"Right. That was the first step. The few days are a thing of the past. I suppose you know," continued Lefever, in as well-modulated a tone as he could assume to convey information that could not be regarded as wholly cheerful, "that they expect to get you for this Sassoon job." De Spain flushed. But the red anger lasted only a moment. "Who are 'they'?" he asked after a pause. "Deaf Sandusky, Logan, of course, the Calabasas bunch, and the Morgans." De Spain regarded his companion unamiably. "What do they expect I'll be doing while they are getting me?" Lefever raised a hand deprecatingly. "Don't be overconfident, Henry; that's your danger. I know you can take care of yourself. All I want to do is to get the folks here acquainted with your ability, without taking unnecessary chances. You see, people are not now asking questions of one another; they are asking them of themselves. Who and what is this newcomer--an accident or a genuine arrival? A common squib or a real explosion? Don't get excited," he added, in an effort to soothe de Spain's obvious irritation. "You have the idea, Henry. It's time to show yourself." "I can't very well do business here without showing myself," retorted de Spain. "But it is a thing to be managed," persisted Lefever. "Now, suppose--since the topic is up--we 'show' in Main Street for a while." "Suppose we do," echoed de Spain ungraciously. "That will crack the debut ice. We will call at Harry Tenison's hotel, and then go to his new rooms--go right to society headquarters first--that's my theory of doing it. If anybody has any shooting in mind, Tenison's is a quiet and orderly place. And if a man declines to eat anybody up at Tenison's, we put him down, Henry, as not ravenously hungry." "One man I would like to see is that sheriff, Druel, who let Sassoon get out." "Ready to interview him now?" "I've got some telegrams to answer." "Those will keep. The Morgans are in town. We'll start out and find somebody." It was wet and sloppy outside, but Lefever was indifferent to the rain, and de Spain thought it would be undignified to complain of it. When, followed by Lefever, he walked into the lobby of Tenison's hotel a few moments later the office was empty. Nevertheless, the news of the appearance of Sassoon's captor spread. The two sauntered into the billiard-hall, which occupied a deep room adjoining the office and opened with large plate-glass windows on Main Street. Every table was in use. A fringe of spectators in the chairs, ostensibly watching the pool games, turned their eyes toward de Spain--those that recognized him distinguishing him by nods and whispers to others.