a, but not to the north, not to the west; I can't believe that.
Those Morales fellows know everything that is going on. They knew that
just about this time Ned Harvey was expected along escorting his
sisters home. They knew you had never seen him and could easily be
made to believe the story. Everything has been done to hold us back,
first at Ceralvo's and afterwards here, until they could gather all
their gang in force sufficient to attack, then--Hist! listen!
There's hoofs now. No, not out there, the other way, from the Tucson
road, east. God grant it's some of our fellows coming back! Keep watch
here, major; I'll run out and challenge."

Hastily picking up a carbine as he passed the door, Feeny ran nimbly
out across the sandy barren, disappearing in the darkness to the
southeast. Old Plummer's heart beat like a hammer as he listened for
the hail. A moment more he could hear hoof-beats and the voices of men
in low tones; then, low-toned too, but sharp and stern, Feeny's
challenge rose upon the night:

"Who comes there?"

Instantly the invisible party halted, surprised; but with the
promptness born of frontier experience, back came the answer:

"Friends."

"Who are you, and where from?"

"George Harvey and party from Tucson, looking for Moreno's. Who are
you?"

"United States cavalry on escort duty. How many in your party?"

"Only two here. We were delayed by Apache signs in the Santa Maria.
The rest are some miles behind with relay mules. Are we near the
ranch? What's that light out to the west?"

"Never mind that now. Dismount and come up alone, Mr. Harvey; I must
recognize you first."

Feeny wanted to gain time. His brain was whirling. Here was partial
confirmation of the story told by the alleged Ned Harvey in the
morning. Here was the father coming with guard and relay mules to meet
his children just as their morning visitor declared he was expected to
do. Was it possible after all that the tale was true,--that the
children were there at the Gila, making wide _detour_ around Ceralvo's
and taking the northward route around that ill-favored ranch? If so,
what awful tidings had he to break! Stout soldier that he was, Feeny
felt that he was trembling from head to foot. Up through the gloom
strode a tall figure, fearless and confident.

"There's no Irishman in all the Morales gang," laughed the coming man,
"and I know a cavalryman's challenge when I hear it, and so honor it
at once. Where are you, sentry