“That's the 'Mammoth' over there,—dance hall back of it—biggest thing west of the Missouri—three men killed there last week—what for? Oh, they got too fresh—that's the 'Casino,' and the one beyond is 'Pony Joe's Place'—cut his leg off since I've been here—fight over a girl. Ain't there any stores?—sure; they're farther back—you see the saloons got in first—that's 'Sheeny Mike's' gambling joint you're looking at—like to go over and see 'em play? All right, just thought I'd ask you—it's early anyhow, and things wouldn't be goin' very lively yet. Say, there, you red head, what are you trying to do?”
The fellow had lurched out of the crowd in such a manner as to brush partially aside the girl's veil, permitting the glare of “Sheeny Mike's” lights to fall full upon her revealed face. It was accomplished so openly as to appear planned, but before he could reel away again, Fairbain struck out, and the man went down. With an oath he was on his feet, and Hope cowered back against her protector. Each man had weapons drawn, the crowd scurrying madly to keep out of the line of fire, when, with a stride, a new figure stepped quietly in between them. Straight as an arrow, broad shouldered, yet small waisted as a woman, his hair hanging low over his coat-collar, his face smooth shaven except for a long moustache, and emotionless, the revolvers in his belt untouched, he simply looked at the two, and then struck the revolver out of the drunken man's hand. It fell harmless to the ground.
“And don't you pick it up until I tell you, Scott,” he said quietly. “If you do you've got to fight me.”
Without apparently giving the fellow another thought, he wheeled and faced the others.
“Oh, it's you, is it, Doctor? The drunken fool won't make any more trouble. Where were you taking the lady?”
“To the hotel, Bill.”
“I'll walk along with you. I reckon the boys will give us plenty of room.” He glanced over the crowd, and then more directly at Scott.
“Pick up your gun!” the brief words snapping out. “This is the second time I've caught you hunting trouble. The next time you are going to find it. I saw you run into the lady—what did you do it for?”
“I only wanted to see who she was, Bill.”
“You needn't call me Bill. I don't trot in your class. My name is Hickock to you. Was it any of your affair who she was?”