can I help it, Jack? I must worry while conditions are as they now
are in the valley. I fear lest Dad shall be killed, I fear lest Tom
shall be picked from his saddle, and I--I even fear lest you might not
be with us long. You must know that you have been a great salvation to
this country, in one sense, and in another----"

"What! you hesitate?"

"If you should die," said Nora slowly, "why, life would not be worth
much to some."

"And to you, Nora?"

"Without you all would be dark."

"Nora!"

"Yes, Jack. You are the only person who ever awakened within my soul a
sensation akin to joy. Your big heart has won my esteem, and--and----"

Nora hung her head shyly, as she told what had been in her heart for
some time.

"Your love is not in vain," said Wade.

They had now reached the brook, and were dismounting.

"Let us seal our love right here, under this tree," said Wade, and he
impressed a kiss upon her sweet forehead. A quiet flush covered her
face, and she was very happy.

The spot they selected was a lovely one 'neath a small bush, where they
would be completely hid from the view of an idle passer. They were in
Thompson's territory, and, though Tom Judson had thought Al was away, it
was not true. This had been a ruse on the part of the wily Al in order
to catch a Judson napping. Wade did not know of a certainty that Al was
not gone, but he was cautious, nevertheless. His rifle was ever near
him. Now, they had not been long secure until they saw Al meandering
down the stream on the opposite side from them. Wade watched him until
he was directly opposite them, then whispered to Nora to keep well hid.
Leveling his rifle at Al, he commanded him to halt. Nora's heart beat
fast in her bosom. Al, recognizing Wade's voice, looked sharply around,
sending his right hand to his pistol pocket. Too late.

"Take it off," said Wade, "or I may be tempted to blow out your life."

Wade spoke in the rough language of the mountaineer. Times were such
that a fellow must necessarily blow a fellow's brains out or get his own
scattered over the earth. Thompson caught sight of Wade in his
hiding-place and, seeing that he was looking into the barrel of Wade's
rifle, took his hand from his pocket and raised it, with the other, high
above his head.

"Ye've got me shore, this time," said Al. "What ye goin' ter do with
me?"

"I'm going to kill you," replied Wade. "Turn your back to me, and be
quick about it."

"What! ye hain't