Page 190 (1/2)

The weary, dusty cavalcade halted on the level bench before the

bandit's cabin Gulden boo In the wild exultation of triumph they still held

him as chief But Kells was not deceived He even passed by that

heavily laden, gold-weighted saddle He had eyes only for Joan

"Girl, I never was so glad to see any one!" he exclaimed in husky

amaze "How did it happen? I never--"

Jireat, Kells--that

idea of yours putting us in the stagecoach you lance "But it nearly was the end

of us You didn't catch up The gang didn't knoere inside, and

they shot the old stage full of holes"

"Aha! So that's it," replied Kells, slowly "But the h Jihed Cleve, as he dismounted

Suddenly Kells became aware of Joan's exhaustion and distress

"Joan, you're not hurt?" he asked in swift anxiety

"No, only played out"

"You look it Co, half leading her, took her into the cabin, and through the