idea and I another."

"We'll let the whole matter drop out of our talk. Look here, how about
the boy--are you ready for him if I can get my hands on him?"

Fentress considered. From the facts he had gathered he knew that the man
who called himself Judge Price must soon run his course in Raleigh, and
then as inevitably push out for fresh fields. Any morning might find him
gone and the boy with him.

"I can't take him to my place as I had intended doing; under the
circumstances that is out of the question," he said at length.

"Of course; but I'll send him either up or down the river and place him
in safe keeping where you can get him any time you want."

"This must be done without violence, John!" stipulated Fentress.

"Certainly, I understand that perfectly well. It wouldn't suit your
schemes to have that brace of old sots handled by the Clan. Which shall
it be--up or down river?"

"Could you take care of him for me below, at Natchez?" inquired
Fentress.

"As well there as anywhere, Colonel, and he'll pass into safe hands; he
won't give me the slip the second time!"

"Good!" said Fentress, and took his leave.

From the window Murrell watched him cross the clearing, followed by the
girl, Bess, who was to row him over to the opposite shore. He reflected
that these men--the Wares and Fentresses and their like--were keen
enough where they had schemes of their own they wished put through;
it was only when he reached out empty hands that they reckoned the
consequences.

Three-quarters of an hour slipped by, then, piercing the silence,
Murrell heard a shrill whistle; it was twice repeated; he saw Bess go
down to the landing again. A half-hour elapsed and a man issued from
the scattering growth of bushes that screened the shore. The new-comer
crossed the clearing and entered the cabin. He was a young fellow of
twenty-four or five, whose bronzed and sunburnt face wore a somewhat
reckless expression.

"Well, Captain, what's doing?" he asked, as he shook hands with Murrell.

"I've been waiting for you, Hues," said Murrell. He continued, "I reckon
the time's here when nothing will be gained by delay."

Hues dropped down on a three-legged stool and looked at the
outlaw fixedly and in silence for a moment. At length he nodded
understandingly.

"You mean?"

"If anything's to be done, now is the time. What have you to report?"

"Well, I've seen the council of each Clan division. They are ripe to
start this thing o