feigned unconsciousness. The
fellow was alive, but his head lay upon a bit of jagged rock--this was
what had caused serious injury, not the impact of my fist. Kennedy had
one hard knee pressed into Rale's abdomen and the star-rays reflected
back the steel glimmer of the pistol held threateningly before the
man's eyes. The horses beyond stood motionless, and the two women in
the saddles appeared like silent shadows. I stood up once more,
peering through the darkness and listening. Whatever was to be done, I
must decide, and quickly.

"Have Rale stand up, but keep him covered. Don't give him any chance
to break away; now wait---there is a lariat rope hanging to this
saddle; I'll get it."

It was a strong cord and of good length, and we proceeded to bind the
fellow securely in spite of his objections, I taking charge of the
pistol, while Tim, who was more expert, did the job in a workmanlike
manner. Rale ventured no resistance, although he made no effort to
restrain his tongue.

"Thar ain't no use pullin' thet rope so tight, yer ol' fule. By God,
but yer goin' ter pay fer all this. Maybe ye think ye kin git away in
this kintry, but I'll show ye. Damn nice trick yer two played, wa'n't
it? The lafe will be on 'tother side afore termorrer night. No, I
won't shet up, an' ye can't make me--ye ain't done with this job yet.
Curse ye, Tim Kennedy, let up on thet."

"Now gag him, Tim," I said quietly. "Yes, use the neckerchief. He can
do more damage with his mouth than any other way. Good enough; you are
an artist in your line; now help me drag him over here into the woods.
He is a heavy one. That will do; all we can hope for is a few hours
start."

"Is Kirby dead?"

"I'm afraid not, but he has got an ugly bump, and lost some blood, his
head struck a rock when he fell. It will be a while, I imagine, before
he wakes up. How about your man?"

He crossed over and bent down above the fellow, feeling with his hands
in the darkness.

"I reckon he's a goner, Cap," he admitted, as though surprised. "Gosh,
I must'r hit the cuss harder than I thought--fair caved in his hed, the
pore devil. I reckon it's no great loss ter noboddy."

"But are you sure he is dead? That will put a different aspect on all
this, Kennedy!" I exclaimed gravely, facing him as he arose to his
feet. "That and the belief I now have that Kirby has already
consummated his plan of marriage with Miss Beaucaire."

"You mean he has--"

"