Page:The tragedy of the Korosko (IA tragedyofkorosko00doylrich).pdf/83

 their boots scrunching among the loose black rubble. Colonel Cochrane and Belmont were still riding together in the van.

“Do you know, Belmont,” said the Colonel, in a low voice, “you may think me a fool, but I don’t like this one little bit.”

Belmont gave a short gruff laugh.

“It seemed all right in the saloon of the Korosko, but now that we are here we do seem rather up in the air,” said he. “Still, you know, a party comes here every week, and nothing has ever gone wrong.”

“I don’t mind taking my chances when I am on the war-path,” the Colonel answered. “That’s all straightforward and in the way of business. But when you have women with you, and a helpless crowd like this, it becomes really dreadful. Of course, the chances are a hundred to one that we have no trouble; but if we should have—well, it won’t bear thinking about. The wonderful thing is their complete unconsciousness that there is any danger whatever.”

“Well, I like the English tailor-made dresses well enough for walking, Mr. Stephens,” said Miss