She saw the Englishman lean
forward to speak. Then the gambler arose and, turning, came directly
toward her.
"My name is Place Hough," he said, speaking rapidly and low. "I am a
gambler--but gentleman. I've heard strange rumors about you, and now
I see for myself. Are you Allie Lee?"
Allie's heart seemed to come to her throat. She shook all over, and
she gazed with piercing intensity at the man. When he had arisen
from the table he had appeared the same black-garbed, hard-faced
gambler as any of the others. But looked at closely, he was
different. Underneath the cold, expressionless face worked something
mobile and soft. His eyes were of crystal clearness and remarkable
for a penetrating power. They shone with wonder, curiosity,
sympathy.
Allie instinctively trusted the voice and then consciously trusted
the man. "Oh, sir, I am--distressed--ill from fright!" she faltered.
"If I only dared--"
"You dare tell me," he interrupted, swiftly. "Be quick. Are you here
willingly with this man?"
"Oh no!"
"What then?"
"Oh, sir--you do not think--I--"
"I knew you were good, innocent--the moment I laid eyes on you, ...
Who are you?"
"Allie Lee. My father is Allison Lee."
"Whew!" The gambler whistled softly and, turning, glanced at the
door, then beckoned Ancliffe.
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