Is that your mission?
Were you sent by him?
or are you Mr.Hawley ?" "I disclaim all relation, Miss Maclaire, even friendship.

You, of course, know who this individual is ?" "No," the short monosyllable was not encouraging.

"His messages were of a business character." "So I presumed, yet one likes to know something even of the person he does business with.

I have been acquainted with Hawley for several years, and have never been aware of any honorable business he has ever engaged in.

He is a professional gambler, known on the frontier as 'Black Bart'; last night he was running a faro game across there in the 'Palace.' I cannot help wondering what kind of business such a fellow could possibly have with you, Miss Maclaire." The woman's eyes flashed, hardening in their brown depths.
"What right have you to ask ?" she began indigently.