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The shock of this discovery steadied hi, for he knew the West, its fierce, ieance, itscamps were to him an old story; nizant of their power This was no time

to parley or to hesitate He had seen and heard in that rooer to live, to be free, to open a long-closed door

hiding the mystery of years The key, at last, had fallen alers, and he would never consent to be robbed of

it by the wild rage of a

upon the floor, and swung Slavin's discarded belt across his shoulder

If it was to be a fight, he would be found there to the death, and God

have entlemen," he commanded "Step back, and let me pass!"

They obeyed He swept them atchful eyes, stepped past, and

slammed the door behind him In his heart he held theht dare to pull hi to pour into the saloon, uncertain yet of the

facts, and shouting questions to each other Totally ignoring these,

Hah the crowd Half-way down the

broad steps Buck Mason faced hily "45" in his up-lifted hand Just an instant the eyes of the

two rim purpose of the other