shot at him through the scuttle door. He could raise it for an
inch or more, and, provided the white man was in his line of range, fire
with quick and unerring accuracy. It is singular that he did not do this
in the first place, after reaching the roof, and before the Texan
discovered his presence so near him.

Lying extended as flat as before, Captain Shirril placed his ear close
to the door and listened.

Within the first minute he caught a sound, but it was so faint and
indefinite that he could not tell what it meant. It might have been
caused by someone moving about in the room directly below, but he was
inclined to believe that the Comanche was still near the scuttle and was
trying to get his range.

All at once the heart of the Texan gave a start. He was sure the door
was pushed upward the slightest possible distance. It looked as if the
Comanche was endeavoring to do the very thing suspected--that is, he was
seeking to gain sight of the white man in order to give him a stealthy
shot.

"If he will but raise that door a single inch," was the exultant thought
of the captain, "I will get my fingers under the edge and yank it back
in spite of all he can do, and just about that time the band will begin
to play."

But would the Indian be rash enough to do this? The first glimpse
through the slightest crevice would tell him that his intended victim
had shifted his position. He would be shrewd enough to suspect its
meaning, and would take care that he did not throw away the golden
opportunity he had so brilliantly won.

Ah, if his wife and Dinah could but learn the exact truth! They would
quickly prove potent factors in the scheme. Their familiarity with the
house would enable them to eliminate that wretch who just then seemed to
be master of the situation.

Yes; the door moved again. The Indian must be beneath, and was striving
to do something with the covering, which at present shielded him from
the vengeance of the white man whom he had foiled.

The latter silently extended his hand to the edge of the door, hoping
that the purchase for which he was waiting was within reach. He was
disappointed. If the structure had been moved, it was to such a slight
extent as to afford no advantage.

He held his hand in the same position, intent on seizing the chance the
instant it presented itself, but the Indian was wonderfully cunning. It
would seem that having introduced himself into the ranchman's home, he
would have