er you, an' beginnin' to worry," he said, in hoarse
whisper.

"Plenty of time, if Blake's all ready," replied Pan.

"I'm givin' you a hunch. He's damn queer fer a fellar who expects to
break jail."

"No matter. Let's get at it, pronto."

Hurd got up, and laid his gun on the table. Then he turned over the
bench, threw papers on the floor. "Thar's the key, an' heah's a rope.
Hawg-tie me."

With that he turned his back. Swiftly Pan bound him securely, and let
him down upon the floor. Then he unlocked the door, opened it. Pitch
darkness inside and no sound! He called in low voice. Blake did not
reply. Muttering in surprise, Pan took the lamp and went into the
room. He found Blake asleep, though fully dressed. Pan jerked him
roughly out of that indifferent slumber.

"It's Smith," he said, bluntly. "You sure must _want_ to get out....
Damn you, Blake, this whole deal looks fishy to me!... Come on."

Leaving the lamp there, Pan dragged the man out, through the dark
entrance room, into the night. In another moment they had reached the
horse and Blinky.

"Here's money and a gun," whispered Pan, swiftly. "You'll find grub,
blanket, grain on your saddle. Get on!" Pan had to half lift Blake
upon the horse. He felt of the stirrups. "They're all right... The
road is that way, about fifty yards. Turn to the left and ride.
Remember, Siccane."

Blake rode away into the darkness without a word. Pan watched and
listened. Presently he heard the hard clip-clop of hoofs on the road,
making to the left.

"Good! He'll ride past where Lucy's sleeping. I wish she could know,"
muttered Pan.

"Was he drunk?" queried Blinky, in a hoarse whisper. "Shore funny fer
a sober man."

"He didn't breathe like he was drunk," replied Pan. "But he
flabbergasted me. Found him asleep! And he never said a darned
word... Blink, it sticks in my craw. Reckon he didn't want to leave
that nice warm bed."

"Ahuh! Wal, let's rustle back to our warm beds," said the cowboy
gruffly.

Pan awakened during the latter part of the night. Rain was pattering
on the tent. The wind moaned. He thought of Blake, not clad for bad
weather and in unfit condition for a long ride, facing the storm. Even
then a vague doubt penetrated his drowsy mind.

Morning dawned bright and sparkling after the rain. The air was keen
and crisp. The cedars glistened as if decked with diamonds. Pan felt
the sweet scent of the damp dust, and it