"He has left us," said the doctor.

"What does it mean?" asked Mary.

"It can have but one meaning: by some legerdemain, such as our own
Indians show in telegraphing news from one mountain top to another,
word has reached Mustad of what has taken place, and he has been called
upon to join the faithful, and has been only too glad to do it."

"I should think he would have attempted to do us harm before going."

"He is too great a coward."

"But his fanaticism will make him reckless."

"When he gets among his friends then he will be among the worst."

"But, father, he was always meek and gentle and respectful."

"Those are the kind who become directly the opposite."

"Do you think he would harm us?"

"I have no doubt of it," was the reply of the doctor. "I know the
breed; I have twice been the means of saving his life through my
medicines, and Mary nursed him for three weeks when he was suffering
from a fever."

"Yon may be doing him an injustice," ventured Jack Everson, to whom the
judgment of his friend seemed bitter.

"I wish I could think so, but, Mary, if you can provide us with
something in the way of food, Mr. Everson and I will get the things
together that we are to take with us."

Dr. Marlowe wisely decided not to burden themselves with unnecessary
luggage. Jack took from his trunk a few needed articles and stowed
them into a travelling bag whose supporting strap could be flung over
one shoulder. Though a physician himself, admitted to practice, he had
brought none of his instruments with him, for the good reason that he
saw no sense in doing so. Into the somewhat larger bag of the elder
doctor were placed his most delicate instruments and several medical
preparations, mostly the results of his experiments. They were too
precious to be lost if there was any way of preserving them. Mary
packed her articles in a small travelling bag, the strap of which she,
too, flung over her shoulder, though Jack asked to be allowed to
relieve her.

It was after the hurried meal had been eaten by lamplight that the
three completed their preparations for departure. That to which they
paid the most attention was their means of defense. Jack Everson had
brought a plentiful supply of cartridges for his superb breechloader;
and the belt was already secured around his body. Dr. Marlowe never
allowed his supply of ammunition to run low, so that the two were well
supplied in that respect.

Jack was pleased to