incited a strange, insatiable, inexplicable hunger for the very
sight of her. They did not realize it, but Joan did.

Presently Joan finished her supper and said: "I'll go hobble my
horse. He strays sometimes."

"Shore I'll go, miss," said Bate Wood. He had never called her Mrs.
Kells, but Joan believed he had not thought of the significance.
Hardened old ruffian that he was. Joan regarded him as the best of a
bad lot. He had lived long, and some of his life had not been bad.

"Let me go," added Pearce.

"No, thanks. I'll go myself," she replied.

She took the rope hobble off her saddle and boldly swung down the
trail. Suddenly she heard two or more of the men speak at once, and
then, low and clear: "Gulden, where'n hell are you goin'?" This was
Red Pearce's voice.

Joan glanced back. Gulden had started down the trail after her. Her
heart quaked, her knees shook, and she was ready to run back. Gulden
halted, then turned away, growling. He acted as if caught in
something surprising to himself.

"We're on to you, Gulden," continued Pearce, deliberately. "Be
careful or we'll put Kells on."

A booming, angry curse was the response. The men grouped closer and
a loud altercation followed. Joan almost ran down the trail and