he said,
and I imagine he gathered less what I said. Anyway, without my asking
he said for me to think it over for a day and then we'd talk again."

"Shore we're born lucky!" ejaculated Ladd.

"I reckon Rojas'll be smart enough to string his outfit across the few
trails leadin' out of Forlorn River," remarked Jim.

"That needn't worry us. All we want is dark to come," replied Belding.
"Yaqui will slip through. If we thank any lucky stars let it be for
the Indian.... Now, boys, put on your thinking caps. You'll take eight
horses, the pick of my bunch. You must pack all that's needed for a
possible long trip. Mind, Yaqui may lead you down into some wild
Sonora valley and give Rojas the slip. You may get to Yuma in six days,
and maybe in six weeks. Yet you've got to pack light--a small pack in
saddles--larger ones on the two free horses. You may have a big fight.
Laddy, take the .405. Dick will pack his Remington. All of you go
gunned heavy. But the main thing is a pack that 'll be light enough
for swift travel, yet one that 'll keep you from starving on the
desert."

The rest of that day passed swiftly. Dick had scarcely a word with
Nell, and all the time, as he chose and deliberated and worked over his
little pack, there was a dull pain in his heart.

The sun set, twilight fell, then night closed down fortunately a night
slightly overcast. Gale saw the white horses pass his door like silent
ghosts. Even Blanco Diablo made no sound, and that fact was indeed a
tribute to the Yaqui. Gale went out to put his saddle on Blanco Sol.
The horse rubbed a soft nose against his shoulder. Then Gale returned
to the sitting-room. There was nothing more to do but wait and say
good-by. Mercedes came clad in leather chaps and coat, a slim
stripling of a cowboy, her dark eyes flashing. Her beauty could not be
hidden, and now hope and courage had fired her blood.

Gale drew Nell off into the shadow of the room. She was trembling, and
as she leaned toward him she was very different from the coy girl who
had so long held him aloof. He took her into his arms.

"Dearest, I'm going--soon.... And maybe I'll never--"

"Dick, do--don't say it," sobbed Nell, with her head on his breast.

"I might never come back," he went on, steadily. "I love you--I've
loved you ever since the first moment I saw you. Do you care for me--a
little?"

"Dear Dick--de-dear Dick, my heart is breaking," faltered Nell, as she
clung to him.