Adventure Magazine Cover — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

IIo This episode, more spectacular than tragic, added to the reputation that Dins- dale was acquiring. From resort to re- sort the story was carried that night, and by morning the “Greenback man” was the principal topic of conversation among all classes. . It was generally believed he must have very large resources to carry on so ex- travagantly. The story of his prodigality trebled his losses and gifts in the telling until it was inevitably concluded that the source of his wealth, at the least, was mysterious. The morning also found something new added to the widely flung gossip and was based on his encounter with Bandy Allen in the I. X. L. hotel. With the usual exag- geration it was loudly bruited about that the two men had parted with the under- standing they should begin shooting on sight when next they met. Some declared that Allen was the only one to make threats. For several days Allen had been drinking heavily. He was a type sthat loses nothing of deadliness because of liquor. The more he drank the more quiet he grew. ‘There was no doubt as to his making threats against Dinsdale a few hours after the scene in Keno Frank’s place. But the two did not meet and now it was morning and the entire town was expecting them to settle their feud before sundown. Near noon Dinsdale appeared on the street, apparently as fresh as if he had been in bed all night instead of three hours of sleep during the forenoon. He visited several dives without tarryinginany. Now that the habitués of the resorts understood his willingness to throw money right and ieft he acquired a transient popularity. As he was leaving a gambling tent a disheveled creature followed him and warned: “Watch out for that Bandy Allen. ‘lows to pot you, mister.”’ “Thanks. Runaway.” And the fellow stumbled off to stare ecstatically at the greenback in his grimy paw. And there were those who were strong for law and order who would gladly have sold him opportunities for mining specula- tions. He laughed away all invitations to “double” his money and continued his aimless, shameless, squandering mode of living. He kept away from San Juan’s place, however, and seemed to prefer He Adventure haunts which were new to him. One other place of note which he did not visit was Kitty the Schemer’s big tent. The town gradually decided that unlike the average run of spendthrifts and ne’er-do-wells he found no lure in women. In the afternoon following the lively night at Keno Frank’s he was accosted in front of the Grand Central Hotel by a grave-faced man, who rapidly said: “Your name is Peter Dinsdale. I am mayor of this town. Mayor Farnum. I must talk plainly to you as you are a young man. I hope you’re more foolish than dangerous.”’ “Shoot, mayor. I’m both young and dangerous, but never dangerous to Mayor Farnum.” The mayor frowned at the flippant tone and boastful words and advised him: ‘This town is not a good place for you. Back in Cheyenne or Denver, say.” Dinsdale’s smile vanished. “Is that an order for me to get out?” he sharply asked. “No; not an order. Simply some good advice. Affairs have been run _ rather loosely here ever since the big rush com- menced, but conditions will soon change. When they do men of your type won’t be wanted. Already there are enough serious men and women here to work the change. Deadwood has been more foolish and weak than wicked. New times are coming. You won’t fit into them.” “‘Any penalty if I stay on here?” “That depends on you entirely. I hear talk about you and Bandy Allen planning to fight a street duel. I warn you that if there is any bloodshed it won’t be a second Jack McCall affair.”’ ‘“‘There’s nothing to that Allen talk. He won’t bring any fight to me. don’t plan to bother with him. Why, he’s a yaller dog.”’ “T hope it’s only talk. certainly made the talk.” “Tf he says we two have challenged each other to a street fight he’s a cheap liar. Ifil run across him I’ll take him by the nape of the neck and bring him up to see you and let you hear him eat his words,” promised Dinsdale. “There you go again with more lawless But Allen has threats,” rebuked the exasperated mayor. ‘“Can’t you understand that gun-play and all-night carousing are simply spasms— CORNICLOOO© S I certainly - (C@