"Dead sure, Dick. He's an escaped convict, and he has a grudge at your
friend. He is afraid of him, too. Look out for Lieutenant Fraser
to-night. Don't let him wander around outside. If he does, there may
be murder done."

Even as she spoke, there came a sound from the wooded hillside-- the
sound of a stifled cry, followed by an imprecation and the heavy
shuffling of feet.

"Listen, Dick!"

For an instant he listened. Then: "There's trouble in the grove, and
I'm not armed," he cried.

"Never mind! Go-- go!" she shrieked, pushing him forward.

For herself, she turned, and ran like a deer for the house.

Siegfried was sitting on the porch, whittling a stick.

"They-- they're killing Steve-- in the grove," she panted.

Without a word he rolled off, like a buffalo cow, toward the scene of
action.

Arlie pushed into the house and called for Jed.

CHAPTER XIII

THE WOLF HOWLS