Tonpit sagged back aghast. A second more and he had pulled the trigger, for his mind was curiously warped and his imprisonment had rendered him irresponsible. To relieve the scene of its tragic atmosphere, Sevier advised: “You’d better load that pistol. We may need it soon. You’ve tried once to shoot me with it.” Tonpit’s cold face flushed and he mumbled: “I was hasty. I apologize; I will reload it. Then my daughter and I will ride south.” “The trail south is open to you, but the girl rides north,” Sevier calmly informed. Tonpit’s eyes glowed wolfishly and without a word he began reloading the weapon. The girl knew the climax would come the moment he finished his task, and to Sevier she pleaded: “You mean well, but after all my place is by my father’s side. I thank you for what you’ve done. Now let us part good friends.” “Your place is not in Little Talassee, where they plot to cut up the Union,” was the firm response. “Your place is where Americanism thrives, in the settlements, or in the cities over the mountains. Never where McGillivray plots with Spain.” “Mr. Sevier, I will shoot you if you persist in your interference,” Tonpit announced. “Then you will be a murderer and your daughter will refuse to ride with you,” cheerfully countered Sevier. “If my death will restore the young woman to the American settlements, why, I shall not have died for nothing.” “Put up your pistol, father,” commanded the girl. “If you do Mr. Sevier any harm I shall ride north alone.” Tonpit’s face became ghastly as he heard her ultimatum and caught a reflection of his own stubborn will in her young face. “You’ve tricked me, Sevier,” he whispered. “But there’ll be a reckoning between us—” “Hush!” cried the girl, placing her fingers against his lips. Sevier tilted his head and meeting her questioning gaze nodded gravely. “What is it now?” growled Tonpit. “They’re after us, the whole gang,” informed Sevier. “Had you started south you would be prisoners by this time. They’re on our trail and we’ve no time for talk. Keep at my heels.” He spurred ahead with the girl and Tonpit raced after him. Loud yells from behind advertised their discovery by the outlaws. Rifles were fired, but without aim, as none of the lead came near them. Sevier twisted his head and motioned for Tonpit to ride beside him while the girl led the way. As Tonpit drew up the borderer informed: “We can’t outride them. Your girl is played out. A few miles ahead there is a cave near the trail where we can hide. Once there one of us can stand them off until the other gets help.” “Get help? Who is there to help us in this cursed country?” groaned Tonpit. “The Cherokees,” said Sevier. “Because of my talk with Old Tassel they will send men. Did McGillivray have his way the Cherokees would now be at war with the settlements and be among those hunting us. You’ve lost a chance to be Spain’s governor in the new world, but we’ll save the girl.” “Let us get to the cave,” gritted Tonpit.