ad only themselves to depend on. Yet neither
hesitated, or balked at the undertaking. Possibilities never entered
into their calculations.

The first and second night produced no alarm. Nor did they receive any
news of a disturbing nature. On the third day Jacob Smith rode into
their camp. He was a patrol guard, on a visiting tour of the outlying
stations. His news was peaceful enough.

"I don't care a cuss how long the old man keeps the funks," he said,
with a cheery laugh. "I give it you right here, this job's a snap. I
ride around like a gen'l spyin' fer enemies. Guess Red Mask has his
uses."

"So's most folk," responded Arizona, "but 'tain't allus easy to
locate."

"Wal, I guess I ken locate his jest about now. I'm sort o' lyin'
fallow, which ain't usual on Skitter Bend."

"Guess not. He's servin' us diff'rent."

"Ah! Doin' night-guard? Say, I'd see blind hulk roastin' 'fore I'd
hang on to them beasties. But it's like you, Arizona. You hate him
wuss'n hell, an' Jake too, yet you'd--pshaw! So long. Guess I'd best
get on. I've got nigh forty miles to do 'fore I git back."

And he rode away, careless, thoughtless, in the midst of a very real
danger. And it was the life they all led. They asked for a wage, a
bunk, and grub; nothing else mattered.

Tresler had developed a feeling that the whole thing was a matter of
form rather than dead earnest, that he had been precipitate in sending
his message to the sheriff. He wanted to get back to the ranch. He
understood only too well how he had furthered Jake's projects, and
cursed himself bitterly for having been so easily duped. He was
comfortably out of the way, and the foreman would take particularly
good care that he should remain so as long as possible. Arizona, too,
had become anything but enlivening. He went about morosely and snapped
villainously at the boys. There was no word in answer to the message
to the sheriff. They daily searched the bluff for some sign, but
without result, and Tresler was rather glad than disappointed, while
Arizona seemed utterly without opinion on the matter.

The third night produced a slight shock for Tresler. It was midnight,
and one of the boys roused him for his watch. He sat up, and, to his
astonishment, found Arizona sitting on a log beside him. He waited
until the boy had gone to turn in, then he looked at his friend
inquiringly.

"What's up?"

And Arizona's reply fairly staggered him. "Say, Tresler," he said, in
a tire