pass the run to-day, Alec."

A quarter of an hour later they were in the saddle and away. Siegfried
did not lead his friend directly up the cañon that opened into Jack
Rabbit Run, but across the hills to a pass, which had to be taken on
foot. They left the horses picketed on a grassy slope, and climbed the
faint trail that went steeply up the bowlder-strewn mountain.

The ascent was so steep that the last bit had to be done on all fours.
It was a rock face, though by no means an impossible one, since
projecting ledges and knobs offered a foothold all the way. From the
summit, the trail edged its way down so precipitously that twice
fallen pines had to be used as ladders for the descent.

As soon as they were off the rocks, the big blonde gave the signal for
silence. "Ay bane t'ink we might meet up weeth some one," he
whispered, and urged Steve to follow him as closely as possible.

It was half an hour later that Sig pointed out a small clearing ahead
of them. "Cabin's right oop on the edge of the aspens. See it?"

The ranger nodded assent.

"Ay bane go down first an' see how t'ings look."

When the Norwegian entered the cabin, he saw two men seated at a
table, playing seven up. The one facing him was Tommie, the cook; the
other was an awkward heavy-set fellow, whom he knew for the man he
wanted, even before the scarred, villainous face was twisted toward
him.