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The black-visaged Moze rolled his eyes like a mad bull and Jigs showed immense relief

"Anson, stake irl," he said, eagerly

"Where'd you go now?" queried Anson, curiously

Riggs appeared at a loss for a quick answer; his ere no more equal to this predicament than his nerve

"You're no woodsoin' near Pine or Shon There'll be real trackers huntin' your trail"

The listening girl suddenly appealed to Wilson

"Don't let him take me off--alone--in the woods!" she faltered That was the first indication of her weakening

Ji"

"But you're ayour precious firebrand an' come with us," said Anson, craftily "I'm particular curious to see her brand you"

"Snake, leirl back to Pine," said Jim Wilson

Anson swore his aot our own troubles, an' keepin' her 'll only add to theivin' to buckin' your say-so But this deal ain't tastin' good to ht to be sent home"

"But it her back"

"Wal, I shore hope you'll recollect I offered--thet's all," concluded Wilson

"Jis take her off," remonstrated the outlaw leader He was perturbed and undecided Wilson worried hi Texan veered around full faced What subtle transformation in him!

"Like hell ould!" he said

It could not have been the tone that caused Anson to quail He reater s had probably not heard that last exchange between Anson and Wilson, for he had walked a few rods aside to get his horse

In a few moments when they started off, Burt, Jones, and Moze were in the lead driving the pack-horses, Anson rode next, the girl canificantly, it seeht up the rear

This start was ed up the slope, took to a deep ravine, and followed it up to where it headed in the level forest Fro driven at a jogtrot Once when a troop of deer burst out of a thicket into a glade, to stand with ears high, young Burt halted the cavalcade His well-ai him behind to dress and pack theof the first water, a clear, swift brook, where both horses and ht up with his comrades