"There is nothing between us," answered Wiley categorically, "and I don't know why she followed me--that is, if she really did." "Well, I did!" sobbed Virginia, burying her face on her father's breast, "but I wish I hadn't now!" "Huh!" grunted Wiley and stumped off down the trail where he filled his canteen at the pool. He was mad, mad all over, and yet he experienced a strange thrill at the thought of Virginia following him. He had left her smiling and shaking hands with Blount, but a curse had been on the money, and her conscience had forced her to follow him. It had been easy, for her, with a burro to ride on and Death Valley Charley to guide her; but with him it had been different. He had fled from arrest and it was only by accident that he had won to the water-hole in time. But yet, she had followed him; and now she would apologize and explain, as she had explained it all once before. Well, since she had come--and since the Colonel was watching him--he shouldered his canteen and came back. "My daughter tells me," began the Colonel formally, "that you are the son of my old friend, John Holman; and I trust that you will take my hand." He held out his hand and Wiley blinked as he returned the warm clasp of his friend. Ten days of companionship in the midst of that solitude had knitted their souls together and he loved the old Colonel like a father. "That's all right," he muttered. "And--say, hunt up the Old Man! Because he thinks the world of you, still." "I will do so," replied the Colonel, "but will you do me a favor? By gad, sir; I can't let you go. No, you must stay with me, Wiley, if that is your name; I want to talk with you later, about your father. But now, as a favor, since Virginia has come so far, I will ask you to sit down and listen to her. And--er--Wiley; just a moment!" He beckoned him to one side and spoke low in his ear. "About that woman who betrayed your trust--perhaps I'd better not mention her to Virginia?" Wiley's eyes grew big and then they narrowed. The Colonel thought there was another woman. How could he, proud soul, even think for a moment that Virginia herself had betrayed him? No, to his high mind it was inconceivable that a daughter of his should violate a trust; and there was Virginia, watching them. "Very well," replied Wiley, and smiled to himself as he laid down his gun and canteen. He led the way up the creek to where a gnarled old cottonwood cast its shadow against the cliff and smoothed out a seat against the bank. "Now sit down," he said, "and let's have this over with before the Colonel gets wise. He's a fine old gentleman and if his daughter took after him I wouldn't be dodging the sheriff." "Well, I came to tell you," began Virginia bravely, "that I'm sorry for what I've done. And to show you that I mean it I gave Blount back his stock."