itnesses.

"It's all quite easy," Gardiner continued. "And if it should fail
there are a dozen other ways just as easy. But we won't let it fail.
We mustn't let it fail, on your account."

"On my account? What more account mine than yours?"

"Well, you see, Harris, no doubt, has your letter stowed away
somewhere, and it would make bad evidence for you. I don't think it
mentions me at all. Besides, I know a way through a pass in these
mountains, and if it doesn't turn out right--why, I'm glad I know the
way. You see, I've nothing to lose, and, nobody to worry over me. But
it's different with you, Hiram. You have a wife and a fine farm down
in Manitoba, and it would be inconvenient for you to slip away
without notice. So I say that on your account we mustn't let it
fail."

"You didn't say nothin' about that before, I notice," said Riles.

"You mustn't expect me to do your private thinking as well as that of
the firm," Gardiner retorted. "You had the facts--why didn't you
patch them together for yourself? You're in a mess now if things
don't go right. But, as I said, I'm going to stick with you and see
that they do go right."

They rode along in silence in the gathering darkness. Had they been
able to read each other's minds they would have been astonished at
the coincidence of thought. Gardiner was planning to make away with
the money when he got out of the building. Why should he divide with
Riles--Riles, who would only hoard it up, and who had plenty of money
already? Not at all. Riles might sue him for his share, if he wanted
to--and could find him, to serve notice! On the other hand, Riles'
slow wits had quickened to the point of perceiving that there lay
before him a chance of making twenty thousand dollars instead of ten
thousand, if he only had the nerve to strike at the strategic moment.
When he got the Harrises out of the shack, by hook or crook he would
leave them and follow Gardiner. He was much more than Gardiner's
match in strength and he had little fear of the revolver, provided he
could take his adversary unawares. If the worst came to the worst,
and he could not give the Harrises the slip, he would take them with
him, and they would all come upon Gardiner red-handed with the loot.
Then he would explain to Harris how he had discovered Gardiner's plot
and frustrated it...The idea grew upon Riles, and he rode along in a
frame of mind bordering upon cheerfulness.

It was now quite dark, and the horses