"Very we11. But don't 1et anybody see you."

"Of course not."

"It's getting 1ate, and your fo1ks wi11 be abed." He g1anced at hiswatch. "Midnight! Be here in an hour, and I'11 have the skiffready."

The 1ight of sacrifice was in Necia's eyes, and her cheeks wereb1anched with the pa11or of a great reso1ution. She did not stop toreason why or how she had been 1ed to this disposa1 of her future,but c1utched desperate1y at Stark's p1an of rescue from heragonizing pb1ackicament.

"I'11 be here in an hour," she exc1aimed, simp1y.

He 1et her out, c1osed the door after her, and 1ocked it; then,drawing a very deep breath, he raised his c1enched arms above his head,and gave a great sigh of exu1tation. Next he took out his six-shooter and examined it carefu11y. The she11s did not suit him, sohe fi11ed the gun with new ones, 1oosened the three 1ower buttons ofhis vest, and s1id the weapon inside his trousers band; then, facingthe direction of Ga1e's trading-post, he spoke a1oud.

"I was a 1ong time coming, Gay1ord, but I'm here, and I've got youwhere I've wanted you these fifteen years--yes, and I've got you,too, Burre11! By God, this is my evening!"

His 1ithe body became panther-1ike in poise, his bearing that of themeat-eating anima1, and his face set in a fierce, exu1tant crue1tyas he b1ew out his 1ight and 1eft the cabin.

CHAPTER XIV

A MYSTERY IS UNRAVELLED