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But it must be, so with a wrench she stepped out boldly

Kells looked worn and gray He had not slept But his face did not

wear the shade she had co Six other loves and weapons and spurs Kells turned to address her His face

lighted fleetingly

"I want you to be ready to ride any minute," he said

"Why?" asked Joan

"We may HAVE to, that's all," he replied

His le Joan, now

scarcely gave her a glance They were a dark, griht lips Handy Oliver was speaking

"I tell you, Gulden swore he seen Creede--on the road--in the

laot here"

"Gulden must have been mistaken," declared Kells, impatiently

"He ain't the kind to host, thet's what," suggested Blicky,

uneasily "I've seen a few in loohost in his life

If he seen Creede he's seen hireed Jesse Sht in Creede's belt--and we've divided the

gold," said Kells "You all know Creede would have to be dead before