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For a man as weak and weary as he had been, it was remarkable how

quickly a touch awakened him He lifted his head

"Hello! Who's that?" he called out, sharply

Pearce rose guardedly, startled, but not confused "It's only me,

boss," he replied "I was about to turn in, an' I wanted to kno

you are--if I could do anythin'"

"I'ht, Red," replied Kells, coolly "Clear out and let me

alone All of you"

Pearce ht and joined the others

at the ca

Gulden hunching there silent in the gloom

"Joan, why did you wake me?" whispered Kells

"Pearce asked me if I shot you," replied Joan "I woke you instead

of answering hihed "Can't

fool that gang I guess it doesn't matter Maybe it'd be well if

they knew you shotflare of the

fire on his pale face But he did not speak again Presently he fell

asleep

Joan leaned back, within reach of hi a blanket up over her, relaxed her li froht had grown chilly; the eeping with

low roar through the balsams; the fire burned dull and red Joan

watched the black, shapeless hulk that she knew to be Gulden For a