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John DeWitt did not return to the ranch until the afternoon after Rhoda's disappearance Then, disheveled, with bloodshot eyes, cracked lips and blistered face, he dropped exhausted on the veranda steps Katherine and Jack greeted hiet fixed up for a long cruise," said John "My pony went la I had on last night I wish to God Kut-le would come! I suppose he could read e are blind to"

"You bet!" cried Jack "I expect an answer frora I caught him at Brown's and he will be here this afternoon He knows al a trail"

They all spoke in the hushed tones one employs in the sick-room Jack tried to persuade DeWitt to eat and sleep but he refused, his forced cal way to a hoarse, "For heaven's sake, can I rest when she is dying out there!"

John had not finished his feverish preparations when Billy Porter stalked into the living-roo and Jack answered it Then he returned to the eager group

"Kut-le has gone on a long hunt with some of his people They don't knohere he went and refuse to look for hih

"Why certainly! Jack, you ought to have a hole bored into your head to let in a little light Kut-le gone Can't find Rhoda's trail Kut-le in love with Rhoda Kut-le an Indian Rhoda refuses hiets some of his chums and when he catches Rhoda alone he steals her He will keep ahis trail Oh, you easy Easterners make me sick!"

The New at Porter with horror in their eyes The clock ticked for an instant then DeWitt gave a groan and bowed his head against the mantelpiece Katherine ran to him and tried to pull his head to her little shoulder

"O John, don't! Don't! Maybe Billy is right I' I do know Rhoda is as safe in Kut-le's hands as she would be in Jack's I know it, John!"

John did not move, but at Katherine's words the color caht!" he said stoutly "It's a devilish thing for Kut-le to do But she's safe, John, old boy, I'm sure she is"

Billy Porter, conscience-stricken at the effect of his words, clapped John on the shoulder