untoward arrival of Gledware, would have won from him his share of
the booty. But his voice was smooth and pleasant as he resumed:
"Yes, pard, the kid must die. We couldn't do nothing with her, and
if we left her on some door-step, she's sure old enough, and she
looks full sharp enough, to tell sufficient to trammel us good and
plenty. If we sets her loose in the prairie, she'd starve to death
if not found--and if found, it would settle our case. And as Kansas
says, this debate must close, or daylight will catch us."

Brick Willock, with terrible oaths, again expressed himself as
strongly opposed to this decision.

"Well, Brick," said Red, with a sneer, "do YOU want to take the kid
and raise her, yourself? We've either got to do away with her, or
keep her hid. Do YOU want to be her nurse, and keep with her in
some cave or other while we go foraging?"

Willock muttered deep in his throat, while his companions laughed
disdainfully.

"We've had enough of this!" Red declared, his voice suddenly grown
hard and cold. "Kansas, take the prisoner; Brick Willock, as you're
so fond of the kid, you can carry HER." He opened the door and a
rush of wind extinguished the candle. There was silence while it
was being relighted. The flickering light, reddening to a steady
glow, revealed no mercy on the scowling countenances about the
table, and no shadow of presentiment on that of the still
unconscious child.

Red went outside and waited till his brother had drawn forth the