inement of it would appeal to natures so
ruthless.

Her sewing had dropped to the floor. Mechanically she picked it up.
Then and there she purposed to break in upon her husband's meal. But
she hesitated, and the impulse passed. Instead, she went to a drawer
in her bureau and withdrew the folded paper. She read it over and
returned to her seat. Decision was lacking. Her interpretation of the
threat had taken strong hold upon her, but she could not decide what
best to do. Her fine eyes were troubled as she gazed out into the
growing dusk. Dared she go to him? Would he listen?

But once more her thoughts were diverted. The sound of a great clatter
of hoofs reached her from the other side of the house. Some one had
ridden up to the veranda at a great pace. Who? And what could the
urgency be at such an hour?

She heard Jeff moving in the living-room. She heard him pass out on to
the veranda. Then curiosity, perhaps apprehension, urged her. She
passed to the window beyond her bureau, which was near the angle of the
building, and leaned out of it. Ordinary tones on the veranda would
reach her there.

She waited, breathing lightly lest her hearing should be impaired. A
strange voice was talking. She could not place it. It was rough, and
the language was rough. No doubt it was one of the "hands" from some
outlying point.

"They got him through the chest, an' I guess he's goin' to pass in. He
sez to me, 'Ride like hell an' fetch the boss. Tell him I got 'em
plumb wher' he wants 'em. I located their lay-out. I ain't got above
an hour or so to tell him in. Just hike an' ride like ----!'"

Then came Jeff's voice cold and undisturbed.

"Where is he?"

"Why, by his shack at Spruce Crossing. He jest got in, an' nigh fell
plumb in his tracks out o' the saddle. I don't guess any feller but
Sikkem could ha' done it. He's tough--mighty tough."

Sikkem! Elvine moved from the window. Sikkem! Her heart was pounding
in her bosom, and, for a moment, her brain seemed in a whirl. Sikkem
had discovered the raiders and was willing to give them away. In a
flash she was back in Orrville, and her mind was searching amongst
shadowy memories that had suddenly become acute. Sikkem! Sikkem! No.
She must see Jeff. She must tell him of--Sikkem. She must warn him,
and show him her note. A sudden, crushing foreboding descended upon
her, and she hurried toward the door.

In a few seconds she was on the veran