the girl can come back, for all I care. . . . You an' Wilson
fix up the deal between you. If you have to let the gang in
on it don't give them any hunch as to who an' what. This 'll
make you a rich stake. An' providin', when it's paid, you
strike for new territory."

"Thet might be wise," muttered Snake Anson. "Beasley, the
weak point in your game is the uncertainty of life. Old Al
is tough. He may fool you."

"Auchincloss is a dyin' man," declared Beasley, with such
positiveness that it could not be doubted.

"Wal, he sure wasn't plumb hearty when I last seen him. . .
. Beasley, in case I play your game -- how'm I to know that
girl?"

"Her name's Helen Rayner," replied Beasley, eagerly. "She's
twenty years old. All of them Auchinclosses was handsome an'
they say she's the handsomest."

"A-huh! . . . Beasley, this 's sure a bigger deal -- an' one
I ain't fancyin'. . . . But I never doubted your word. . . .
Come on -- an' talk out. What's in it for me?"

"Don't let any one in on this. You two can hold up the
stage. Why, it was never held up. . . . But you want to
mask. . . . How about ten thousand sheep -- or what they
bring at Phenix in gold?"