When 'Poleon Doret had forced his way by main strength out of the Gold Belt Saloon, he removed his cap and, turning his face to the wind, he breathed deeply of the cool, clean air. His brow was moist; he let the snowflakes fall upon it the while he shut his eyes and strove to think. Engaged thus, he heard Lucky Broad address him. With the speaker was Kid Bridges; that they had come thither on the run was plain, for they were panting. "What's this about Kirby?" Lucky gasped. "We heard he's just been croaked!" the Kid exclaimed. 'Poleon nodded. "I seen it all. He had it comin' to him," and with a gesture he seemed to brush a hideous picture from before his eyes. "Old Sam! DEAD!" Broad, it seemed, was incredulous. He undertook to bore his way into the crowd that was pressing through the saloon door, but Doret seized him. "Wait!" cried the latter. "Dat ain't all; dat ain't de worst." "Say! Where's Letty?" Bridges inquired. "Was she with him when it happened? Does she know--" "Dat's w'at I'm goin' tell you." In a few words 'Poleon made known the girl's condition, how he had happened to encounter her, and how he had been looking for her father when the tragedy occurred. His listeners showed their amazement and their concern. "Gosh! That's tough!" It was Broad speaking. "Me 'n' the Kid had struck camp and was on our way down to fix up our boat when we heard about the killin'. We couldn't believe it, for Sam--" "Seems like it was a waste of effort to save that outfit," Bridges broke in. "Sam dead and Letty dyin'--all in this length of time! She's a good kid; she's goin' to feel awful. Who's goin' to break the news to her?" "I don' know." 'Poleon frowned in deep perplexity. "Dere's doctor in dere now," he nodded toward the Gold Belt. "I'm goin' tak' him to her, but she mus' have woman for tak' care of her. Mebbe Madame la Comtesse--" "Why, the Countess is gone! She left at daylight. Me 'n' the Kid are to follow as soon as we get our skiff fixed." "Gone?" "Sure!" "Sacre! De one decent woman in dis place, Wal!" 'Poleon shrugged. "Dose dance-hall gal' is got good heart--" "Hell! They pulled out ahead of our gang Best ran his boats through the White Horse late yesterday and he was off before it was light. I know, because Phillips told me. He's joined out with 'em--blew in early and got his war-bag. He left the Countess flat." Doret was dumfounded at this news and he showed his dismay. "But--dere's no more women here!" he stammered. "Dat young lady she's seeck; she mus' be nurse'. By Gar! Who's goin' do it, eh?"