ns why he failed
to give me the signal."

"He is unaware of what Miss Whitney has done?"

"I do not know of a surety, for he made no reference to it, but you
heard his remark, which indicates that he is ignorant."

"Sterry," said the captain impressively, "the only friend you have
among the rustlers is that same Vesey, and I place less faith in
him than you do; yet you propose this wild scheme, without even the
doubtful help of that man, and still expect me to approve it."

"You put it truthfully; I will only say that in the darkness I hope to
be taken for one of them."

"And if you are?"

"I will work my way beyond the lines, and then make for the camp of
the stockmen."

"On foot or horseback?"

"I can hardly expect to obtain a horse, but let me once gain the
chance, and I will show some sprinting."

"You ignore the services of Miss Whitney?"

"It was a brave and characteristic deed, but a woman acts from
intuition rather than reason. There is not a shadow of hope that she
will accomplish anything."

"In my judgment, the prospect is as favourable for her as for you."

"Well," replied Sterry, "I rather expected you to talk that way, so
your condemnation is discounted. I intend to pass out of the rear door
within the next three minutes; I wish you to hold it, ready to open in
the event of my deciding on a hasty return. If such return does not
follow in the course of a quarter of an hour, you may conclude that I
won't be back."

"I have already concluded that," was the significant comment.

The candle diffused enough illumination to show the anxious faces
turned toward the couple as they walked back from the corner to which
they had withdrawn for their brief consultation.

In the fewest words possible the captain explained the decision of the
young man. He frankly stated that he did not believe there was any
hope of success, but Sterry was firm in his resolution, and he would
not interpose his authority. Fred Whitney was about to protest, but
the expression of his friend's face showed that it would be useless,
and he forebore.

Mont peered through the window, near the rear door, and, so far as he
could judge, everything was favourable. Then he faced about, smiled,
and without a word waved his friends good-by.

The door was drawn inward just enough to permit the passage of his
body, and the next instant he had vanished.

Capt. Asbury sprang to the window and looked after him, but quick
as he was, t