"He turned white, and asked me just what I meant. Then I said that
some one wanted him pretty bad, for, early as it was, this
stranger was up as soon as you, and had followed us into the
mountains and might show up any time on the road. At which he gave
me a stare, then plunged back into the house to get his hat and
trot out his horse. I never saw quicker work. But it's no use; he
can't escape those men. They know it, or they wouldn't have
stopped where they did, waiting for him."

Mr. Black recalled the aspect of the gully, and decided that Mr.
Sloan was right. There could be but one end to this adventure.
Oliver would be caught in a manifest effort to escape, and the
judge's cup of sorrow and humiliation would be full. He felt the
shame of it himself; also the folly of his own methods and of the
part he had allowed Reuther to play. Beckoning to his host to
follow him, he turned towards the house.

"Don't mention your fears to the young lady," said he. "At least,
not till we are well past the gully."

"I shan't mention anything. Don't you be afeared of that."

And with a simultaneous effort difficult for both, they assumed a
more cheerful air, and briskly entered the house.

It was not until they were well upon the road back that Reuther
ventured to speak of Oliver. She was riding as far from the edge
of the precipice as possible. In descent it looked very formidable
to her unaccustomed eye.