ll do the work in a hurry when it is
done. I have given my warriors their orders; most of them know Wild Bill
and Captain Jack, for both have been on the reservations often when they
have been in. For these reds can go where I cannot, and get arms and
ammunition where I would not dare apply for them."

"Shall I not make you and Addie some coffee?" asked the Texan. "I can do
it without danger, for I have a small alcohol lamp in my pack, which I
had to keep for use when I could not get fuel.

"It will be refreshing, indeed, if there is no risk in making it," said
Addie Neidic.

"There is none, and I will soon have it made," was the reply. Shaded
from even Indian observation by the blanket he raised on some bushes,
the young Texan speedily made a quart cupful of strong coffee, and
shared it between the lady and her outlaw lover. It and some cooked meat
he had gave them strength, and then all three lay down like the others
to rest for an hour or two, the outlaw bidding one of his warriors keep
watch, and to wake him when the morning star was seen over the trees in
the east.

And little dreaming that their intended victims were far away from their
camp, the Indians and their leader took rest preparation to their deadly
work.

When his warrior sentinel awoke him, Persimmon Bill found that the
morning star was well up, and it was full time to be moving toward the
scene of action.

"You will stay here in the valley, dear Addie, till we come back," he
said. "We will steal away quietly, and not wake that sleeping stranger
if it can be helped, for he might, in his terror, fire his gun, or in
some way give an alarm. Should he wake, hearing firing over there, keep
him quiet with persuasion or your revolver until we return, and then if
he is obstreperous, I will quiet him."

"Let me go with you, Bill," she said. "I am not afraid."

"It must not be, dear Addie, There is no need of your being exposed
_there,_ and it is well to have _him_ watched here. Our main certainty
of complete success is in a surprise. The least alarm may prevent it."

"I will remain then," she said. "And you need not fear for any alarm
from him--for I know I can keep him quiet should he wake. I have a keen
persuader here, if I have to use it."

And she touched a poniard in her belt, which also contained two good
revolvers.

"An outlaw's bride," she added, smiling, "must be prepared to take care
of herself."

The Indians now began silently to form