est, but by this time they know you are here. Very
possibly they've followed closely on your trail and may be gathering
all around us at this moment. Let me be brief. The sooner you can
hitch in those mules again, or those relay mules rather, and get out
of here, the better."

"Ah! but, major, how about the Apaches in the Santa Maria? We would
get there, you know, just about daybreak."

"By Jupiter! I never thought of them. You wouldn't have your guard now
that your father's gone?"

"No. We've simply got to stay here, major. Personally, I'm only too
glad to be here to help you out. It cannot be long before the troops
come hurrying back when they find they've been tricked. Very probably
they have found it out by this time." Then with quick decision he
stepped back to the door of the Concord. "Girls! Paquita! Ruthie!
tumble out, both of you; we're to stay here at Moreno's to-night."
And, the paymaster aiding, the silent, trembling sisters were lifted
from the wagon and led away into the one guest-room, the east room,
where, pistol in hand, still sat Dawes on the safe. The wraps and
pillows were quickly passed in. The little hurricane-lamp was stood in
one corner. A bundle of cavalry blankets, left behind by the
detachment when it took the trail, was spread out upon the earthen
floor. The safe was hauled into the empty bar-room, and, bidding his
sisters lie down and fear nothing, assuring them of their perfect
safety there and urging them to sleep all they could against their
move at dawn, Edward Harvey, looking well to his arms and bidding his
two men do likewise, came forth and joined his soldier friends.

"There are five of us now against Morales and his outfit, and I'll
just bet my horse we can thrash 'em."

"Only eleven o'clock," muttered old Plummer, as he struck a match and
consulted his watch. "It's been the longest evening I ever spent; but,
thank God, our worst fears are at an end. I never doubted for a moment
that your sisters were captives. Who could the man have been who
personated you?"

"I don't know. I've heard of him once before. He is about my height
and build, but darker they say, and with more of Mexico in his manner.
He has been to Tucson, but I never heard of his masquerading over my
name until now, though I have heard of the resemblance. He must have
copied my writing, too, to so completely fool father."

"Oh, that was a mere scrawl on soft paper with a broad-pointed pencil.
There was no tim