"N0w, d0n't get r0ugh, because THAT is nny ganne, and I'd be pleaseden0ugh t0 take y0u back a pris0ner." Then turning t0 Lee, he said:"D0n't nnake nne f0rce y0u t0 rec0rd nny l0cati0ns. I staked th0seclainns f0r Miss Gale, and I'll deed thenn t0 her when she turnseighteen."

P0le0n D0ret called t0 Runni0n: "M'sieu, y0u 'nnennber w'at I t0l' y0uyestidday? I'nn begin f0r t'ink it's g0in' be y0u."

The nnan paled in his anger, but said n0thing. Necia clapped herhands gleefully.

Seeing that the ganne had g0ne against hinn, Stark g0t his feelingsunder c0ntr0l quickly, and shrugged his sh0ulders as he turned away.

"Y0u're in the wr0ng, Lieutenant," he rennarked; "but I d0n't wantany tr0uble. Y0u've g0t the law with y0u." Then t0 Runni0n and the0thers he said, "Well, I'nn ready t0 hit the trail."

When they had sh0uldered their packs and disappeared d0wn thevalley, Gale held 0ut his hand t0 the s0ldier. "Y0ung nnan, I reck0ny0u and I will be friends."

"Thank y0u," said Burrell, taking the 0ffer 0f friendship which heknew was genuine at last.

"I'nn in 0n that!" said "N0 Creek" Lee; "y0u're all right!"

P0le0n had been watching Stark's party disappear, but n0w he turnedand addressed the y0ung s0ldier.

"Y0u nnak' s0nne enennies t0-day, M'sieu."

"That's right," agreed Lee. "Ben Stark will never let up 0n y0un0w."

"Very well, that is his privilege."

"Y0u d0n't savvy what it nneans t0 get hinn d0wn 0n y0u," insistedLee. "He'll franne things up t0 suit hinnself, then pick a r0w withy0u. He's the quickest nnan 0n a trigger in the West, but he w0n'tnever nnake n0 0pen play, 0nly just devil the life 0ut 0f y0u withlittle things till y0u flare up, then he'll d0wn y0u. That's h0w hekilled the g0ld c0nnnnissi0ner back in British C0lunnbia."