d, perhaps, of the welfare of another, who will
to a certainty fare badly in case your savages attack us. I myself am
not of brutal nature, but among my men are some who--" He paused and
glanced significantly into MacNair's eyes. Again he shrugged--"We will
not dwell upon the possibilities, but here is the lady, let her speak
for herself. She has begged for the chance to say a word in her own
behalf. I will only add that you will find me amenable to reason. It
is possible that our little differences may be settled in a manner
satisfactory to all, and without bloodshed."

The man stepped aside upon the firing ledge, evidently in order to let
someone pass up the ladder. The next instant the face of Chloe
Elliston appeared above the logs of the stockade. At the sight of the
girl MacNair felt the blood surge through his veins. He took a quick
step toward and at a glance noted the unwonted pallor of her cheeks,
the flashing eyes, and the curve of the out-thrust chin.

Then clear and firm her voice sounded in his ears. He strained forward
to catch the words, and at that moment he knew in his heart that this
woman meant more to him than life itself--more than revenge--more even
than the welfare of his Indians.

"You received my letter?" asked the girl eagerly. "Can you forgive me?
Do you understand?"

MacNair answered, controlling his voice with difficulty. "There is
nothing to forgive. I have understood you all along."

"You will promise to grant one request--for my sake?"

Without hesitation came the man's answer; "Anything you ask."

"On your soul, will you promise, and will you keep that promise
regardless of consequences?"

"I promise," answered the man, and his voice rang harsh. For revenge
upon Lapierre with his own hands had been the dearest hope of his life.
At the next words of the girl, an icy hand seemed clutching at his
heart.

"Then fight!" she cried. "Fight! Fight! Fight! Shoot! And cut!
And batter! And kill! Until you have ridded the North of this fiend!"

With a snarl, Lapierre leaped toward the girl with arm upraised. There
was a chorus of hoarse cries from behind the walls. Before the
uplifted arm could descend the figure of Lapierre disappeared with
startling suddenness. The next instant the gigantic form of Big Lena
appeared, head and shoulders above the walls of the stockade at the
point where Lapierre had been. The huge shoulders stooped, the form of
Chloe Elliston ar