Rathburn's eyes narrowed. His right hand darted to his gun in a flash, and the muzzle of the weapon was pressed into Lamy's ribs. "Get down there!" commanded Rathburn. "Get down." Lamy hesitated with a wild look in his eyes. The muzzle of Rathburn's gun pressed harder against his midriff. He dropped lightly into the cellar. Rathburn pulled the rug against the trapdoor as he followed, then let down the door, certain that the rug would fall into place. The pair sat upon some gunny sacks in the little cellar until their eyes became accustomed to the darkness; they could dimly see each other by the faint light which came to them through some cracks in the floor above. They heard steps at the rear of the house; then the pound of hoofs from in front. Rathburn saw Lamy staring at him fixedly with a puzzled look. He frowned at him. Rathburn still held his gun in his hand. Both had forgotten the food which Lamy had in his lap. "Say," whispered Lamy. "What was your idea in givin' me back my gun?" He moved closer to get the reply. "Shut up!" said Rathburn, cocking an ear toward the trapdoor. The sound of footsteps now was in the kitchen. They heard horses snorting and men dismounting at the front door. After a brief space there were light footsteps in the room above followed by the tramp of heavy boots. "Good morning, ma'am," came a deep voice. "Good morning," was the hesitating reply. Rathburn recognized the voice of the girl who had fed him. "Ma'am, I'm Sheriff Neal of San Jacinto County," continued the deep voice, as several feet shuffled slightly. "These men with me are members of my posse. Maybe you know Judge Brown?" "I--I've seen him," answered the girl. Rathburn could feel Lamy's knees shaking against him in excitement. "I believe we've met some time," Brown put in. Rathburn thought the justice's voice sounded tired. "Ma'am, we're looking for a man--or two men." It was the sheriff speaking again. "Have you seen any one around here this morning--any stranger, or strangers, I mean?" "Why, no," replied the girl with a breathless catch in her voice. "I haven't seen any one." "You're sure?" Rathburn frowned at the sheriff's tone, although he kept his eyes on Lamy's white face. He smiled as he remembered that the sheriff had mentioned two men. This doubtless was the cause of Lamy's agitation. Nor did he think Lamy had forgotten that he, Rathburn, had pointed out that he could prove he didn't rob the place in Dry Lake. "You're sure?" the sheriff asked again. "Why, yes," replied the girl. "I am sure." "Maybe she can get us some breakfast," said Brown hopefully. "Can you feed five men, ma'am?" asked the sheriff in a softer tone. "Just sit down, and I'll get you some breakfast," said the girl. The two men in the little cellar could hear some of the men taking chairs and one or two going out to look after the horses. The girl's light footsteps retreated into the kitchen.