is way to the rafts. Alexander was not there. No one had
seen her for two hours and, from her shack, both pack and rifle had
been removed.

Halloway's face when Brent found him and told him his story, first
blackened into the thunder cloud darkness, then as suddenly paled into
dread.

"By God, Brent," he whispered hoarsely, catching the other's arm in a
grip that almost broke it, "what if she suspects us too--and has
already set out to give us the slip? She hasn't a chance to get
through before these outlaws intercept her. She'd have to
stop--somewhere this side the gap--and go on in the morning."

"Come on," snorted Brent, "we've got to go to the livery stable and see
if she's hired a mule."

"If she's seeking to give us the slip, she's probably changed that plan
too--and set out on foot. It's a safe bet, though, that she didn't go
without her precious money. Let's try the bank."

They went, Brent needing to strike a sort of dog-trot to hold the long
striding pace of the other.

The bank was closed for the day.

CHAPTER VIII

"Well, what next?" inquired Brent blankly.

"We might manage to seize and make a hostage of Lute Brown--and even
the telegraph operator," began Halloway, somewhat haltingly. "But
their disappearance would prove a sort of warning and they may not be
the leading spirits. Did you gather from that telegram where they mean
to hold her up?"

"No--nor even to whom the message went. He'd begun sending when I got
in."

"Of course we couldn't prove that the operator understood the portent
of the message but I know the fellow--his name is Wicks, and I think
he's a bad egg."

"Where does the bank cashier live?" inquired Brent.

"Three miles out along Deephole Branch--and he has no telephone,"
growled the Titan. Suddenly through the baffled perplexity of his eyes
broke the light of dawning idea, and he spoke with a greater certitude.

"If these high-binders have used the wire once they may do it again,"
he exclaimed. "At all events that's the point to watch at present."

"I suppose you mean I must loaf around there and eavesdrop--for
anything that may come over." Brent's tone was unenthusiastic. "It's
logical enough too--but if the girl's started out alone, time is
precious."

Halloway had straightened out of his doleful uncertainty. Plans were
swiftly taking shape in his mind.

"No. You've been there once. If you went back it's just possible that
into the fellow's