leaving the men staring stupidly at each other.

"Wonder how she got here from the crossin'?" finally remarked one.

"Ef she came alone, she's got a black ride back," said another. "It's
nigh onto fourteen miles to that crossin'."

"An' she orten't to be travelin' at all," said little Muggy, the
smallest man of the party. "I'm a family man--or I wuz once--an' I tell
yer she ort to be where she ken keep quiet, an' wait for what's comin'
soon."

The men glanced at each other significantly, but without any of the
levity which usually follows such an announcement in more cultured
circles.

"This game's up, boys," said Buffle, rising suddenly. "The stage don't
reach the crossin' till noon, an' she is goin' to hev this shanty to
stay in till daylight, anyhow. You fellers had better git, right away."

Saying which, Buffle hurried out to look for Mrs. Berryn. He soon
overtook her, and awkwardly said:

"Mum!"

She stopped.

"Yer don't need to start till after daylight to reach that stage, mum,
an' you'd better come back and rest yerself in my shanty till mornin'."