he time was sufficient for the youth to disappear as
completely as though he were a dozen miles distant.

"If I may be allowed," said the captain, in his most suave manner,
"I would suggest, Mr. Whitney, that you assist your mother to her
apartment up stairs. She is in need of rest, and can obtain it there
much better than here."

The good woman glanced suspiciously at the man, half doubting
the disinterestedness of his counsel, but he looked so grave and
solicitous that she was sure she did him injustice. While she was
hesitating, Fred added:

"It is good advice, mother; you can lie down, and when it is necessary
I will call you. Come, please."

She could not decline, and the stalwart son, who seemed to have
forgotten all about his wounded arm, almost carried her up the short
stairs and to her room. He was so familiar with the interior that he
needed no light, and deposited her as gently as an infant on the bed,
kissed her an affectionate good-night, and promised to listen and come
to her on hearing the slightest movement in her apartment.

"How does she seem to be?" asked Capt. Asbury, as Fred came down the
stairs.

"As well as ever; but the little rest will be grateful. She has had
enough to try the strongest person within the last few days."

"True indeed. I presume Vesey will soon be back with some ugly message
from Inman and Cadmus, but we have delayed matters so long that
I'm hopeful of keeping it up a while longer. Suppose, when this
enterprising rustler shows himself, you allow me to do the talking,
Fred. There is a good deal, you know, in the way you put things."

"I understand," replied the other, with a smile. "It will come,
perhaps, more appropriately from you than me."

It was apparent from the manner of the captain that he felt
considerable hope of success through the efforts of Miss Whitney or
Sterry, or both. Time was the great factor. It would seem that
three or four hours ought to bring the cattlemen, if either of the
messengers succeeded in getting through the lines. While there was
little doubt of the ability of the besieged being able to stand off
their assailants for a much longer time, yet there was every reason to
strain to the utmost the fortunate delay already secured.

A conflict was certain to result in a number of deaths to each
side. Not only that, but it would intensify the bitterness already
prevailing through many portions of Wyoming and Montana between the
cowmen and rustl