e can be little doubt that you are right, but I meant to ask
whether you do not think the captain will moderate his anger when he
is given time to think it over."

"He has had all night to do that, and this mornin' he was hotter if
anything, than at any time since he larned what you had done."

"When did he learn it?"

Thereupon, Vose told the facts which have already been made known to
the reader, the most interesting feature of which was that Adams was
not an original member of the pursuing party. But, although the guide
was so pronounced in his opinion of the continuance of the enmity of
Captain Dawson, the lieutenant believed otherwise. He was confident
that if he and Nellie could reach Sacramento before meeting the irate
father, the latter would be open to reason, and all would turn out
well.

Vose turned to the young woman.

"Nellie, do you want a little advice from me?"

"I am glad to have it at any time."

"Howsumever, what I say is as much for the leftenant as for you, which
the same is that both of you should give up this bus'ness."

"But," said Nellie, "you have just told us that father is so angry
with Lieutenant Russell that he will shoot him the moment they meet."

"We can fix that easy 'nough; let the leftenant stay here while you go
with me; I think we can explain matters to the captain and the others
so they won't bother the leftenant."

"And what am _I_ to do?" asked Russell.

"Push on to Sacramento as fast as you can, for though I think I can
fix it, I wouldn't advise you to take too many chances."

"In other words, after Nellie and I have fled from the settlement and
got this far on the road to safety, you urge me to give her up
forever."

"Wal, that's lookin' a little further ahead than I meant to, but I
'spose it amounts to that."

"You mean well, Vose, but do you imagine that Nellie and I did not
count the cost before turning our backs on New Constantinople? Don't
you suppose we knew we should be pursued and were prepared for the
consequences?"

"I can't say as to that, but it strikes me that the plan I laid before
you is the only one there is."

"Why?"

"You cannot get away from the captain and the men with him."

"Well, there is no call for me to repeat my opinion, but I will say
that the decision shall rest with Nellie herself. If she wishes to go
with you I will interpose not a word of objection."

He looked toward her as an invitation for her to speak. There was a
wo