Now she gave him her full attention. It was so dark under the tree that he could not see her face clearly, but he knew some sudden emotion shook her. To himself he grinned.
“I got to admit my losing you and Dick has put a crimp in the Grub Stake’s business. You was my best performer, and Dick Beckworth was the best card-sharp I had. Looker here! You come back to the Grub Stake and—and I won’t say nothing more.”
“What do you mean?” She had almost instantly gained control of herself. “You can say all you like. I am never going to sing in your joint again.”
“You ain’t?”
“No.”
“You better think again.” His voice was grim, menacing. “I can say something you won’t like to hear.”
“Say it.” She spat the command out as boldly as was her usual speech; but in her heart sudden fear fluttered like a netted bird.
“I been tellin’ them Dick Beckworth lit out for Crescent City, and that I heard later he was dealing ’em in Denver.”
“Dick Beckworth?” gasped the girl.
“Yeppy. I told ’em that. But I know derned well he didn’t ride north that day——”