In this respect Westcott realised, fully what he was up
against, for while it was quietly known that Lacy was a questionable
character, his name associated with the leadership of a desperate gang,
yet his wealth and power rendered him a decidedly dangerous opponent.
As proprietor of the biggest saloon, dance-hall, and gambling den in
Haskell, he wielded an influence not to be ignored--especially as the
sheriff of the county was directly indebted to him for his office. A
dangerous man himself, with the reputation of a killer, he had about
him others capable of any crime to carry out his orders, confident that
his wealth and influence would assure their safety. To such as he the
stealing of a mine was a mere incident.
This was the situation confronting Westcott as he crouched behind a
rock on the black hillside, endeavouring to decide upon a course of
action. The events of the last few hours had almost entirely forced
aside memory of the girl at the hotel--and her mission. He was
fighting now for his own life, his own future--and fighting alone.
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