'Come!' he said finally. 'Come on home.' 'I beg pardon,' she
replied; 'I have agreed to go to supper with Mr. Harrington.
Besides, there's no end of dances promised.'
Harrington extended his arm to lead her away. He evinced not the
slightest disinclination toward showing his back, but Malemute
Kid had by this time edged in closer. The Circle City King was
stunned. Twice his hand dropped to his belt, and twice the Kid
gathered himself to spring; but the retreating couple passed
through the supper-room door where canned oysters were spread at
five dollars the plate.
The crowd sighed audibly, broke up into couples, and followed
them. Freda pouted and went in with Cal Galbraith; but she had a
good heart and a sure tongue, and she spoiled his oysters for
him. What she said is of no importance, but his face went red and
white at intervals, and he swore repeatedly and savagely at
himself.
The supper-room was filled with a pandemonium of voices, which
ceased suddenly as Cal Galbraith stepped over to his wife's
table. Since the unmasking considerable weights of dust had been
placed as to the outcome. Everybody watched with breathless
interest.
Harrington's blue eyes were steady, but under the overhanging
tablecloth a Smith & Wesson balanced on his knee.
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