At the best he was fitted only for the mine or the ranch, and the thought of life in a lonely valley, even with his love to lighten it, made her shudder. On one side she was a very practical and far-seeing woman. The instant she brought her reason to bear on the problem she perceived that any further acquaintance with this man was dangerous. They must part here at this moment, and yet she could not let him go without in some way making him feel her wish to help him. VIII Ward and the outlaw were discussing plans for getting out of the basin when Adams came in to say, "A couple of other weary wanderers are turning up." "The sheriff!" instantly exclaimed Alice, her face whitening in swift dismay. In that moment the forester was transformed. With a weapon in his hand he stood aside, his eyes on the door, a scowl of battle on his face. He resembled a wolf with bared fangs ready to die desperately. Ward, quick to read his purpose, interposed. "Wait!" he commanded. "Stay here; I'll see them. Don't be rash." As he passed out into the firelight the outlaw, without relaxing his vigilance, said in a low voice, "Well, girl, I reckon here's where I say good night." "Don't resist," she pleaded. "Don't fight, please! Please! What is the use? Oh, it's too horrible! If you resist they will kill you!" There was no fear in his voice as he replied: "They may not; I'm handy with my gun." She was breathless, chilled by the shadow of the impending tragedy. "But that would be worse. To kill them would only stain your soul the deeper. You must not fight!" "It's self-defense." "But they are officers of the law." "No matter; I will not be taken alive." She moaned in her distress, helplessly wringing her hands. "O God! Why should I be witness of this?" "You won't be. If this is the sheriff I am going to open that door and make a dash. What happens will happen outside. You need not see it. I'm sorry you have to hear it. But I give you my word--if you must hear something I will see to it that you hear as little as possible." The latch clicked--he stepped back, and again stood waiting, silent, rigid, ready to act, murderous in design. Mrs. Adams entered quickly, and, closing the door behind her, hurriedly whispered: "It's the sheriff. Hide! The men will hold them as long as they can. Hide!" The outlaw looked about and smiled. "Where?" he asked, almost humorously. "I'm not a squirrel." "Under the bunk. See, there is room." He shook his head. "No, I refuse to crawl. I won't sneak. I never have. I take 'em as they come." "For my sake," pleaded Alice. "I can't bear to see you killed. Hide yourself. Go to the door," she said to Peggy. "Don't let them in. Tell Freeman--" She rose and stood unsteadily, forgetful of her own pain. Mrs. Adams urged her to lie down, but she would not. The moments passed in suspense almost too great to be endured. "Listen!" commanded the outlaw. "They're coming in."