"Yes--a young lady."

"I will promise;--how can I afford to do otherwise, under the existing
circumstances. But, tell me, why did you force me to shoot that
gambler?"

"He was a rascal, and cheated you."

"I know; but I did not want his life; I am averse to bloodshed."

"So I perceived, and that made me all the more determined you should
salivate him. You'll find before you're in the Hills long that it
won't do to take lip or lead from any one. A green pilgrim is the
first to get salted; I illustrated how to serve 'em!"

Redburn's eyes sparkled. He was just beginning to see into the
different phases of this wild exciting life.

"Good!" he exclaimed, warmly. "I have much to thank you for. Did I
kill that card-sharp?"

"No; you simply perforated him in the right side. This way."

They had been running straight up the main street. Now they turned a
corner and darted down one that was dark and deserted.

A moment later a trim boyish figure stepped before them, from out of
the shadow of a new frame building; a hand of creamy whiteness was
laid upon the arm of Ned Harris.