Denver was at that time far from being the handsome city it has since become. Society was mixed, and the visitors who were continually arriving and departing embraced all sorts and conditions of men. There was no small sprinkling of adventurers, both good and bad, and it was necessary for the traveler to be wary and prudent, lest he should fall a prey to those of the latter kind. The second night our two friends retired late, having passed a busy and as it proved profitable day, for it was on that day Dean effected his purchase of lots already referred to. "I feel fagged out, Dean," said Rawson, as he prepared for bed. "I have been working harder than I did at the mines." "I am tired too, but I have passed a pleasant day," said Dean. "I think I would rather live here than at the mines." "You can have your choice when you return, but for my part I like the mines. I prefer the freedom of the mining camp to the restraints of the city." "There isn't much restraint that I can see." "There will be. Five years hence Denver will be a compact city." "In that case my lots will have risen in value." "No doubt of it. You have made a good purchase. But what I was going to say is this. I am so dead tired that it would take an earthquake to wake me. Now, as you know, we have considerable money in the room, besides what we have outside. Suppose some thief entered our room in the night!" "I wake easily," said Dean. "That is lucky. There's a fellow with a hang-dog look rooms just opposite, whose appearance I don't like. I have caught him spying about and watching us closely. I think he is after our money." "What is his appearance, Ben?" "He has red hair and a red beard. There is something in his expression that looks familiar, but I can't place him. I feel sure at any rate that he is a dangerous man." "I haven't noticed him, Rawson." "I have got it into my head somehow that he will try to enter our room when we are asleep." "But the door is locked." "If the man is a professional, he will be able to get in in spite of that. Now Dean, I want you to take my revolver and put it under your pillow, to use in case it should be necessary. Of course you will wake me also in case of a visit." "Very well, Ben." The two undressed and got into bed. There were two beds in the room, the smaller one being occupied by Dean. This was placed over against the window, while Rawson's was closer to the door, on the right. Dean as well as Rawson, was tired, and soon fell asleep. But for some reason his sleep was troubled. He tossed about, and dreamed bad dreams. It might have been the conversation that had taken place between Rawson and himself, which shaped the dreams that disturbed him.