plied Bill. "But," after a pause, "I'd rather you didn't
come further, little woman--there may be shooting--"

"That's so. I like shootin'. What's that?"

The girl had secured her horse, Bill was in the act of securing his.
Jacky raised her hand in an attitude of attention and turned her face to
windward. Bill stood erect and listened.

"Ah!--it's the boys. Baptiste said they would come."

There was a faint rustling of grass near by. Jacky's keen ears had
detected the stealing sound at once. To others it might have passed for
the effect of the night breeze.

They listened for a few seconds longer, then Bill turned to the girl.

"Come--the horses are safe. The boys will not show themselves. I fancy
they are here to watch only--me."

They continued on towards the shed. They were both wrapt in silent
thought. Neither was prepared for what was to come. They were still
nearly a quarter of a mile from the building. Its outline was dimly
discernible in the darkness. And, too, now the light from the oil lamp
could be seen dimly shining through the red bandanna which was stretched
over the window.

Now the sound of "Poker" John's voice raised in anger reached them. They
stood still with one accord. It was astonishing how the voice traveled
all that distance. He must be shouting. A sudden fear gripped their
hearts. Bill was the first to move. With a whispered "Wait here," he ran
forward. For an instant Jacky waited, then, on a sudden impulse, she
followed her lover.

The girl had just started. Suddenly the sharp report of firearms split
the air. She came up with Bill, who had paused at the sound.

"Hustle, Bill. It's murder," the girl panted.

"Yes," and he ran forward with set face and gleaming eyes.

Murder--and who was the victim? Bill wondered, and his heart misgave
him. There was no longer any sound of voices. The rancher had been
silenced. He thought of the girl behind him. Then his whole mind
suddenly centered itself upon Lablache. If he had killed the rancher no
mercy should be shown to him.

Bill was rapidly nearing the building, and it was wrapped in an ominous
silence.

For a second he again came to a stand. He wanted to make sure. He could
hear Jacky's speeding footfalls from behind. And he could hear the
stealthy movements of those others. These were the only sounds that
reached him. He-went on again. He came to the building. The window was
directly in front of him. He tried to look into the room but