"
These words were uttered slowly, the least touch of a lazy drawl
apparent in the low voice, yet there was an earnest simplicity
pervading the speech which somehow gave it impressiveness. The man
meant exactly what he said, beyond the possibility of a doubt. The old
soldier, accustomed to every form of border eccentricity, gazed at him
with disapproval.
"Either you 're the coolest devil I 've met during thirty years of
soldiering," he commented, doubtfully, "or else the craziest. Who are
you, anyhow? I half believe you might be Bob Hampton, of Placer."
The other smiled grimly. "You have the name tolerably correct, old
fellow; likewise that delightful spot so lately honored by my
residence. In brief, you have succeeded in calling the turn perfectly,
so far as your limited information extends. In strict confidence I
propose now to impart to you what has hitherto remained a profound
secret. Upon special request of a number of influential citizens of
Placer, including the city marshal and other officials, expressed in
mass-meeting, I have decided upon deserting that sagebrush metropolis
to its just fate, and plan to add the influence of my presence to the
future development of Glencaid.
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