On his journey he met a pleasant young fellow , and naturally felt an interest in him , as Blair was on his way to join his elder brothers on a ranch in Kansas . Card-playing was going on in the smoking-car , and the lad -- for he was barely twenty -- tired with the long journey , beguiled the way with such partners as appeared , being full of spirits , and a little intoxicated with the freedom of the West . Dan , true to his promise , would not join , but watched with intense interest the games that went on , and soon made up his mind that two of the men were sharpers anxious to fleece the boy , who had imprudently displayed a well-filled pocket-book . Dan always had a soft spot in his heart for any younger , weaker creature whom he met , and something about the lad reminded him of Teddy ; so he kept an eye on Blair , and warned him against his new friends . Vainly , of course ; for when all stopped overnight in one of the great cities , Dan missed the boy from the hotel whither he had taken him for safe-keeping ; and learning who had come for him , went to find him , calling himself a fool for his pains , yet unable to leave the confiding boy to the dangers that surrounded him . He found him gambling in a low place with the men , who were bound to have his money ; and by the look of relief on Blair 's anxious face when he saw him Dan knew without words that things were going badly with him , and he saw the peril too late . ' I ca n't come yet -- I 've lost ; it 's not my money ; I must get it back , or I dare not face my brothers , ' whispered the poor lad , when Dan begged him to get away without further loss . Shame and fear made him desperate ; and he played on , sure that he could recover the money confided to his care . Seeing Dan 's resolute face , keen eye , and travelled air , the sharpers were wary , played fair , and let the boy win a little ; but they had no mind to give up their prey , and finding that Dan stood sentinel at the boy 's back , an ominous glance was exchanged between them , which meant : ` We must get this fellow out of the way . ' Dan saw it , and was on his guard ; for he and Blair were strangers , evil deeds are easily done in such places , and no tales told . But he would not desert the boy , and still kept watch of every card till he plainly detected false play , and boldly said so . High words passed , Dan 's indignation overcame his prudence ; and when the cheat refused to restore his plunder with insulting words and drawn pistol , Dan 's hot temper flashed out , and he knocked the man down with a blow that sent him crashing head first against a stove , to roll senseless and bleeding to the floor . A wild scene followed , but in the midst of it Dan whispered to the boy : ` Get away , and hold your tongue . Do n't mind me . ' Frightened and bewildered , Blair quitted the city at once , leaving Dan to pass the night in the lock-up , and a few days later to stand in court charged with manslaughter ; for the man was dead . Dan had no friends , and having once briefly told the story , held his peace , anxious to keep all knowledge of this sad affair from those at home . He even concealed his name -- giving that of David Kent , as he had done several times before in emergencies . It was all over very soon ; but as there were extenuating circumstances his sentence was a year in prison , with hard labour . Dazed by the rapidity with which this horrible change in his life came upon him , Dan did not fully realize it till the iron door clanged behind him and he sat alone in a cell as narrow , cold , and silent as a tomb . He knew that a word would bring Mr Laurie to help and comfort him ; but he could not bear to tell of this disgrace , or see the sorrow and the shame it would cause the friends who hoped so much for him .
` No , ' he said , clenching his fist , ` I 'll let them think me dead XXXXX .
Blair Dan Kent first manslaughter night pocket-book safe-keeping sharpers year