However, if,
as I suppose, your purpose is to provoke a quarrel, you will find me
quite ready to accommodate you."
An instant they stood thus, eye to eye. Suddenly Brant's memory veered
to the girl whose name would be smirched by any blow struck between
them, and he forced back the hasty retort burning upon his lips.
"You may be, Mr. Hampton," he said, standing like a statue, his back to
the door, "but I am not. As you say, fighting is my trade, yet I have
never sought a personal quarrel. Nor is there any cause here, as my
only purpose in asking the question was to forewarn you, and her
through you, that such a suggestion had been openly made in my hearing.
I presume it was a lie, and wished to be able to brand it so."
"By whom?"
"A fellow known as Silent Murphy, a government scout."
"I have heard of him. Where is he?"
"He claimed to be here waiting orders from Custer. He had camp up the
Creek two days ago, but is keeping well out of sight for some reason.
Telegrams have been received for him at the office but another man has
called for them."
"Who?"
"Red Slavin."
"The cur!" said Hampton.
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