companions, that he did not raise a hand in their defence. A sudden
terror possessed him, so leaping aside just in time to escape the
whirlwind of a man charging upon him, he ran as he had never run in his
life before.

Dane stood looking after him, and a smile overspread his face.

"Hi, there, you've forgotten the message," he called. "Come back and
get it."

But the man paid no heed. He kept steadily on, and only slowed down to
a walk as he neared the store. Dane next turned his attention to the
other two men. They had both recovered, and were sitting upon the
ground, rubbing their injured faces in the most doleful manner.

"Why, what's the matter?" he bantered. "Did something hit you?"

"Did it?" one of them growled. "Did lightning ever hit a tree? Who in
h---- are you, anyway?"

"Oh, I'm the man with the message. I've got it yet; don't you want it?
I thought you were in a hurry."

As the crestfallen men made no reply, Dane stepped toward them.

"I'll tell you who I am," he began. "I am the King's Arrow. I go
where I am sent, and I hit the bull's eye every time, and hit it hard,
too. Do you doubt it?"

"Good Lord, no!" was the gasping confession from each.