One waiter brought in a table for two, with the napery.

This he quickly arranged.

As he turned toward the door two other waiters entered with dishes containing a dainty meal for a hot day.
"You may arrange everything and then leave us, John," directed Duff.
Soon the two new acquaintances were alone together, the gambler serving the light meal with considerable grace.
"How long have you been with the Colthwaite Company ?" asked Jim Duff presently.
"I didn't say that I had ever been with the Colthwaite Company," smiled the stranger.
"No," admitted the gambler; "but I took that much for granted." Again the eyes of the two men met in an exchange of keen looks, Then the stranger laughed.
"Mr.Duff, I realize that it is a waste of time to try to conceal rather evident facts from you.

I am Frederick Ransom, a special agent for the Colthwaite Company." "You are down here to get the contract for filling up the Man-killer quicksand ?" Duff continued, with an air of polite curiosity.
"The contract is not to be awarded," Ransom answered.

"The A., G.& N.
M.has decided to do the work itself, with the assistance of two young engineers who have been retained." "Reade and Hazelton," nodded Jim Duff.
"Yes." "They may fail--are almost sure to do so.