The banker's face was deathly.
"Nothing," he answered. "I am not exactly well to-day. Come in the morning, and I will be prepared to go with you. Then, when I have had the property passed upon by experts, your loan will be advanced. You must excuse me, but I am very busy to-day— Great heavens!"
[CHAPTER XVI.]
THE FIRST BLOW STRUCK.
The caller had suddenly torn the beard from his face and flung it to the floor.
It was the face of Deadwood Dick, handsome, grim, and he looked the quailing banker in the eyes as he stood before him.
"Do you know me, Joaquin Escala?" he demanded.
"N—no, I do not know you. And you call me by a name not my own. Leave my office."
"You fail to recognize me, Captain Joaquin? Then I must show you a proof of identity that you cannot fail to recognize. Behold!"