ion is no murder, anyhow," said McMurdo, smiling grimly.
"It's him or us. I guess this man would destroy us all if we left him
long in the valley. Why, Brother Morris, we'll have to elect you
Bodymaster yet; for you've surely saved the lodge."

And yet it was clear from his actions that he thought more seriously of
this new intrusion than his words would show. It may have been his
guilty conscience, it may have been the reputation of the Pinkerton
organization, it may have been the knowledge that great, rich
corporations had set themselves the task of clearing out the Scowrers;
but, whatever his reason, his actions were those of a man who is
preparing for the worst. Every paper which would incriminate him was
destroyed before he left the house. After that he gave a long sigh of
satisfaction; for it seemed to him that he was safe. And yet the danger
must still have pressed somewhat upon him; for on his way to the lodge
he stopped at old man Shafter's. The house was forbidden him; but when
he tapped at the window Ettie came out to him. The dancing Irish
deviltry had gone from her lover's eyes. She read his danger in his
earnest face.

"Something has happened!" she cried. "Oh, Jack, you are in danger!"

"Sure, it is not very bad, my sweetheart. And yet it may be wise that
we make a move before it is worse."

"Make a move?"

"I promised you once that I would go some day. I think the time is
coming. I had news to-night, bad news, and I see trouble coming."

"The police?"

"Well, a Pinkerton. But, sure, you wouldn't know what that is, acushla,
nor what it may mean to the likes of me. I'm too deep in this thing,
and I may have to get out of it quick. You said you would come with me
if I went."

"Oh, Jack, it would be the saving of you!"

"I'm an honest man in some things, Ettie. I wouldn't hurt a hair of
your bonny head for all that the world can give, nor ever pull you down
one inch from the golden throne above the clouds where I always see
you. Would you trust me?"

She put her hand in his without a word. "Well, then, listen to what I
say, and do as I order you, for indeed it's the only way for us. Things
are going to happen in this valley. I feel it in my bones. There may be
many of us that will have to look out for ourselves. I'm one, anyhow.
If I go, by day or night, it's you that must come with me!"

"I'd come after you, Jack."

"No, no, you shall come with me. If this valley is closed to me and I
can nev