citizens.

"You're wise guys, gents, both of yez. This is shure a case for
the leftenant. It's send for Bucky quick when the band begins to
play," he grinned.

Sitting down, he gave the call for Tucson, preparatory to
transmitting the conductor's message to the division
superintendent. His fingers were just striking the first tap when
a silken voice startled him.

"One moment, friend. No use being in a hurry."

The agent looked up and nearly fell from his stool. He was gazing
into the end of a revolver held carelessly in the hand of a
masked man leaning indolently on the counter.

"Whe--where did you come from?" the operator gasped.

"Kaintucky, but I been here a right smart spell. Why? You takin'
the census?" came the drawling answer.

"I didn't hear youse come in."

"I didn't hear you come in, either," the man behind the mask
mocked. But even as he spoke his manner changed, and crisp menace
rang in his voice. "Have you sent those messages yet?"

"Wha--what messages?"