California in his caravan. He brought all his gold with him."

Fresno showed a growing interest.

"We were attacked by Sioux.... Horn buried all that gold--on the spot.
All--all the others were killed--except me.... And I know where--" Allie
shuddered with what the words brought up. But no memory could weaken
her.

Fresno opened his large mouth to bawl this unexpected news to his
comrades.

"Don't call them--don't tell them," Allie whispered. "There's only one
condition. I'll take you where that gold's hidden."

"Girl, I can make you tell," he replied, menacingly.

"No, you can't."

"You ain't so smart you think I'll let you go--jest for some gold?" he
queried. "Gold'll be cheap along this trail soon. An' girls like you are
scarce."

"No, that's not what I meant.... Get rid of the others--and I'll take
you where Horn buried his gold."

Fresno stared at her. He grinned. The idea evidently surprised and
flattered him; yet it was perplexing.

"But Frank--he's my pard--thet one with the black hat," he protested. "I
couldn't do no dirt to Frank.... What's your game, girl? I'll beat you
into tellin' me where thet gold is."

"Beating won't make me tell," replied Allie, with intensity. "Nothing
will--if I don't want to. My game is for my life. You know I've no
chance among four men like you."

"Aw, I don't know about thet," he blustered. "I can take care of you....
But, say, if you'd stand fer Frank, mebbe I'll take you up.... Girl, are
you lyin' about thet gold?"

"No."

"Why didn't the trapper dig it up? You must hev told him."

"Because he was afraid to keep it in or near his cabin. We meant to
leave it until we were ready to get out of the country."

That appeared plausible to Fresno and he grew more thoughtful.

Meanwhile the altercation among the other three ruffians assumed
proportions that augured a fight.

"I'll divide this sack when I git good an' ready," declared Sandy.

"But, pard, thet's no square deal," protested Old Miles. "I'm a-gittin'
mad. I seen you meant to keep it all."

The dark-faced ruffian shoved a menacing fist under Sandy's nose. "When
do I git mine?" he demanded.

Fresno wheeled and called, "Frank, you come here!"

The other approached sullenly. "Fresno, thet Sandy is whole hog or
none!" he exclaimed.

"Let 'em fight it out," replied Fresno. "We've got a bigger game....
Besides, they'll shoot each other up. Then we'll hev it all. Come, give
'em elbow room."

He led A