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"I heard you and the captain speaking," said Hawkridge, in explanation, "but your voices were so low that I would not have identified them anywhere. Supposing you to be where you really were, I stepped to the rear window here and peered out in the gloom where I knew the stable to be " "Did you see anything?" interrupted Sterry. "Not a sign of the signal.
"Bear in mind that if I stay, as I intend to do, I do not mean to sit down and wait for those rustlers to pick me off. I count on having something to say and do in the matter; but, friends, I must bid you good-night." "What do you mean?" asked the astonished Fred Whitney. "I must leave," replied Sterry, rising to his feet; "I have already staid too long." Brother and sister were astounded.
Other forms were moving hither and thither, some of them quite close to where Sterry had halted, though none paid him any attention. The young man was looking for an opening by which he could make his way beyond the lines without attracting attention. The best prospect seemed to be the stretch of prairie extending from the front of the house toward the Big Horn Mountains.
"It is hardly a matter of courage," ventured Sterry, "for no one knowing you or your sister would question your bravery, but it is rather the peace of mind of your mother and her. It will be a long time, if ever, before your parent recovers from the shock of yesterday.
Had he not done so, he would never have had a second chance, for the stockmen were very much in earnest. The footmen came forward with their weapons at a level, for they were too prudent to give their prisoners a chance. "How are you, Hendricks?" asked Sterry, with a laugh, as the trio joined them.
"Inasmuch as that fellow is neither Inman, Cadmus, nor anyone of the leaders, it is not the thing for me to meet him." "You have recognized him?" was the inquiring remark of Hawkridge, glancing with a smile at the officer. "No. Who is he?" "Duke Vesey, who does not feel particularly amiable toward you." "I will meet him," volunteered Monteith Sterry. The captain shook his head.
The line was that of a semicircle, whose extreme rim on the left was several rods beyond the last of the wolves swarming to the right. "Now!" called Sterry at the moment of turning with all the speed at his command. Critical as was the moment, he flung one glance behind him. Fred and Jennie were almost nigh enough to touch him with outstretched hand.
The words of Monteith Sterry were uttered jestingly, but they caused a pang to the affectionate parent as she asked: "What could happen, Monteith?" Fred took it upon himself to reply promptly: "Nothing at all." "Is the ice firm and strong?"
"And having secured it, it remains Mont," added his companion abruptly, but without the slightest change of tone, "don't stop to ask me why, but step quickly through the door and into the house, and keep out of sight for a few minutes." "I understand," said Sterry, obeying without an instant's hesitation.
Like a good and true daughter she had no secrets from her mother, and when that excellent parent said, with a meaning smile, "Wait a few years, Jennie," the girl willingly promised to do as she wished in that as in every other respect. Fred was home for the Christmas holidays, and brought with him Monteith Sterry, one year his senior.
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