bucket in a few seconds. While the horse drank the sergeant gave
whispered orders to Casey; and Christina, with steadfast eyes and locked
fingers, sat waiting for Harry to speak the dreaded words, wondering at
his silence. Monk moved round the house, peering into all the corners,
and came to the tank again. It stood on a small platform raised on four
uprights, and all was open underneath. The sergeant examined it. He
climbed to the top, removed the lid and, striking a light, looked in. The
tank was full of water.

'I am going to hunt over the quarries,' said the trooper in a low voice,
as he mounted. 'Donovan and Keel are taking a run in the paddock, Casey
will try the houses about here. You might keep your eyes open, Hardy.
Perhaps that boy was mistaken, but we mustn't miss a chance.'

Harry nodded, scarcely comprehending what the man said, and Monk rode off
leaving the two alone. For a minute or more they continued in the same
position; then Harry stole to Chris, and kneeling in the shadow by her
side took her hand firmly in his.

'He is there,' he whispered.

'What are you going to do?' she added in a strange voice.

'Why don't you get him away?'

'Away?' she murmured vaguely.

'Yes, yes; I will help you.' His left arm clasped her closely, and his
breath was on her cheek.