a
strange, rapt glow. And in it seemed the same mastery that had
characterized her former aspect. Herein the treachery of her was
revealed. She had known what she meant to do in any case.

Colter, standing at the door, reached a long arm toward the ladder,
where he laid his hand on a rung. Taking it away he held it palm
outward for her to see the dark splotch of blood.

"See?"

"Yes, I see," she said, ringingly.

Passion wrenched him, transformed him. "All that--aboot leavin'
heah--with me--aboot givin' in--was a lie!"

"No, Colter. It was the truth. I'll go--yet--now--if y'u'll
spare--HIM!" She whispered the last word and made a slight movement of
her hand toward the loft. "Girl!" he exploded, incredulously. "Y'u
love this half-breed--this ISBEL! ... Y'u LOVE him!"

"With all my heart! ... Thank God! It has been my glory.... It might
have been my salvation.... But now I'll go to hell with y'u--if y'u'll
spare him."

"Damn my soul!" rasped out the rustler, as if something of respect was
wrung from that sordid deep of him. "Y'u--y'u woman! ... Jorth will
turn over in his grave. He'd rise out of his grave if this Isbel got
y'u."

"Hurry! Hurry!" implored Ellen. "Springer may come back. I think I
heard a call."

"Wal, Ellen Jorth, I'll not spare Isbel--nor y'u," he returned, with
dark and meaning leer, as he turned to ascend the ladder.

Jean Isbel, too, had reached the climax of his suspense. Gathering all
his muscles in a knot he prepared to leap upon Colter as he mounted the
ladder. But, Ellen Jorth screamed piercingly and snatched her rifle
from its resting place and, cocking it, she held it forward and low.

"COLTER!"

Her scream and his uttered name stiffened him.

"Y'u will spare Jean Isbel!" she rang out. "Drop that gun-drop it!"

"Shore, Ellen.... Easy now. Remember your temper.... I'll let Isbel
off," he panted, huskily, and all his body sank quiveringly to a crouch.

"Drop your gun! Don't turn round.... Colter!--I'LL KILL Y'U!"

But even then he failed to divine the meaning and the spirit of her.

"Aw, now, Ellen," he entreated, in louder, huskier tones, and as if
dragged by fatal doubt of her still, he began to turn.

Crash! The rifle emptied its contents in Colter's breast. All his
body sprang up. He dropped the gun. Both hands fluttered toward her.
And an awful surprise flashed over his face.

"So--help--me--God!" he whispered, with blood thick in his voice. Then