Only one man at Meeker appeared to be attracted by the news that Rancher Bill Belllounds was offering employment.

This was a little cadaverous-looking fellow, apparently neither young nor old, who said his name was Bent Wade.

He had drifted into Meeker with two poor horses and a pack.
"Whar you from ?" asked the innkeeper, observing how Wade cared for his horses before he thought of himself.

The query had to be repeated.
"Cripple Creek.

I was cook for some miners an' I panned gold between times," was the reply.
"Humph! Thet oughter been a better-payin' job than any to be hed hereabouts." "Yes, got big pay there," said Wade, with a sigh.
"What'd you leave fer ?" "We hed a fight over the diggin's an' I was the only one left.