“This is enough for our comfort,” I assured him. “There'll be a fire here in a minute,” said the landlord, regarding the miserable little stove with an eye of satisfaction that I attributed to its economical proportions. “This is good enough,” said Lockhart, looking about approvingly at the prim horsehair furniture that gave an awesome dignity to the parlor. “Beats our quarters below all hollow,” said Fitzhugh. “And no need to have your gun where you can grab it when the first man says boo!” “Don't get that idea into your head,” said I. “Just be ready for anything that comes. We're not out of the woods yet, by a long way.” “They've gone on to Sacramento,” laughed Fitzhugh; and the others nodded in sympathy. “Indeed?” I said. “How many of you could have missed seeing a party of nine get off at a way-station on this line?” There was silence. “If there's any one here who thinks he would have missed us when he was set to look for us, just let him speak up,” I continued with good-humored raillery. “I guess you're right,” said Fitzhugh. “They couldn't well have missed seeing us.” “Exactly. And they're not off for Sacramento, and not far from Livermore.” “Well, they're only two,” said Lockhart. “How long will it take to get a dozen more up here?” I asked. “There's a train to Niles about noon,” said one of the men. “They could get over from there in an hour or two more by hard riding.” “The Los Angeles train comes through about dark,” said another. “I think, gentlemen,” said I politely, “that we'd best look out for our defenses. There's likely to be a stormy evening, I should judge.” “Well,” growled Wainwright, “we can look out for ourselves as well as the next fellow.” “If there's bloody crowns going round, the other gang will get its share,” said Fitzhugh. And the men about me nodded. I was cheered to see that they needed nobody to do their fighting, however advisable it might be to do their thinking by deputy. “Very good,” I said. “Now I'll just look about the town a bit. You may come with me, if you please, Fitzhugh.” “Yes, sir.” “And Abrams and Lockhart may go scouting if they like.” Abrams and Lockhart thought they would like. “Better keep together,” I continued. “What's the earliest time any one could get here?” “Two o'clock--if they drove over.” “I'll be around here by that time. You, Abrams, can look out for the road and see who comes into town.” “All right, sir,” said Abrams. “There won't anybody get in here without I catch sight of him.” Lockhart nodded his assent to the boast, and after cautioning the men who were left behind we sallied forth.