“I didn’t think of it. Perhaps I shall next time.” “I shouldn’t. Y’u see, I’d follow you and bring you back. And if I didn’t find you there would be a lamb lost again in these hills.” “The sporting thing would be to take a chance.” “And leave me here alone? Well, I’m going to give you a show to take it.” He handed her his revolver. “Y’u may need this if you’re going traveling.” “Are you telling me to go?” she asked, amazed. “I’m telling you to do as you think best. Y’u may take a hike or y’u may bring back Two-step to me. Suit yourself.” “I tell you plainly, I sha’n’t come back.” “And I’m sure y’u will.” “But I won’t. The thing’s absurd. Would you?” “No, I shouldn’t. But y’u will.” “I won’t. Good-bye.” She held out her hand. He shook his head, looking steadily at her. “What’s the use? You’ll be back in half an hour.” “Not I. Did you say I must keep the Antelope Peaks in a line to reach the Lazy D. “Yes, a little to the left. Don’t be long, little pardner.” “I hate to leave you here. Perhaps I’ll send a sheriff to take care of you.” “Better bring Two-step up to the south of that bunch of cottonwoods. It’s not so steep that way.” “I’ll mention it to the sheriff. I’m not coming myself.” She left him apparently obstinate in the conviction that she would return. In reality he was taking a gambler’s chance, but it was of a part with the reckless spirit of the man that the risk appealed to him. It was plain he could not drag himself farther. Since he must let her go for the horse alone, he chose that she should go with her eyes open to his knowledge of the opportunity of escape. But Helen Messiter had not the slightest intention of returning. She had found her chance, and she meant to make the most of it. As rapidly ias her unaccustomed fingers would permit she saddled and cinched her pony. She had not ridden a hundred yards before Two-step came crashing through the young cottonwood grove after her. Objecting to being left alone, he had broken the rein that tied him. The girl tried to recapture the horse in order that the outlaw might not be left entirely without means of reaching camp, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She had to give it up and resume her journey. Of course the men at his ranch would miss their chief and search for him. There could be no doubt but that they would find him. She bolstered up her assurance of this as she rode toward the Antelope Peaks, but her hope lacked buoyancy, because she doubted if they had any idea of where he had been going to spend the day. She rode slower and slower, and finally came to a long halt for consideration. Vividly there rose before her a picture of the miscreant waiting grimly for death or rescue. Well, she was not to blame. If she deserted him it was to save herself. But to leave him helpless——