Many had assembled there who did not generally frequent the place, preferring the quiet of their own cabins in the evening after a hard day's work. These were attracted by the happenings of the day, and the tragedy was being discussed in all its details, with the possibilities of the recovery of the driver and the young passenger, and the capture of the bold outlaws. The fact that Dave Dockery had hinted in his note to Landlord Larry that he could possibly tell who the masked road-agent was, was a cause of considerable excitement to all, for it would doubtless fall on one in Last Chance to be the accused. A hush fell upon the crowd as Doctor Dick entered, and the few who were gambling, for there were only a few that night, left their cards on the table to hear what would be said. "Pards," said the doctor, in his courtly way, "I am just from my cabin, where I have left one of the wounded men dead, the other a madman." A breathless silence followed these words, and then a voice broke it with: "Doc, who is the dead man?" "Dave Dockery." A low murmur of regret and sorrow passed over the crowd, and the doctor added: "He died soon after reaching the cabin." "And t'other, Doc?" "The bullet struck him in the head, slightly fracturing the bone, I fear, indenting it and causing a loss of reason, which I fear may never return to him." "Poor fellow! better be dead, like poor Dave," said one, and this view was the thought of all. "Pards, prepare for Dave's funeral to-morrow, and out of respect for him, let us close the saloon to-night, for I know Landlord Larry would wish it so." A general murmur of assent followed, and the doctor continued: "I wish two men as couriers at once, one to carry a note to Landlord Larry, for he can go to the scene of the hold-up, and start on the trail from there as soon as it is light enough to see." "I'll go, Doc," said a cheery voice, and a young man came forward. "Thank you, Wall, go with me to my cabin and I'll give you the note. Now, I wish a man to go as courier to Fort Faraway, and remember it is a dangerous and long ride." "I hain't afeered of the danger, or the ride, Doc, so I'm yer man," said a burly fellow coming forward, and his words were greeted with a cheer. Doctor Dick glanced at him and then said very calmly: "Thank you, Brassy, but I do not care to accept your services." "And just why?" "In the first place, I desire to send a letter to Buffalo Bill, and you have expressed openly your hatred for him, and to some day even up on him for not allowing you to have your way in certain matters." "I doesn't allow my hates to interfere with duty." "I do not care to accept your services, Brassy." "Now, I asks a reason why?" "I have given you one." "I wants another." "Is this a demand?" "It be." "You shall have it." "Then don't beat round the bush, but have the narve to come out with it like a man." All looked at Brassy with amazement. He had been drinking and was reckless.