sentenced to be hung! ..  Then the offer was made to let them go free out of the border if they’d turn state’s evidence an’ give away the leader an’ men of the Border Legion.  Thet was put up to each prisoner.  Dartt he never answered at all.  An’ Singleton told them to go to hell.  An’ Texas he swore he was only a common an’ honest road-agent, an’ never heard of the Legion.  But the Frenchman showed a yellow streak.  He might have taken the offer.  But Texas cussed him tumble, an’ made him ashamed to talk.  But if they git Frenchy away from Texas they’ll make him blab.  He’s like a greaser.  Then there was a delay.  The big crowd of miners yelled for ropes.  But the vigilantes are waitin’, an’ it’s my hunch they’re waitin’ for Pearce.”

“So!  And where do we stand?” cried Kells, clear and cold.

“We’re not spotted yet, thet’s certain,” replied Oliver, “else them masked vigilantes would have been on the job before now.  But it’s not sense to figger we can risk another day. ...  I reckon it’s hit the trail back to Cabin Gulch.”

“Gulden, what do you say?” queried Kells, sharply.

“I’ll go or stay—­whatever you want,” replied the giant.  In this crisis he seemed to be glad to have Kells decide the issue.  And his followers resembled sheep ready to plunge after the leader.

But though Kells, by a strange stroke, had been made wholly master of the Legion, he did not show the old elation or radiance.  Perhaps he saw more clearly than ever before.  Still he was quick, decisive, strong, equal to the occasion.

“Listen—­all of you,” he said.  “Our horses and outfits are hidden in a gulch several miles below camp.  We’ve got to go that way.  We can’t pack any grub or stuff from here.  We’ll risk going through camp.  Now leave here two or three at a time, and wait down there on the edge of the crowd for me.  When I come we’ll stick together.  Then all do as I do.”

Gulden put the nugget under his coat and strode out, accompanied by Budd and Jones.  They hurried away.  The others went in couples.  Soon only Bate Wood and Handy Oliver were left with Kells.

“Now you fellows go,” said Kells.  “Be sure to round up the gang down there and wait for me.”

When they had gone he called for Jim and Joan to come out.

All this tune Joan’s hand had been gripped in Jim’s, and Joan had been so absorbed that she had forgotten the fact.  He released her and faced her, silent, pale.  Then he went out.  Joan swiftly followed.

Kells was buckling on his spurs.  “You heard?” he said, the moment he saw Jim’s face.

“Yes,” replied Jim.

“So much the better.  We’ve got to rustle. ...  Joan, put on that long coat of Cleve’s.  Take off your mask. ...  Jim, get what gold you have, and hurry.  If we’re gone when you come back hurry down the road.  I want you with me.”

Cleve stalked out, and Joan ran into her room and put on the long coat.  She had little time to choose what possessions she could take; and that choice fell upon the little saddle-bag, into which she hurriedly stuffed comb and brush and soap—­all it would hold.  Then she returned to the larger room.