s first intention had been to press
their flight with all possible vigor, and, as will be recalled, Adams
carried away that belief with him.

"My view of matters has undergone a change," he said after a time to
his companion, who looked up in his face for an explanation.

"Instead of waiting until we reach Sacramento for a meeting with your
father, I believe it will be much better to have it as soon as
possible."

"Why?" she asked, though curious to say, she had been wavering for
some time in her belief.

"It will add to rather than lessen his anger, if he is obliged to
follow us that far, and the fact that he is in a city instead of the
mountains will not decrease his determination to do me injury."

"What about those who are with him?"

"Your father is the only one to be considered. My proposal is that we
wait here till to-morrow morning until they come up; what is your
opinion?"

"I believe you are right; let us do so; I don't think father will cast
me off when I go to him."

The plan was carried out, though the young man felt more misgiving
than his companion suspected. He remained on guard a part of the
night, sharing the duty with Timon, whose almost human intelligence
made him as reliable as a trained scout himself.

Straight to the spot came the pursuers soon after daylight, when the
horses were saddled and bridled. Nellie was in a state of feverish
expectancy. When she caught sight of her father, leading the others,
she joyfully uttered his name and ran toward him with outstretched
arms.

"Father, my own father, are you not glad to see your Nellie?"

Still holding his Winchester half-raised, he glanced sternly at her
and replied:

"Come no nearer; you are no daughter of mine!"

She stopped as if shot, and with hands still outstretched stood
motionless, with her eyes fixed yearningly upon him. She was like a
marble statue, without the breath of life in her body. All were
silent. Even Timon looked from one to another without moving. The
whole thing was beyond his comprehension.

Then the dreadful truth seemed to force itself upon the consciousness
of the girl, who staggered backward to the nearest boulder, upon which
she sank and covered her face with her hands. She did not weep, for
her grief was too deep.

And who shall picture the sorrow that wrenched the heart strings of
the parent? There was a strange look on his face and his massive frame
trembled. But he quickly recovered his self-pois