ringly? Are they
back on the plain? If so, there is a long ride ahead of me, but my
horse is fresh. If they are not off the trail by which you came, I can
reach them."

"I did not once leave the trail after--there was no other way I could
take."

"Would they likely stay right where you left them?"

"They couldn't move if they tried. Oh, my God--if I were only myself
again!"

"Never waste words wishing, young man. I'll get them. But you must
give me your promise to wait here. Will you be prudent and wait?"

"Yes, yes."

"You'll be stronger before you know it, and then you'll want to leave,
you know, and go for them yourself. Don't do that. I'll give your
horse a bit more to eat and drink, and tie him again, then there'll be
no need for you to leave this bunk until to-morrow. I'm to follow the
trail you came up by, and not leave it until I come to--whoever it is?
Right. Do you give me your word, no matter how long gone I may be, not
to leave my place here until I return, or send?"

"Oh, yes, yes."

"Good. I'll trust you. There's a better reason than I care to give you
for this promise, young man. It's not a bad one."

The big man then made his preparations rapidly, pausing now and then
to give the stranger instructions as to where to find provisions and
how to manage there by himself, and inquiring carefully as to the
party he was to find. He packed saddlebags with supplies, and water
flasks, and, as he moved about, continued to question and admonish.

"By the time I get back you'll be as well as ever you were. A
couple of days--and you'll be fuming round instead of waiting in
patience--that's what I tell you. I'll fetch them--do you hear?
I'll do it. Now what's your name? Harry King? Harry King--very
well, I have it. And the party? Father and mother and daughter. Family
party. I see. Big fools, no doubt. No description needed, I guess.
Bird? Name Bird? No. McBride,--very good. Any name with a Mac to it
goes on this mountain--that means me. I'm the mountain. Any one I
don't want here I pack off down the trail, and _vice versa_."

Harry King lay still and heard the big man ride away. He heard his own
horse stamping and nickering, and heaving a great sigh of relief his
muscles relaxed, and he slept soundly on his hard bed. For hours he
had fought off this terrible languor with a desperation born of terror
for those he had left behind him, who looked to him as their only
hope. Now he resigned their fate to the