was formed I sought out
Captain Adams, as master of the train; and disregarding the gazes that
followed me and that received me I spoke frankly, here at his own wagon,
without preliminary.

"Daniel and I appear to be at outs, sir," I said. "Why, I do not know,
except that he seems to have had a dislike for me from the first day. If
he'll let me alone I'll let him alone. I'm not one to look for trouble."

His heavy face, with those thick pursed lips and small china blue eyes,
changed not a jot.

"Daniel will take care of himself."

"That is his privilege," I answered. "I am not here to question his
rights, Captain, as long as he keeps within them; but I don't require of
him to take care of me also. If he will hold to his own trail I'll hold to
mine, and I assure you there'll be no trouble."

"Daniel will take care of himself, I say," he reiterated. "Yes, and look
after all that belongs to him, stranger. There's no use threatening
Daniel. What he does he does as servant of the Lord and he fears naught."

"Neither do I, sir," I retorted hotly. "One may wish to avoid trouble and
still not fear it. I have not come to you with complaint. I merely wish to
explain. You are captain of the train and responsible for its conduct. I
give you notice that I shall defend myself against insult and annoyance."

I turned on my heel--sensed poised forms and inquiring faces; and his
booming voice stayed me.

"A moment, stranger. Your talk is big. What have you to do with this woman
Edna?"

"With Mrs. Montoyo? What I please, if it pleases her, sir. If she claims
your protection, very good. Should she claim mine, she'll have it." And
there, confound it, I had spoken. "But with this, Daniel has nothing to
do. I believe that the lady you mention is simply your present guest and
my former acquaintance."

"You err," he thundered, darkening. "You cannot be expected to see the
light. But I say to you, keep away, keep away. I will have no
gallivanting, no cozening and smiling and prating and distracting. She
must be nothing to you. Never can be, never shall be. Her way is
appointed, the instrument chosen, and as a sister in Zion she shall know
you not. Now get you gone----" a favorite expression of his. "Get you
gone, meddle not hereabouts, and I'll see to it that you are spared from
harm."

Surprising myself, and perhaps him, I gazed full at him and laughed
without reserve or irritation.

"Thank you, Captain," I heard myself saying.