Sam, who had a peculiar talent for disguises, was to take the part of
Doctor Skinner, and Chip as his negro servant could slip in and out
without attracting much attention.

It was in these assumed characters that the detectives made their entre
into Swanson's habitat.

Further private conversation was barred by the massive form of Swanson
filling the door, and urging his friend the Doctor to let "his nigger"
take charge of the stock.

"Can't be did, colonel," said the Doctor, "can't be trusted alone near
this pack. Scip has too much love for the bottom of the flask to allow
him too much freedom here."

"Well, I'll send one of the boys out. Hyar, you, Abe; mosey out thar and
yank that pack in hyar."

Abe, a strong, strapping young plainsman, lifted the pack to his
shoulder, and, followed by the "Easy, young man; step lightly; glass,
you know; this side up with care," of the doctor, deposited it upon the
floor.

Opening the pack the Doctor held aloft a large square bottle, on which
was pasted a yellow label, "Dr. Skinner's Incomparable Horse Healer,"
commenced rapidly to dilate upon the peculiar excellence of the nostrum.

"Gentleman, what is good for the noble brute is good for man. This
compound, this superior selection of seventeen separate solvents is