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Updated: July 24, 2025
I shot at the flash from his gun; then I aimed at McTurpin. I missed him, probably." "Not so sure of that," said Brown, who had come running from his hostelry across the square. "Look, here's blood on the floor. A trail let's follow it. Either McTurpin or the woman was hit." "I tried to avoid her," Adrian said. "I hope I didn't " "Never mind. You were attacked.
I followed when you and he took your walk together. I suspected treachery when Gasket sneaked along behind. I had McTurpin covered when you turned your back on him. He came here after that. Both of them have been here all the evening." Stanley put his hand to his head with a bewildered gesture. "Good God! Then where ? What has become of them?" "Maybe they got wind of Benito's presence.
"Bravo!" supplemented the Dona Briones, waving her fan. She was the center of a little group composed of Benito and Inez Windham, Adrian Stanley and Nathan Spear. Near them, keeping out of their observance, stood Aleck McTurpin. "The property offered for sale is the most valuable in or belonging to the town," Brannan went on, enthusiastically; "it will require work to make it tenable.
"Drink this," he ordered, "it'll give you strength to see Miss Burthen." Benito's lips obediently quaffed the drink. His head lay quieter upon the pillow. Slowly, as they watched, the eyelids closed. "And now," said Adrian when he had assured himself that Benito slept, "I'm going for McTurpin." "Don't be a confounded fool," Dr. Jones said quickly. But Stanley paid no heed.
His eyes held hers hypnotically. "When this revolt is over there will be imprisonment or pardon for the Spanish-Californians. But Benito will be hanged." Inez Windham swayed. One hand grasped at the bench-back for support; the other clutched her bodice near the throat. "Benito," she said almost in a whisper. Then she turned upon McTurpin furiously. "Go," she cried. "I do not believe you. Go!"
Teakwood chairs, with red embroidered backs and cushions, stood about the walls. Handsome gilded grillwork screened a boudoir worthy of a queen. Clad in the laciest of robes de chambre, a dark-skinned woman sat on the edge of a canopied bed. She was past her first youth, but still of remarkable beauty. At the foot of the bed stood McTurpin pale ghost of his former self.
"We have three hostages here, senorita ... relatives of yours and ah a friend." His voice, cold, threatening, spoke on. "They are unharmed as yet." "I don't believe you," Inez stormed at him. "Tell them, Senor Windham," said McTurpin, "that I speak the truth." "Inez, it is true," her father spoke out of some shadowed darkness. "We were ambushed. Taken by surprise."
For, perhaps, the first time in his life McTurpin was uncertain. Suddenly the road turned and he came upon her. She stood beside her horse, the morning sunlight in her wondrous dark hair. The ride had brought fresh color to her face and sparkle to her eyes. McTurpin caught his breath before the wonder and beauty of her. Then he sprang from his horse and bowed low.
He paused an instant, thinking that he heard a movement in a bush nearby. "Well, that's all," he finished, "except this: If I find you here tomorrow, Alec McTurpin, murderer, card-sharp and abductor, I'll shoot you down like a dog." And then, with a splendid piece of bravery, he turned his back on the gambler, walking away with never a backward glance.
The room was blue with cigarette smoke, its score of tables glimpsed as through a fog. Sawdust covered the floor and men of all nationalities mingled quietly enough at play of every kind. A stream of men came and went to and from the gaming boards and bar. Benito ordered a drink, and surveyed the room searchingly. The man he sought was not in evidence. "Is McTurpin here?" he asked the bartender.
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