright light streaming over them from

the open windows, they presented two widely contrasting personalities,

yet each exhibiting in figure and face the evidences of hard training

and iron discipline. Hampton was clothed in black, standing straight

as an arrow, his shoulders squared, his head held proudly erect, while

his cool gray eyes studied the face of the other as he had been

accustomed to survey his opponents at the card-table. Brant looked the

picture of a soldier on duty, trim, well built, erect, his resolute

blue eyes never flinching from the steady gaze bent upon ham, his

bronzed young face grave from the seriousness of his mission. Neither

was a man to temporize, to mince words, or to withhold blows; yet each

instinctively felt that this was an occasion rather for self-restraint.

In both minds the same thought lingered--the vague wonder how much the

other knew. The elder man, however, retained the better self-control,

and was first to break the silence.

"Miss Gillis informed me of your kindness to her last evening," he

said, quietly, "and in her behalf I sincerely thank you. Permit me to

offer you a chair."

Brant accepted it, and sat down, feeling the calm tone of

proprietorship in the words of the other as if they had been a blow.

His face flushed, yet he spoke firmly. "Possibly I misconstrue your

meaning," he said, with some bluntness, determined to reach the gist of

the matter at once. "Did Miss Gillis authorize you to thank me for

these courtesies?"

Hampton smiled with provoking calmness, holding an unlighted cigar

between his fingers. "Why, really, as to that I do not remember. I

merely mentioned it as expressing the natural gratitude of us both."