Quintell did not reply. There was a crafty, triumphant glint in his eyes that somehow did not blend with his uncertainty of manner.
“Well, I do,” went on Lex’s father. “And I’ve had a talk with her. That’s how I know why you want that ranch. That’s why you’ll never get it, Quintell. Do you know who owns the Searchlight now?”
Here, the broker found an opening. He had regained much of his poise. “I always get what I go after, Sangerly,” he said grimly. “Buy, and I start legal action. You’re not dealing with a hick, don’t forget that! I have deeds showing transfer of those mining claims by the locators—the original locators. I’ll tie your operations up by injunction, as tight as a drum.”
Mr. Sangerly fixed his steely eyes on him. “Was one of those original locators Jerome Liggs?” he asked.
“Jerome Liggs is a criminal at large—wanted for the robbery of the Marysville city treasury. I don’t deal with criminals except to notify the sheriff, and——” He broke off.
Standing facing the door leading into the hall, a movement of one of the portières attracted his eye. He stared at the gleaming barrel of a six-shooter that suddenly flashed into view, covering him, and at the tall, slim figure of the man back of it. His eyes widened, remained fixed in fearful fascination on the newcomer.
The latter advanced into the room and paused a few steps away from the broker. His glance swept the room. It rested a moment on Dot and returned to Quintell. The boss of Geerusalem paled, crumpled under it. Dot’s breath came fast, and a blush rose to her cheeks as her eyes rested, for the second time that day, on the hero of her romantic dreams.
“I’m Billy Gee, Miles,” said the outlaw laconically, gazing steadily at Quintell.
CHAPTER XXIII—THE UPRISING
“You don’t look awful glad to see an old friend, Miles,” said Billy Gee suavely, after a short pause. “An’ so you’re Jule Quintell, the boss of Geerusalem, I’ve heerd so much about, eh? They tell me you bin runnin’ things to suit yoreself, an’ gettin’ away with it. Like you got away with it that other time, eh, Miles? Oh, Pete!” he called out suddenly. “Come on in an’ see who’s here!”