fixidity of gaze that went to the hearts of the three spectators.

"You are a sneaking scoundrel to use those words," said Captain
Dawson, when able to command his voice; "all the past is wiped out
except that of the last two days; I shall shoot you for stealing my
child from me."

The lieutenant looked calmly into the countenance of the man, and,
lowering his tones almost to a whisper, that was perfectly audible to
all, replied:

"I am at your disposal."

From the moment Captain Dawson learned of the flight of his child, he
had been eager for but one thing,--the opportunity to draw bead on the
miscreant, without giving him an instant to prepare for death. That
opportunity was his but he hesitated. Something that he could not
explain, but which incensed him, held his hand motionless.

But perhaps the end would have been the same, when he rallied from the
momentary struggle, had not his daughter awakened from the daze that
had held her mute and motionless. Like Pocahontas, she sprang forward,
with arms again outstretched, and with a faint shriek, flung them
about the form of her lover.

"Shoot father, if you will, but you shall kill me too!"

Felix Brush shivered and turning away his head, muttered in a broken
voice:

"My God, Wade! I can't stand this!"

Ruggles attempted to reply, but the words choked in his throat. Still
he and Adams kept their eyes upon the three before them. Ruggles was
on the point of interfering when Nellie Dawson averted the necessity.

Lieutenant Russell was disconcerted. His lip quivered, and, with
infinite tenderness, he sought to loosen the arms that entwined him,
but she would not permit it.

"No, no, no! He shall not part us! Let him slay us both! Do not
repulse me! I will die with you!"

The situation of Captain Dawson was awful. He was scarcely himself.
The dainty form of his child could not fully shield the athletic
figure of Lieutenant Russell, strive as much as she might, and the
opening for the threatened shot was as clear as ever. Whether he would
have persisted in his intention can never be known, for at that
juncture the startling incidents were succeeded by one still more
startling and unexpected.

CHAPTER XXVII

NO BRAVER DEED EVER WAS DONE

The hearts of two of the party were wrung as never before. Wade
Ruggles and Felix Brush saw with noonday clearness the dreadful
mistake they had made in the past in hoping to win the heart of the
maiden who had dec