; "but I don't want any
trouble. You've got the law with you." Then to Runnion and the others
he said, "Well, I'm ready to hit the trail."

When they had shouldered their packs and disappeared down the valley,
Gale held out his hand to the soldier. "Young man, I reckon you and I
will be friends."

"Thank you," said Burrell, taking the offer of friendship which he knew
was genuine at last.

"I'm in on that!" said "No Creek" Lee; "you're all right!"

Poleon had been watching Stark's party disappear, but now he turned and
addressed the young soldier.

"You mak' some enemies to-day, M'sieu."

"That's right," agreed Lee. "Ben Stark will never let up on you now."

"Very well, that is his privilege."

"You don't savvy what it means to get him down on you," insisted Lee.
"He'll frame things up to suit himself, then pick a row with you. He's
the quickest man on a trigger in the West, but he won't never make no
open play, only just devil the life out of you with little things till
you flare up, then he'll down you. That's how he killed the gold
commissioner back in British Columbia."

Necia had said little so far, but the look in her eyes repaid the
soldier for his undertaking in her behalf, and for any mischief that
might ensue from it. She came forward and laid her hands upon his.

"Promise that you won't have trouble with him," she begged, anxiously,
"for it's all my fault, and I'd--I'd always blame myself if any hurt
came to you. Promise! Won't you?"

"Don't worry, daughter," reassured Gale. "There's nothing Stark can do,
and whatever happens we're with the Lieutenant. He's our kind of
people."

Burrell liked this grizzled old fellow with the watchful eyes, and was
glad now that he could grip his hand and face him squarely with no
guilt upon his conscience.

By this time Doret had finished with their blankets, and the four set
out for town, but instead of following the others they accepted Necia
as guide and chose the trail to Black Bear Creek. They had not gone far
before she took occasion to lag behind with the Lieutenant.

"I couldn't thank you before all those people--they would have read our
secret--but you know how I feel, don't you, Meade?"

"Why! It was a simple thing--"

"It was splendid when you defied them. My, what a fierce you are! Oh,
boy! What if something should happen to you over this!"

"But there's no chance. It's all done, and you'll have your fine
dresses and be able to hold your nos