Hampton was unable to decide what that purpose could be.

He entertained no doubt regarding the enmity of the big gambler, or his desire to "get even" for all past injuries; but how much did he know?
What special benefit did he hope to gain from conferring with Naida Gillis?
Hampton decided to have a face-to-face interview with the man himself; he was accustomed to fight his battles in the open, and to a finish.

A faint hope, which had been growing dimmer and dimmer with every passing year, began to flicker once again within his heart.

He desired to see this man Murphy, and to learn exactly what he knew.
He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its dangers.

He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel, across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.
"Red Slavin ?" he said.