In one sense Hampton had greatly enjoyed Miss Spencer's call. Her
bright, fresh face, her impulsive speech, her unquestioned beauty, had
had their effect upon him, changing for the time being the gloomy trend
of his thoughts. She was like a draught of pure Spring air, and he had
gratefully breathed it in, and even longed for more.
But gradually the slight smile of amusement faded from his eyes.
Something, which he had supposed lay securely hidden behind years and
distance, had all at once come back to haunt him,--the unhappy ghost of
an expiated crime, to do evil to this girl Naida. Two men, at least,
knew sufficient of the past to cause serious trouble. This effort by
Slavin to hold personal communication with the girl was evidently made
for some definite purpose. Hampton was unable to decide what that
purpose could be. He entertained no doubt regarding the enmity of the
big gambler, or his desire to "get even" for all past injuries; but how
much did he know? What special benefit did he hope to gain from
conferring with Naida Gillis? Hampton decided to have a face-to-face
interview with the man himself; he was accustomed to fight his battles
in the open, and to a finish. A faint hope, which had been growing
dimmer and dimmer with every passing year, began to flicker once again
within his heart. He desired to see this man Murphy, and to learn
exactly what he knew.
He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its
dangers. He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel,
across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the
man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.
"Red Slavin?" he said. "Well, now see here, Hampton, we don't want no
trouble in this shebang."
"I 'm not here seeking a fight, Jim," returned the inquirer, genially.
"I merely wish to ask 'Red' an unimportant question or two."
"He's there in the back room, I reckon, but he's damn liable to take a
pot shot at you when you go in."
Hampton's genial smile only broadened, as he carelessly rolled an
unlighted cigar between his lips.
"It seems to me you are becoming rather nervous for this line of
business, Jim. You should take a good walk in the fresh air every
morning, and let up on the liquor. I assure you, Mr. Slavin is one of
my most devoted friends, and is of that tender disposition he would not
willingly injure a fly."