“Open up ther paper-talk, Gentleman Jim,” urged the old trapper, the moment the door was closed, “an’ let’s git next ter what’s doin’. I’m bracin’ myself fer somethin’ onexpected ter happen.”
“I hope,” said Wild Bill, “that what we’re going to hear will give us a chance to lay Lawless by the heels.”
“What makes it seem mighty queer that this letter should be entrusted to me,” remarked Gentleman Jim, tearing an end off the envelope, “is that I never met Lawless in my life, so far as I know.”
Leaning back in his chair, the gambler drew from the envelope a folded, legal-looking document, and two separate sheets of paper, likewise folded.
“What sort of a document is that, Gentleman Jim?” asked the scout, nodding toward the legal-looking paper.
The gambler examined the document and gave a low whistle.
“It’s a quit-claim deed to the Forty Thieves,” said he.
A chorus of surprised exclamations greeted the words.
“In whose name is the deed made out?” the scout queried.
“Buffalo Bill.”