Charley at this time seemed very friendly with Cimarron Bill, and it was plain that he was urging Bill to drink again.
"All right," thought Frank; "I'll watch you both."
At this moment a man appeared in the open door and looked timidly into the room.
At sight of this man Frank gave a start in spite[Pg 294] of his wonderful nerve, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that he kept himself from crying forth a name.
Eliot Dodge, the crafty lawyer with the blue nose, stood there in the door. No wonder Merry was astounded to see that man appear in such a place and at such a time.
Dodge was rather pale, but an expression of relief flashed over his face when his eyes fell on Cimarron Bill. Then he stepped into the room.
Bill seemed no less astonished, but he advanced to meet Dodge, holding out his hand, which the lawyer accepted.
"However is this, Mr. Dodge?" inquired Bill. "I sure am a whole lot surprised to meet up with you here—that is, I'm surprised to have it occur so soon. Will you wash the dust out of your throat?"
"Don't care if I do," said Dodge, and they crowded nearer to the bar.
"Bill, I thinks mebbe you might present yer friend," chipped in Handsome Charley.