join Mabyn she did not show it. Every trace of her
better nature rapidly disappeared, and she seemed wholly the sullen
savage. Bad treatment was the explanation they thought; and they pitied
her.

Garth waited five days more. Natalie was by that time moving around
freely; and they had begun to count the days to their ardently desired
retreat from that unhappy valley. The question of food became more and
more pressing--their journey would have to be spread over many slow
stages; and he finally decided to drive Mabyn and Rina away.

So the next time Rina came, he told her he would give her two days'
rations for two persons the following day; and after that they need
expect no more. In the meantime, he said, she was free to go up on the
prairie and catch the first two horses she met. He even offered her old
Cy to round them up, secure in holding the dugout for a hostage. Rina
betrayed not the least surprise, or any other feeling at his ultimatum,
but coolly rode off as he bid her. She returned within an hour driving
Emmy and Timoosis, which she picketed below Mabyn's hut.

What passed between Rina and Mabyn when she returned to the island, the
other two could only guess at. However, Garth, up at dawn next morning,
saw them striking the tepee. They made two trips back and forth between
the island and the mouth of the creek; and afterward, while Mabyn
saddled and packed the horses, Rina paddled to Garth's camp to get the
promised rations. They both awaited her on the bank.

Rina presented the mask-like face they had grown accustomed to, and
maintained a dogged silence. The only sign of feeling she gave was a
shadow-like pain drowned deep in her dark eyes. Natalie's own eyes
filled at the sight of her stubbornness; in the days of her suffering
she had grown very fond of her dark-skinned nurse; and it was she who
had insisted throughout on the existence of Rina's better nature, and
had never given up hope of reclaiming the worser part. And now it
seemed, she must admit herself defeated.

Garth laid out the food he had allotted them; and packed it in a
flour-bag convenient to carry. He also gave Rina an open letter he had
written, setting forth their situation (without implicating Mabyn or
Rina) and asking that food and an escort be sent. That it would ever
fall into responsible hands was problematical; but it was a chance. He
refrained from any suggestion that it should be concealed from Mabyn,
but Rina of her own accord