"I have not decided what I shall do, but I shall not lay a hand on him."
"Well, I would if I was in your place. I'd t'ump der everlastin' stuffin' outer der bloke--dat's wot!"
"If it is the man whose name is on the card that was given you I shall be sorry for him, for I have always believed him to be a white man."
"Well, ye're der funniest cove wot I ever saw. Arter ye hed knocked der wind outer me, ye stayed eround ter see dat I wasn't hurt too bad, w'en anybody else would 'a' kicked me inter der gutter an' left me. An' now youse say dat you'll be sorry fer der feller wot hired me ter do yer! I'd like ter know jes' how ye're put up."
"I can't help being sorry to know that a fellow I have considered white and a friend is crooked and an enemy, if it is to prove that way."
"Say, young feller, I likes you, durn me ef I don't! If you ever has anyt'ing ye wants done, jes' come ter me, an' I'll do it if I kin, an' I won't charge yer nottin'."
"Thank you," smiled Frank; "but I do not fancy I shall have anything in your line. While we are talking, though, let me give you some advice. Turn over a new leaf and try to be on the level. You will find it the best policy in the long run."
"I t'ink ye're right, an' I'm goin' ter try ter do it. I allus did hate ter work, but if I kin git any kind of a job I'm goin' ter try it once more. I don't know w'y it is, but jes' bein' wid youse makes me want ter do der square t'ing."
Frank might well have felt pleased that he exercised such an influence over a man like Plug Kirby.
The door opened and Rattleton came into the saloon, followed by Old Put and Dismal Jones.
"Come on, Kirby," said Frank, quietly. "Here is the man we are waiting for."
Putnam had halted near the bar, a puzzled look on his face, and Frank heard him say to Harry:
"What in the world did you drag me in here for, old man? You know I am not drinking anything now, and--"
"As I told you," interrupted Harry, grimly, "I brought you in to see a man. Here he is."
Frank and the rough had come up behind Putnam, who now turned, and, with still greater astonishment, cried:
"What--Merriwell? What in the world are you doing in this place?"
"Permit me to introduce you to Mr. Plug Kirby--Mr. Burnham Putnam. Have you ever met the man before."