Savage as he was, Benson realized that his companion was capable of
making his promise good. The man looked hard and very muscular, and
his expression was determined.

"This is insufferable!" he cried.

Blake coolly filled his pipe. "There's no other remedy. Before I go
to sleep I'll picket the horses close beside me and if you steal away
on foot during the night, I'll ride you down a few hours after
daybreak. I think you understand me, and there's nothing more to be
said."

He tried to talk about other matters and found it hard, for Benson,
tormented by his craving, made no response. Darkness crept in about
them and the prairie grew shadowy. The leaves in the bluff rustled in
a faint, cold wind, and the smoke of the fire drifted round the men.
For a while Benson sat moodily watching his companion, and then,
wrapping his blanket round him, lay down and turned away his head. It
was now very dark outside the flickering light of the fire, and by and
by Blake, who felt the strain of the situation, strolled towards the
horses and chose a resting-place beside their pickets.

Waking in the cold of daybreak, he saw Benson asleep, and made
breakfast before he called him. They ate in silence and then Blake led
up the pony.

"I think we'll make a start," he said as cheerfully as he could.

For a moment or two Benson hesitated, standing with hands clenched and
baffled desire in his face, but Blake looked coolly resolute, and he
mounted.

CHAPTER XI

HARDING GROWS SUSPICIOUS

Benson gave Blake no further trouble, and when they rode up to the
camp, apparently on good terms with one another, Harding made no
reference to what had occurred. He greeted them pleasantly and soon
afterwards they sat down to a meal he had been cooking. When they had
finished and lighted their pipes Benson said, "A remark was made the
other night which struck me as quite warranted. It was pointed out
that I had contributed nothing to the cost of this trip."

"It was very uncivil of Harding to mention it," Blake answered with a
grin. "Still, you see, circumstances rather forced him."

"They did. You might have put it more harshly with truth. But I want
to suggest that you let me take a share in your venture."

"Sorry," said Harding, "I can't agree to that."

Benson sat smoking in silence for the next minute or two. Then he
said, "I think I understand and can't blame you. You haven't much
cause for trusting me."

"I