developments. They came--oh, yes, they came. Jim was the cattle-thief.
I the lucky gold prospector. Good, eh?" He laughed heartily.

"But, say, I was still a fool," he went on, after a slight pause. "I
was still sweet on you. Then I heard every time Jim came into the
village he'd always call to see you. That set me mad--so mad you came
mighty near to passing in your checks, and Jim too. I'm glad those
things didn't happen now. Y'see, I didn't reckon on Elia. I'd
forgotten him. That imp of hell can hate, and it was me he hated, eh?
Y'see, I've heard how he tracked me. I hear most things doing in
Barnriff. Then you did your fool stunt sending Jim out to warn me. He
got me clear, and--and I hate him worse for it; but not so bad as I
hate you now. I see how it was done. I'm no fool. Jim did it for you,
and I guess you'll pay his price. That's how you're both thinking. But
you won't. They're goin' to hang him. There's only one person who can
put them wise about this cattle stealing, that's Elia. And I'm going
to kill him to-night. That's why I came in--that an' to get money.
When I've finished him I'll see to you----"

But Eve was on her feet in a frenzy of horror and fear for the brother
she loved. All her mother's instinct was roused to a fighting pitch.

"You shan't touch him!" she cried fiercely. "You shall kill me first!
I swear it! Oh, you wretched murderer! You filth! Ha, ha--nobody but
Elia knows. Peter knows, and--and others. You touch Elia, and I swear
you shan't escape!"

"Peter knows, eh? Ho, ho, my girl," the man mocked. Then he shook his
head. "It doesn't matter--not a little bit. What I'm going to do will
be done to-night. Elia will get his med'cine, and then I'll come back,
and--well, you shan't get a chance of paying Jim his price. Oh, no,"
as Eve opened her lips to speak again, "I'll take no chances. I'll
leave you safe here. I could settle you first, but I want you to know
your beloved brother is dead before--you join him. Get my meaning? You
see, Peter and those others knowing have altered my plans some. You'll
join your angel brother when I come back."

He had been bending over her, to impress his cruel words upon her more
forcibly. Now he suddenly straightened up and snatched some dress
material from the table. Before the wretched woman was aware of his
intentions he had flung it over her head. She tried to scream, but
instantly he had her by the throat with one hand and choked her cries
back. Wit