Beth Norvell - Page 55/177

"I desire to use this room, gents," he announced quietly. "You 'll

find plenty of vacant space outside."

Whether the lounging trio knew the speaker of old, or were sufficiently

satisfied from his stern face of the probable results should they long

hesitate to comply, the three pairs of feet came down together, their

owners passing out in single file. Farnham waved his hand politely

toward the vacated interior, a slight measure of deference apparent in

his modulated voice.

"Help yourself to a chair, Mr. Winston, and permit me to offer you a

fresh cigar; a fairly good one I imagine, as I chance to be somewhat

particular regarding the weed."

A moment they sat thus furtively studying each other's face across the

table through the increasing clouds of blue smoke, the younger man

puzzled and filled with vague suspicion, the elder still rather

uncertain of his present ground, as well as of the exact sort of

character opposing him. He was somewhat expert in judging human

nature; and the full, square chin, the frank, open look in those steady

gray eyes across the table left him doubtful of the final outcome.

"No doubt, my addressing you by name was something of a surprise," he

began, leaning slightly forward, his cigar between his fingers; "but as

it chanced, you were pointed out to me on the street a few hours since.

May I inquire in this connection if, by any freak of fortune, you can

be Ned Winston, of Denver?"

"I am."

Farnham permitted his lips to smile genially, although his eyes

remained utterly devoid of humor. He was skating upon rather thin ice

now, realizing it to be far safer to make the venture in all boldness.

What he might need to say later would altogether depend upon how much

this man really knew.

"I was not previously assured of that fact," he explained, pleasantly.

"It was my pleasure at one time to be quite intimately associated with

an old friend of yours, a college chum, I believe--Robert Craig, of

Chicago."

The swift light of pleasant remembrance glowed instantly within the

other's watchful eyes. For the moment he dropped his guard in the

surprise of this avowal.

"Bob Craig! Indeed; why, I do not recall his ever having mentioned

your name to me."

Farnham's suspended breath burst through his compressed lips in sudden

relief.

"Very probably not," he admitted, quietly, yet having the grace to

lower his eyes slightly. "My own intimacy with Craig occurred since

his college days. However, he has spoken to me regarding you quite

frequently, and I naturally esteem it a pleasure to meet with you

personally."

Winston did not immediately reply, puzzling his confused mind in a

wholly useless attempt at recalling his ever having heard this man's

name before. But Farnham, placed completely at his ease regarding

possible recognition, proceeded coolly.