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Rh rope than the one first used. This was soon knotted about the neck of the victim, who looked at the rope and then at the faces surrounding him, but failed to see any sympathy for him.

"See here, gentlemen," said he, "this 'ere thing has become serious, and before you make another pull, give me time to change my bets. I'll copper the fortune-teller this time, and play him to lose, 'cause I b'leeve you fellers can call the turn."

He stopped speaking, waived his hand to the Sheriff as a signal to proceed, and in a moment more the unfortunate man was standing in the presence of Him who judgeth all things.

"Times are right peart on Rabbit Creek," said Hank Seymour to Gabe Husker, as they turned to leave the scene of execution.

"Yes, right peart," was the reply.

At this point the doctor, who had apparently been asleep for the last hour, rolled over in his blankets and, with a yawn, inquired:

"And how long did you remain on Rabbit Creek after all that took place, Don Carlos?"

"Oh, not long; I left the next day, I believe."

"Well, that is just what I'd have advised you to do if I'd been there."

"So would anybody else if they knew you were practicing your profession there, and I ran any risk of requiring medical advice. It is a pity that many of your patients don't have somebody to give them the same advice in season to be of use to them!"