Dirke

At the word Dirke had drawn his right hand from his pocket; the barrel of a pistol gleamed white between them.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

"You have followed me, you mean," said Dirke, bluntly.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

It was not until he heard from the count, a few hours later, that Dirke found himself restored to the state of mind which he was pleased to consider natural.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

Dirke examined the ring judicially, wondering, the while, that it did not burn his fingers.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

"Quite so," Dirke replied, with carefully studied offensiveness.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

Dirke retorted, coolly, planting his hat firmly on his head again.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

"I should think nothing could be simpler," Dirke rejoined, and he deliberately put his pistol in his pocket.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

"I was merely struck by your peculiar treatment of sacred things," Dirke replied, his tone dropping to the level of absolute indifference.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

"Waxey" Smithers, -- he who was supposed to have precipitated Jimmy Dolan's exit from a disappointing world, -- had been heard to say that "that feller Dirke" was too

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884

Dirke had not been long in the camp, before his indefeasible air of integrity and respectability had attracted the attention of no less a personage than the proprietor of the roulette wheel, who invited him to run the wheel on a salary.

Peak and Prairie From a Colorado Sketch-book Anna Fuller 1884