Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/292

 274 "Only to make a guess. They were shadows rather than men—but they were not soldiers."

"That was Cowan's gang," she said positively. "It was Anse in the lead."

"How in Heaven's name do you know that?" I asked astounded. "Can you see in the dark?"

"I recognized him out yonder in the open. I knew his hat, and the way he walked. Their leader was Anse Cowan."

I waited an instant listening, and in the silence we could hear the splashing of water as the fellows plunged forward into the river. One voice spoke loud enough to reach us clearly, and was recognized.

"That was Anse," I acknowledged. "What can those fellows be after—the picket guard below?"

"They would not need so many men for that, would they?" hesitatingly. "Perhaps they are seeking me."

"You! Do you imagine they would dare invade the very Federal camp for such a purpose?"

"They have done things fully as desperate," she insisted. "If some spy has brought word of the situation, there would not be any great danger. There are no guards about the hotel, and they could raid it swiftly and get away without alarming the sentries at the courthouse. There is still time before day-break."