“Correct,” he declared. “Bring along your cattle and I’ll take care of ’em for you.” “You go with us down to my place now,” said Gopher Gabe, “and we’ll turn ’em over to you there; and find some men who will help you get ’em up here. How does that suit you?” “If the bunch should be jumped on its way here, you don’t want to be found with it. That’s your idea?” “I’m paying _you_ to take that risk.” “That’s clever of you, anyway.” “I admit that in this game against Cody I’m playing double,” said the saloon keeper. “You’ll know by and by how that is.” “I reckon I know now, pard,” was the amiable answer. “You’re the wise critter sitting in the dark and pullin’ the strings, rakin’ in most of the money, too, while others do the dangerous work. But it’s all right. I ain’t no call to kick. Just ante up the cash to me at the end of each week, and I’ll hold that couple back there till their heads are gray. I can’t make a thousand dollars a week easier, as I see it.” “Andt it is safe--for you,” urged White-eyed Moses. “I’m goin’ to make it safe, pards.” “We’d better be movin’, then,” said the saloon keeper, “if the thing is all understood. Daylight will come jumpin’ along by and by.” “Right you are. I’m ready.” Uncle Sam locked the door of his cabin when they went out of it. Then they took their way together downtown, but kept to the dark streets. Entering Gopher Gabe’s establishment by the back way, they came again into the gaming room; when the man of the blond hair was surprised to find two men in it--Tim Benson and Juniper Joe. They looked a bit startled, but Gopher Gabe reassured them. “He’s all right, boys,” he declared, referring to Uncle Sam. “He’s come in with us, jest as I knew he would. I think we’re goin’ to find him a mighty valuable man.” He introduced Uncle Sam to the two men. “What’s your right name?” Benson asked, looking at the tall man with the blond hair. “We don’t want to make any mistakes, you know.” “Well, I’ve clean forgot what it used to be.” “You’ve had a good reason to forget it?” “You’re sayin’ it.” “Well, if you should ever think of playin’ us false,” Benson flung at him, “better think twice about it; for you won’t live long afterward.” Uncle Sam laughed. “That don’t trouble me,” he declared. “Idt is no use to pe making threats,” said White-eyed Moses. “Correct!” agreed the saloon keeper. “You fellers want to be friends. It stands you in hand; for I’m going to hide you at his place for a couple o’ days or longer; we talked it over while comin’ down hyer. I’m goin’ to ask you to help him get that fool Dutchman and the woman up to his cabin, too. So we’ll have to hustle.” “Changed your plans, eh?” asked Benson, rising.