back contents forward {{frabfp176.png}} || eagles of the sky || toward the right, having apparently figured out that such a course would give them a better all-around opportunity to gratify their curiosity. It proved to be a wise move for presently they managed to glimpse what seemed to be the corner of a small cottage, built of coquina rock and altogether attractive in appearance, proving that the Big Boss never hesitated to spend money when he could secure results. "Huh!" gurgled Perk, stretching his neck so as to see better through the narrow opening that served them as a lookout, "some toney, strikes me, considerin' the desolate country round about this section. Must be his high-hat tastes foller ocr> him, no matter where he goes-^-sorter dude, I'd fix> him, no matter where he goes--sorter dude, I'd call him, partner." "That may be," agreed Jack, "I understood he ran in that groove but just the same they say this Kearns is a real he-man an' can put up a warm scrap when necessary--the dude racket is only a thin veneer hiding the genuine article. I was warned never to let him get a chance to beat me to the draw--some call him a rattlesnake, only he lacks that reptile's honesty in always giving warning when about to strike. Don't forget, Perk, in dealing with this slick article you've got to be on your guard every minute of the time." "Glad you told me that, Jack, I might a'been [[176]] back contents forward