and jovial in his greeting to Wellesly, solicitous
about his physical welfare and genial and talkative all through
breakfast. Jim grinned at his jokes and stories and ventured some
facetious remarks of his own, and Wellesly told a story or two that
sent the others into peals of laughter. He searched his pockets and
found three cigars, and the three men sat down on the rocks and smoked
them in silence. Each side was waiting for the other to make a move.
At last Wellesly said that he would start back across the plain if the
others still wished to continue in the same direction. They
expostulated and argued with him and reminded him of the probability
that he could not find his way alone, and of the dangers from heat and
thirst which he would have to face.

Wellesly guessed that they wanted money and were trying to force him
into making an offer. He held to his determination and while they
talked he saddled and mounted his horse. Then they tried to beat down
his resolution by picturing to him the certain death he would meet on
the waterless plain. In his heart he was really very much afraid of
that scorching, sandy waste, but he let no sign of his fear show in
his face as he curtly replied:

"I'm very much obliged to you for all your concern about my welfare,
but I'll be still more obliged if you won't worry about me any more.
I'm going back and I'm going to start now, and if you are so sure I'll
get lost and die you can come along a week or so later, hunt up my
bones and collect the reward that will be offered for news of me."

At that suggestion Jim glanced hastily at Haney and Wellesly saw the
Englishman shake his head in reply.

"We don't want to be responsible for your death, Mr. Wellesly," Haney
began, but Wellesly cut him off short:

"You won't be. I release you from all responsibility, after I leave
you. Good morning, gentlemen." And with a cut of the quirt his horse
started. They had been standing near the lower end of the head of the
canyon, and as he moved forward the two men sprang in front of him,
blocking the narrow pass which gave the only outlet.

"Will you let me pass?" demanded Wellesly, his lips white and his
voice trembling with anger.

"We're not ready for you to go yet," said Haney, all the joviality
gone from his face and voice. His look was that of brutal
determination and his voice was harsh and guttural. Jim added an
oath and both men drew their guns.

"Then, by God, we'll shoot it out!"