The presence of Jackson N.Stanner, Esq.' (that's me), 'special detective agent to the Company, and his staff in town, is a guaranty that the mystery will be thoroughly probed.' Hed to put that in to please the Company," he again deprecatingly explained.

"'We are indebted to this gentleman for the facts.'" "The pint you want to make in that article," said Clinch, rising, but still directing his face and his conversation to the fire, "ez far ez I ken see ez that no three men kin back down six unless they be cowards, or are willing to be backed down." "That's the point what I start from," rejoined Stanner, "and work up.

I leave it to you ef it ain't so." "I can't say ez I agree with you," said the Colonel dryly.

He turned, and still without lifting his eyes walked towards the door of the room which Zenobia had entered.

The key was on the inside, but Clinch gently opened the door, removed the key, and closing the door again locked it from his side.