uess you need anything more from me. Shall I
stop right here, or--get back to home?"

Bob Whitstone was watching his wife closely as she addressed herself to
the rancher. He noted her tone, her evident anxiety now, and he
understood. A curious repulsion surged through him. In the brief two
years of his married life no such sensation had ever possessed him.
But he recognized it. It was the breaking point. Effie no longer held
place in his affections. He glanced up at McFarlane as his deep tones
whispered in the silence.

"Yes, ma'am, get right back to home. There's no need for you to get
mussed up with what's goin' to happen. It's man's work, not a woman's.
Your husband's got my word. You'll find we aren't forgetful."

Then he drew back under cover, and moved away to where, scattered along
the path, well sheltered from view, a large party of dismounted
horsemen were awaiting his orders.

Effie turned to her husband.

"You're coming back with me, Bob?" she said, almost pleadingly. "It's
a long way to home."

Bob's eyes gazed straight into hers. Even in the darkness Effie felt
something of the coldness of his regard.

"Are you scared?" he demanded.

Effie shook her head.

"There's nothing to be scared at. But you've nothing to do with--the
rest of it."

"Haven't I?"

"You're not going down there with them?"

There was a curious sharpness in the woman's whispering voice. Bob's
cold regard remained unwavering.

"I'm leaving nothing to chance. You've got to get your wages. I'm
going to see you get them. Yes, I'm going--down there."

A sudden fierce passion swept through the woman's heart. Hot words in
retort surged to her lips. But they remained unuttered. A strong
effort of restraint checked them. She turned away coldly, her eyes
focussing once more upon the tiny point of light across the hollow.

"Guess you must do as you think," she said, with a shrug. And she
remained with her back turned upon the man she was destined never to
address again.

Bob moved away and joined the rest of the Vigilantes. They were
already in the saddle. Dug McFarlane had given his final orders. In a
moment Bob surveyed the scene in the dim light. Then he turned away to
his own horse and sprang into the saddle.

McFarlane saw him and rode up.

"You coming along?" he enquired curiously.

"Sure."

"Good boy." Then he drew a deep breath. "Maybe there'll be an empty
saddle or two before we've done