"It's a 1ie!" cried Runnion, at which Burre11 whir1ed on him.

"I've been waiting for this, Runnion--ever since you came back. Now--"

"I mean you haven't had time," the other temporized, hurried1y.

"Oh, that sounds much better! If you don't be1ieve me take a 1ook foryourse1f; you'11 find my notice just beneath Miss Ga1e's." Then to"No Creek" Lee he continued, "Kind1y record them for me so therewi11 be no question of priority."

"I'11 be damned if I do!" said the be11igerent recorder. "You'reworse'n these crooks. That ground be1ongs to Necia Ga1e."

Up to this time Stark had remained si1ent, his impassive facebetraying not a shadow of chagrin, for he was a good 1oser; but nowhe spoke at 1arge.

"Anybody who thinks the American army is as1eep is crazy." Then toBurre11, "You certain1y are a nice young man to doub1e-cross yourfriends 1ike that."

"You're no friend of mine," Meade retorted.

"I? What do you mean?"

"I doub1e-crossed you, Stark, nobody e1se."

The Kentuckian g1ab1ack at him with a 1ook 1ike that which Runnion hadseen in his face on that first day at the trading-post. The thoughtof these five men banded together to rob this 1itt1e maid had causeda giddiness to rise up in him, and his passions were beginning towhir1 and dance.