be to go on to the Mission, an' get thar
soon's we kin."

"But we may meet them in the teeth?"

"We must, ef we take the main road up tother side--pretty sure to meet
'em. We shan't be sech fools. I've thought o' all that, an' a way to
get clear of the scrape."

"What way?"

"That road we kim in by, ye see, leads on'ard up the bank this side. I
reckin' it goes to the upper crossin', the which air several miles above
the buildin's. We kin take it, an' foller it without any fear o'
encounterin' them beauties. I've sent Jupe and Harkness to bring up the
hosses. Ned's tother side the tree in charge o' Bosley."

"You've arranged it right. Nothing could be better. Take the trail up
this side. I can trust you for seeing them safe into their father's
arms--if he still live."

Woodley wonders at this speech. He is about to ask explanation, when
Clancy adds, pointing to the elder sister--

"I want a word with her before parting. While you are getting ready the
horses--"

"Before partin'!" interrupts Sime with increased surprise, "Surely you
mean goin' along wi' us?"

"No, I don't."

"But why, Charley?"

"Well, I've something to detain me here."

"What somethin'?"

"You ought to know without my telling you."

"Dog-goned ef I do."

"Richard Darke, then."

"But he's goed off; ye don't intend follerin' him?"

"I do--to the death. If ever I had a fixed determination in my life,
'tis that."

"Wal, but you won't go all by yerself! Ye'll want some o' us wi' ye?"

"No."

"Not me, nor Ned?"

"Neither. You'll both be needed to take care of them."

Clancy nods towards the sisters, adding:--

"You'll have your hands full enough with Bosley and Harkness. Both will
need looking after--and carefully. Jupe I'll take with me."

Woodley remonstrates, pointing out the danger of the course his comrade
intends pursuing. He only yields as Clancy rejoins, in a tone of
determination, almost command:--

"You must do as I tell you, Sime; go on to the Mission, and take them
with you. As for me, I've a strong reason for remaining behind by
myself; a silly sentiment some might call it, though I don't think you
would."

"What is't? Let's hear it, an' I'll gie ye my opeenyun strait an'
square."

"Simply, that in this whole matter from first to last, I've een making
mistakes. So many, it's just possible my courage may be called in
question; or; if not that, my ability. Now, do you understand me?"

"D