The group began to break up and move down the gulch, most of the men shouting out a good-natured word or so of farewell. Bennington, recovering from his daze at the rapid passage of these events, stepped forward to where Fay and the girl had resumed their discussion. He saw that the young miner had recovered his habitual tone of raillery, and that the girl was now looking up at him with eyes full of deprecation. "Miss Lawton," said Bennington with formality, "I hope you will allow me, after your great kindness, to see that you get down the gulch safely." Fay cut in before the girl could reply. "Don't bother about that, de Laney," said he, in a most cavalier fashion. "I'll see to it." "I did not address you, sir!" returned Bennington coldly. The Westerner's eyes twinkled with amusement. The girl interrupted. "Thank you very much, Mr. de Laney, but Mr. Fay is right--I wouldn't trouble you." Her eyes commanded Fay, and he moved a little apart. "Don't be angry," she pleaded hurriedly, in an undertone, "but it's better that way to-night. And I think you acted grandly." "You are the one who acted grandly," he replied, a little mollified. "How can I ever thank you? You came just in time." She laughed. "You're not angry, are you?" she coaxed. "No, of course not; what right have I to be?" "I don't like that--quite--but I suppose it will do. You'll be there to-morrow?" "You know I will." "Then good-night." She gave his folded arm a hasty pat and ran on down the hill after Fay, who had gone on. Bennington saw her seize his shoulders, as she overtook him, and give them a severe shake. The light of the torches down the gulch wavered and disappeared. Bennington returned to his room. On the table lay his manuscript, and the ink was hardly dried on the last word of it. Outside a poor-will began to utter its weird call. The candle before him sputtered, and burned again with a clear flame. [Footnote A: Western--to become frightened.] CHAPTER IX THE HEAVENS OPENED Bennington awoke early the next morning, a pleased glow of anticipation warming his heart, and almost before his eyes were opened he had raised himself to leap out of the bunk. Then with a disappointed sigh he sank back. On the roof fell the heavy patter of raindrops.