There were one or two gamblers, a skillful duelist, and men who still drank whiskey who had voluntarily sought the camp.

Of some such antecedents was the last speaker.

Probably with two wives elsewhere, and a possible homicidal record, he had modestly held aloof from obtrusive argument.
"Well, we must have a meeting and put the question squarely to the boys to-morrow," said Parks, gazing thoughtfully from the window.

The remark was followed by another long silence.

Beyond, in the darkness, Buckeye, unconscious of the momentous question awaiting its decision, slept on peacefully.
"I brought the keg of whiskey and brandy from Red Gulch to-day that Doctor Duchesne spoke of," he resumed presently.