ver the crude
wooden frame was hung an old rosary, the crucifix depending from the
picture. The beads were black and worn by use as if they had slipped
many times through girlish fingers.

She had a long time to let her thoughts run. The two men were not soon
back and she was beginning to wonder what might have happened, when,
standing at the door to listen, she heard noises outside and Laramie's
voice. She let him in at once. "You didn't have the door barred," he
said, suspiciously.

"Oh, yes, but I heard you speak."

He was alone. "We're ready," he said. "No dry clothes for you, but we
can't help it."

She protested she did not mind the wet. Hawk in the saddle was waiting
with their horses. Rain was still falling and with the persistent
certainty of a mountain storm. Kate, mounting with Laramie's help, got
her lines into her hands. "It's pretty dark," he said, standing at her
stirrup. "We'll have to ride slow. I go first, Hawk next, then you;
if our horses can make the trail yours likely can. I don't think we'll
meet anybody, but if we do it's better to know now what to do. If you
hear any talk that sounds like trouble, push out of the line as quick
as you can and throw yourself flat on the ground. Stay there till you
don't hear any more shooting, but hang on to your lines so you don't
lose your horse.

"The only other trouble might be your getting lost from us." He spoke
slowly as if thinking. "That must depend a good deal on you. Keep as
close as you can. Can you whistle?" Kate thought she could. "If you
can't make us hear," he continued, "shoot--have you got a pistol?" She
had none. He brought her a double action revolver from the cabin and
showed her how it worked. "Don't use it unless you have to. It might
be heard by more than us."

Kate stuck the revolver under her wet belt. "Why couldn't I ride with
you?" she asked.

"There's more danger riding ahead."

"No more for me than for you."

"I wouldn't say that. But if you want to try it, all right. Keep
close. Don't be afraid of bumping me--and Hawk can follow us."

There was nothing in the night to encourage heading into it. That men
could find their way with every possibility of landmark and sight
blotted out and nothing of sound above the downpour except the
tumultuous roar of the Turkey which they were following, was to Kate a
mystery of mysteries. Even the lightning soon deserted them. Their
pace was halted by washo