ou with a forty-four. Who is it
you and your bunch are after?"

"We are after no one. Can't you understand English?" replied Rector
with some heat, "I have told you that we are here on a trip for
pleasure and nothing else."

"You said you was here for your health, a little time ago," grinned
the mountaineer.

"Well, what if we are?" snorted Ned.

"Nothing only that I'm going to drill you full of holes. The two
minutes is about up. You've lied to me pretty near every word you've
said. You said you didn't know Bill McKay when I know you do. You've
said he hadn't given you any orders. You've---"

"You're crazy," scoffed Rector.

"I reckon if I am that you're more so if you think I am going to gulp
down all them fairy stories. You're young. Mebby you don't know the
kind of a game you've stacked up against, but---"

"I ought to have some idea about it by this time," returned Ned.
"Everything you have said is a lie and you know it. I don't know you,
nor do I want to, being somewhat particular about the people I know.
And now once more, are you going to let me go?"

A sudden note of triumph had leaped into the tone of Ned Rector. Ned
had seen something that sent the blood coursing through his veins
madly. That something was a figure that for a few seconds had been
outlined in the faint light of the fire.

The mountaineer caught the change of tone on the instant. His
suspicions were aroused. His eyes narrowed. He slowly straightened
up until he had risen to his full height. Now the rifle came up to
position, ready for work. It was at his chest again. The mountaineer
had no need to bring the weapon to a level with his eyes. He could
shoot equally well from almost any position.

Rector shot a quick glance over the mountaineer's shoulder. He could
not resist one more look in Tad's direction. But that look was fatal.
With a roar the fellow wheeled like a flash.

Bang, bang!

The shots were fired with such suddenness that Ned did not realize
the fellow had turned until after the rifle had spit two charges of
fire and lead. Ned's head dropped. Everything grew black about him
again. The lad was in a fainting condition. It was all up with him
now.

Ned had tried to cry out, but the words would not come. He could not
utter a sound if his very life depended upon so doing.

Ned found his voice at last. It rose in a mighty yell for help, a yell
that carried far beyond the spot where those excit