He looked up, and his astonished eyes fell
upon the vision of an extremely well-dressed, refined-looking woman
whom he judged to be anything over fifty. But what held his attention
most was the lean, emaciated face and penetrating eyes. There was
something of the witch about it, as there was about the bowed figure.
But more than all she was a _stranger_.

He admitted the impeachment in the midst of his astonishment with an
abruptness equal to her own.

"Sure," he said, and waited.

"Where will I find the sheriff of this place?"

Beasley's eyes opened wider.

"Guess ther' ain't no sheriff in this camp."

The woman's next words came impatiently.

"Why isn't there? Is there a lawyer?"

Beasley grinned. His astonishment was giving place to curiosity and
speculation. He tapped the revolver at his hip.

"We're mostly our own lawyers around here," he said easily.

But the woman ignored his levity.

"Where can I find one--a lawyer, or sheriff?" she demanded with an
added imperiousness.

"Guess Leeson Butte's nearest."

The stranger considered a moment. Beasley's eyes never left her. He
had noticed the refinement of her accent, and wondered the more.

"How can I get there--best?" the woman next demanded.

"Guess I ken let you have a team," Beasley said with alacrity. He
smelt good business.

"How much?"

"Fifty dollars. In an' out--with teamster."

"Does he know the way?"

"Sure."

The woman eyed him steadily.

"I don't want any mistakes. This--is a case of murder."

Beasley's interest suddenly redoubled. The problem was growing in its
attractiveness.

"Who's the feller?" he asked unguardedly.

"That's not your business." The woman's eyes were cold. "Send the team
over to the farm down the river in two hours' time. The horses must be
able to travel fast. Here's the money."

The saloon-keeper took the money promptly. But for once his
astonishment held him silent. Mercy Lascelles had reached the door to
go. Then she seemed to change her mind. She paused.

"There's fifty dollars more when I get back--if you keep your tongue
quiet," she said warningly. "I don't want my business to get around. I
should say gossip travels fast amongst the hills. That's what I don't
want."

"I see."

It was all the astonished man could think of to say at the moment. But
he managed an abundant wink in a markedly friendly way.

His wink missed fire, however, for the woman had departed; and by the
time he reached