Alden and Jethro had tramped for two hours and were again in the saddle, their horses on a walk. Alden was surprised when, as they gathered up the reins, his companion heaved a profound sigh. He did not speak, and a few minutes later repeated the inspiration. Glancing across, the perplexed youth asked: “What’s the matter with you, Jeth?” “I wish I could tell,” he answered, with a more prodigious intake than before. “What’s to hinder you?” said the other, not a little amused. “I’m carryin’ an orful secret.” “Seems to weigh you down a good deal; do you wish to tell me?” “Dat’s what I oughter do, but I hain’t got de courage, Al; it’s been on my mind two, free times, and I started in to let you know, but I’se afeard.” “Afraid of what?” “Ob _you_.” It was hard for Alden to restrain his laughter. He had not the remotest idea of what was in the mind of Jethro, and it must be confessed felt little curiosity to know. Understanding the fellow as he did, he could not believe that the “secret” which was bearing so heavily upon him, was of any account. “I’ll promise not to punish you, no matter what it is.” “But you doan’ know what it am.” “Of course; that’s why I’m inviting you to tell me.” “But when I do tell, den what?” “Haven’t I promised that no matter what it is, I shan’t punish you, provided you make a clean breast of it.” “You wouldn’t say dat if you knowed.” “Have you killed anybody, Jethro?” asked Alden in the most solemn voice he could assume. “Bress your heart, no! what put dat sarcumflexous idee in your head?” “Have you been stealing anything?” “Neber stole even a watermillion in all my life.” “Because, when you were round, the owners watched their property too closely to give you a chance.” Jethro’s eyes seemed to bulge more than ever. He said in a husky undertone: “Al, it am wuss dan dem two tings togeder.” “Ah, I know, then, what it is.” “WHAT?” “You have been smoking cigarettes; you look pale round the gills.” “Pshaw! what’s de matter wid you?” muttered Jethro disgustedly; “you talk as if you didn’t hab no sense.” “I am trying to suit my words to you. See here, Jeth, I am tired of all this; if you wish to tell me anything, I have assured you there is nothing to fear in the way of consequences from me. If that doesn’t satisfy you, keep the matter to yourself.” “If dat’s de way you talks, I’ll hab to wait a while; daresn’t unburden my mind now; mebbe I’ll let you know to-night.” “I don’t care enough to ask it.” And yet, strange as it may seem, Jethro Mix _did_ carry a secret, which, had he made it known to his friend, would have had a marked effect upon his subsequent life. CHAPTER IV THE DANGER CLOUD