he's follered 'em. She aims to travel with 'em. Oh, gosh!
She's shot her man in Benton. Gosh!" His voice trailed off. "Ain't she
purty, though! She's dressed in britches."

"Get you gone," Captain Adams thundered. "And these your paramours with
you. For thus saith the Lord: There shall be no lusting of adultery among
his chosen. And thus say I, that no brazen hussy in men's garments shall
travel with this train to Zion--no, not a mile of the way."

Jenks stiffened, bristling.

"Mind your words, Adams. I'm under no Mormon thumb, and I'll thank you not
to connect me and this--lady in ary such fashion. As for your brat on
horseback, he'd better hold his yawp. She came of her own hook, and damned
if I ain't beginnin' to think----"

I sprang forward. Defend her I must. She should not stand there, slight,
lovely, brave but drooping, aflame with the helplessness of a woman alone
and insulted.

"Wait!" I implored. "Give her a chance. You haven't heard her story. All
she wants is protection on the road. Yes, I know her, and I know the cur
she's getting away from. I saw him strike her; so did Mr. Jenks. What were
you intending to do? Turn her out into the night? Shame on you, sir. She
says she can't go back to Benton, and if you'll be humane enough to
understand why, you'll at least let her stay in your camp till morning.
You've got women there who'll care for her, I hope."

I felt her instant look. She spoke palpitant.

"You have one man among you all. But I am going. Good-night, gentlemen."

"No! Wait!" I begged. "You shall not go by yourself. I'll see you into
safety."

Daniel cackled.

"Haw haw! What'd I tell yu, paw? Hear him?"

"By gum, the boy's right," Jenks declared. "Will you go back to Benton if
we take you?" he queried of her. "Are you 'feared of Montoyo? Can he shoot
still, or is he laid out?"

"I'll not go back to Benton, and I'm not afraid of that bully," said she.
"Yes, he can shoot, still; but next time I should kill him. I hope never
to see him again, or Benton either."

The men murmured.

"You've got spunk, anyhow," said they. And by further impulse: "Let her
stay the night, Cap'n. It'll be plumb dark soon. She won't harm ye. Some
o' the woman folks can take care of her."

Captain Adams had been frowning sternly, his heavy face unsoftened.

"Who are you, woman?"

"I am the wife of a gambler named Montoyo."

"Why come you here, then?"

"He has been abusing me, and I shot him."

"There i