loser to the huts.
His eyes were on the alert every instant, as were his ears; but no sign
of that which he sought rewarded his keenest observation.

Until midnight he lay in concealment and all that time the mourners
continued their dismal wailing. Then, one by one, they entered their
huts, and silence reigned within the village.

Billy crept closer. He eyed each hut with longing, wondering gaze. Which
could it be? How could he determine? One seemed little more promising
than the others. He had noted those to which Indians had retired. There
were three into which he had seen none go. These, then, should be the
first to undergo his scrutiny.

The night was dark. The moon had not yet risen. Only a few dying fires
cast a wavering and uncertain light upon the scene. Through the shadows
Billy Byrne crept closer and closer. At last he lay close beside one of
the huts which was to be the first to claim his attention.

For several moments he lay listening intently for any sound which might
come from within; but there was none. He crawled to the doorway and
peered within. Utter darkness shrouded and hid the interior.

Billy rose and walked boldly inside. If he could see no one within, then
no one could see him once he was inside the door. Therefore, so reasoned
Billy Byrne, he would have as good a chance as the occupants of the hut,
should they prove to be enemies.

He crossed the floor carefully, stopping often to listen. At last he
heard a rustling sound just ahead of him. His fingers tightened upon the
revolver he carried in his right hand, by the barrel, clublike. Billy
had no intention of making any more noise than necessary.

Again he heard a sound from the same direction. It was not at all unlike
the frightened gasp of a woman. Billy emitted a low growl, in fair
imitation of a prowling dog that has been disturbed.

Again the gasp, and a low: "Go away!" in liquid feminine tones--and in
English!

Billy uttered a low: "S-s-sh!" and tiptoed closer. Extending his hands
they presently came in contact with a human body which shrank from him
with another smothered cry.

"Barbara!" whispered Billy, bending closer.

A hand reached out through the darkness, found him, and closed upon his
sleeve.

"Who are you?" asked a low voice.

"Billy," he replied. "Are you alone in here?"

"No, an old woman guards me," replied the girl, and at the same time
they both heard a movement close at hand, and something scurried
past