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Silently the party retraced its steps up the cliff Theriere and Billy Byrne brought up the rear

"What do you make of it anyway, Byrne?" asked the Frenchht, cul," replied the mucker, "I tink youse knohole lot more about it dan you'd like to have de rest of us tink"

"What do you mean, Byrne?" cried Theriere "Out with it now!"

"Sure I'll out wid it You didn't tink I was bashful didja? Wot fer did you detail deuard de skirt fer if it wasn't fer so, and dats just wot you wanted 'em fer It was easy to tip deet you'll hike after deht you'd double-cross us easy, didn't yeh? Yeh cheap-skate!"

"Byrne," said Theriere, and it was easy to see that only through the strength of his will-power did he keep his temper, "you may have cause to suspect the motives of everyone connected with this outfit I can't say that I blame you; but I want you to remember what I say to you now There was a time when I fully intended to 'double-cross' you, as you say-- that was before you saved my life Since then I have been on the square with you not only in deed but in thought as well I give you the word of asquare with you now except in one thing, and I shall tell you what that is at once I do not knohere Miss Harding is, or what has happened to her, and Miller, and Swenson That is God's truth Now for the one thing that I just edI was after the money the saive a rap for it, and I had intended taking advantage of the first opportunity to return Miss Harding to civilization unharmed and without the paye of heart is my own affair In all probability you wouldn't believe the sincerity or honesty ofyou these things because you have accused , and I do not want the htest grounds to doubt , Byrne, for a great e! I'm not entirely rotten yet"