"I didn't say that I had ever been with the Colthwaite Company," smiled
the stranger.

"No," admitted the gambler; "but I took that much for granted."

Again the eyes of the two men met in an exchange of keen looks, Then the
stranger laughed.

"Mr. Duff, I realize that it is a waste of time to try to conceal rather
evident facts from you. I am Frederick Ransom, a special agent for the
Colthwaite Company."

"You are down here to get the contract for filling up the Man-killer
quicksand?" Duff continued, with an air of polite curiosity.

"The contract is not to be awarded," Ransom answered. "The A., G. & N.
M. has decided to do the work itself, with the assistance of two young
engineers who have been retained."

"Reade and Hazelton," nodded Jim Duff.

"Yes."

"They may fail--are almost sure to do so. Then, of course, Mr. Ransom,
you will have a very excellent chance of securing the contract for the
Colthwaite Company."

"Why, yes; if the young men do fail."

"Will you pardon a stranger's curiosity, Mr. Ransom? Have you laid your