stood close by, talking earnestly. The aspect of the stranger
challenged notice, for he stood high above his companions with a
peculiar grace of attitude in place of the awkwardness common in
men of great stature. Among those who were listening intently to
the man's carefully modulated tones, Glenister recognized Mexico
Mullins, the ex-gambler who had given Dextry the warning at
Unalaska. As he further studied the listening group, a drunken man
staggered uncertainly through the wide doors of the saloon and,
gaining sight of the tall stranger, blinked, then approached him,
speaking with a loud voice:

"Well, if 'tain't ole Alec McNamara! How do, ye ole pirate!"

McNamara nodded and turned his back coolly upon the new-comer.

"Don't turn your dorsal fin to me; I wan' to talk to ye."

McNamara continued his calm discourse till he received a vicious
whack on the shoulder; then he turned for a moment to interrupt
his assailant's garrulous profanity:

"Don't bother me. I am engaged."

"Ye won' talk to me, eh? Well, I'm goin' to talk to YOU, see? I
guess you'd listen if I told these people all I know about you.
Turn around here."

His voice was menacing and attracted general notice. Observing
this, McNamara addressed him, his words dropping clear, concise,
and cold: