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 Hutchinson, "you should not have brought company. That's straight over the pan, Riley."

"Aw, I tell ye Fancy is trusty; needn't be afraid of him."

"I've had some experience," reminded Hutchinson. "You know what I mean. Are you trying to put me in bad in this town?"

"Not a bit of it."

"Of course, I know the result of the game to-*day raised particular thunder in Bancroft. It must have made them gnash their teeth."

"Gnash 'em—you bet!" said Dyke. "There was an awful holler went up."

"Got anything to drink, Hutch?" asked Riley. "It's a bit chilly ridin' to-night."

"You know I do not drink."

"Well, you can order up a round for Dyke an' me."

"I can, but I won't. The boy would see you here, and in twenty minutes the whole town would know it. Sit down, and make yourselves as comfortable as you can without drinks. Here are cigars."

Riley accepted one of the weeds, but Dyke chose to smoke a cigarette. Although they sat down, they plainly were not at ease; there was an atmosphere of suppressed tension in the room.