Then under a giant balsam, that reached aloft to the rim-wall, Joan
saw a little log cabin, open in front. It had not been built very
long; some of the log ends still showed yellow. It did not resemble
the hunters' and prospectors' cabins she had seen on her trips with
her uncle.

In a sweeping glance Joan had taken in these features. Kells had
dismounted and approached her. She looked frankly, but not directly,
at him.

"I'm tired--almost too tired to get off," she said.

"Fifty miles of rock and brush, up and down! Without a kick!" he
exclaimed, admiringly. "You've got sand, girl!"

"Where are we?"

"This is Lost Canon. Only a few men know of it. And they are--
attached to me. I intend to keep you here."

"How long?" She felt the intensity of his gaze.

"Why--as long as--" he replied, slowly, "till I get my ransom."

"What amount will you ask?"

"You're worth a hundred thousand in gold right now ... Maybe later I
might let you go for less."