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 while Louise sawed at the ropes with eager compassion and set the cowman free.

Withers broke for the water keg slung to the side of the wagon as the last rope fell from his leg, not stopping for even a glance of gratitude or thanks for his deliverer. When he had poured down several pints he scrambled under the wagon for his belt, then rummaged around with head under the canvas until he had found his gun.

"Thanks, awfully!" said Maud, with mocking sarcasm.

Withers was buckling on his cartridge belt with vicious haste, his eyes exploring the immediate vicinity for trace of his horse. Maud's taunt reminded himof his duty, which selfishness had pushed aside. Louise was putting the butcher knife back in the cook's kit. Withers turned to her, his eyes red, his thick gray hair tumbling down to his heavy, scowling brows.

"I'll remember this favor, young lady, and I hope I may be able to do as much for you some day," he said.

"Well, I hope not," said Louise, laughing a little at the thought of herself tied in that undignified fashion to a wagon wheel. "Who did it, Colonel Withers?"

"Crowd of fellers held me up and robbed me."

"Do you know who they were?"

"I could identify 'em," Withers replied, portentously.

Maud Kelly leaned back and laughed; a loud and strident laugh, the sound of it echoing among the wil-