Plummer turned anxiously away and gave himself up to thought. Nothing
but a faint glimmer now remained of the beacon-light. All was still as
the grave about the lonely rancho. Walking over to the eastward door
he entered the dark room, and was instantly hailed by the voice of his
clerk.

"You're there, are you, Dawes?" he asked. "Not getting sleepy, I
hope."

"Not a whit, major; I couldn't, even if I hadn't slept most of the
day. I'm sitting here on the safe with a Colt's six-shooter in each
hand. If old Moreno's door cracks, by gad! I'll let drive."

"Well, that's all right; but suppose they come around through the
corral to this door?"

"I'm ready. I came within an ace of blazing away at you, but I
happened to recognize your figure and step just in the nick of time."

A low whistle without broke up the colloquy. Plummer waddled off in
the direction of the sound.

"What is it, sergeant?"

"They're coming, sir. Harvey's men, I mean. Will you deliver his
message?"

"Just as you say; why shouldn't you?"

"It'll have so much more effect from your lips, major. They may