anned goods. He had also resurrected a gunny sack
somewhere, in which their things were carefully wrapped, and made
secure for transportation.

"Didn't feel no terbacco, did yer, Jim?" the marshal questioned
solicitously. "I reckon not though; ol' Beecher never would leave
nuthin' like that lyin' round. Well, Lord! we ought ter be thankful
fer what we've got. Now if we can only get away with them hosses."

They wormed their way forward to the edge of the road through a fringe
of bushes, Westcott laden with the bundle. Except for the sound of
distant voices and an occasional loud laugh, the night was still. They
could almost hear their own breathing, and the crackle of a dry twig
underfoot sounded to strained nerves like the report of a gun.
Crouching at the edge of the road they could see fairly well what was
before them, as revealed by the lights shining forth through the dingy
windows of the saloon. The Red Dog was not more than a hundred yards
away, and seemingly well patronised in spite of the fact that its owner
and many of his parasites were busily engaged elsewhere. The wide-open
front gave view of much of the barroom including even a section of the
bar. Numerous figures moving about were easily discernible, while up
above in the gambling rooms, the outlines of men were reflected upon
the windows.

A hum of voices echoed out into the night, but the platform in front of
the door was deserted. Occasionally some wanderer either entered or
departed, merging into the crowd within or disappearing through the
darkness without. To the left of the building, largely within its
shadow, stretched the hitch rail to which were fastened fully a dozen
cow-ponies, most of them revealed only by their restless movements,
although the few nearest the door were plainly enough visible in the
reflection of light. A fellow, ungainly in "chaps," reeled drunkenly
down the steps, mounted one of these and spurred up the road, yelling
as he disappeared. The noise he made was re-echoed by the restless
crowd within. The two men, crouched in the bushes, surveyed the scene
anxiously, marking its every detail. Brennan's hand closed heavily on
the arm of the other.

"We better pick out the two critters farthest from the light," he
muttered, "an' trust ter luck. We'll have to lead 'em a ways afore we
mount. They're XL outfit mostly, an' that means fair stock. Shall we
try it, now?"

"The sooner the better."

"That's me. B