Stonebridge will see smoke to-day!... Come on. I'll get in that
hall."

But before Withers reached the hall he started violently and pulled
up short, then, with apparent unconcern, turned to lay a hand upon
Shefford. The trader's face had blanched and his eyes grew hard and
shiny, like flint. He gripped Shefford's arm.

"Look! Over to your left!" he whispered. "See that gang of Indians
there--by the big wagon. See the short Indian with the chaps. He's got a
face big as a ham, dark, fierce. That's Shadd!... You ought to know him.
Shadd and his outfit here! How's that for nerve? But he pulls a rein
with the Mormons."

Shefford's keen eye took in a lounging group of ten or twelve Indians
and several white men. They did not present any great contrast to
the other groups except that they were isolated, appeared quiet and
watchful, and were all armed. A bunch of lean, racy mustangs, restive
and spirited, stood near by in charge of an Indian. Shefford had to take
a second and closer glance to distinguish the half-breed. At once he
recognized in Shadd the broad-faced squat Indian who had paid him a
threatening visit that night long ago in the mouth of the Sagi. A fire
ran along Shefford's veins and seemed to concentrate in his breast.
Shadd's dark, piercing eyes alighted upon Shefford and rested there.
Then the half-breed spoke to one of his white outlaws and pointed at
Shefford. His action attracted the attention of others in the gang, and
for a moment Shefford and Withers were treated to a keen-eyed stare.

The trader cursed low. "Maybe I wouldn't like to mix it with that damned
breed," he said. "But what chance have we with that gang? Besides,
we're here on other and more important business. All the same, before I
forget, let me remind you that Shadd has had you spotted ever since you
came out here. A friendly Piute told me only lately. Shefford, did
any Indian between here and Flagstaff ever see that bunch of money you
persist in carrying?"

"Why, yes, I suppose so--'way back in Tuba, when I first came out,"
replied Shefford.

"Huh! Well, Shadd's after that.... Come on now, let's get inside the
hall."

The crowd opened for the trader, who appeared to be known to everybody.

A huge man with a bushy beard blocked the way to a shut door.

"Hello, Meade!" said Withers. "Let us in."

The man opened the door, permitted Withers and Shefford to enter, and
then closed it.

Shefford, coming out of the bright glare of su