Sudden Rides Again

"Stand back everybody," Satan barked. "You can't help him, you scum. He got what he asked for; if he hadn't gone for that shoulder-gun--"

The negro looked up; sorrow had made him reckless. "He ain't wearin' none--neber knowed him to," he cried brokenly.

The slayer ignored the remark, gazing with horrible satisfaction at the still form of his victim. He turned to Jansen.

"I suppose I can trust you to see to the burying," he said. "If not, I'll--"

"We'll fix it," the store-keeper replied, adding with bitter emphasis, "You've done yore part."

"Don't be insolent," Satan snapped. "I'm the rightful owner of the Double K now, and--"

"You can take yore damned custom somewhere else," Jansen retorted bluntly. "I reckon that goes for all of us ;Dugout can get along without stolen money."

"You bet it can," Naylor chimed in, and the others nodded assent.

The bandit's fists clenched, and his men waited for the word which would set guns roaring and turn the place into a shambles. But it did not come.

"Dugout had better mind its step, or one morning it will wake up and find it isn't," Satan threatened, and followed his band out of the saloon.

As soon as they had gone, Sam, who was still crouched by his old master, beckoned the others.

"He ain't daid, but he's hurt pow'ful bad," he whispered. "Dasn't say nuffin' 'case dat debbil mak' sho'."

The bullet had gone right through the body, just missing the heart. Jansen, who supplied the town with the simple medicines it required, and had some experience of injuries, shook his head as he busied himself with the bandages.

"His lungs is damaged an' he'll be bleedin' inside," he pronounced. "He's got the chance of a snowball in hell. There, I can't do no more; mebbe a jolt o' liquor will offset the shock."

The strong spirit brought the stricken man to consciousness, his eyes opened, staring at them in wonderment. Then recollection came.

"It--was--an--accident," he murmured laboriously, and his voice growing somewhat, "Remember--all of you: I was handling my gun--it went off."

"Shore, Colonel, we won't forget," Jansen replied.. "Good," the sick man whispered. "Now--take me--home."

His eyes closed again. The men looked at one another in consternation; the bumping of a vehicle over the rough trail would certainly complete the work of the bullet. Black Sam rolled his eyes in despair.

"We jus' gotta do it, gents," he said. "If de Kunnel come roun' an' fin' he ain't at de ranch, he'll sho'ly raise Cain an' pass right out. 'Ordehs is ordehs,' he allus sez, an' he's de obstinatest man I eber did see."

It was the blacksmith who found a solution. "We'll make a sling outa blankets an' a couple o' poles, an' four of us can carry him, with two others along to take turn. Polter, you ride to Red Rock for the doctor, an' take yore gun in case he don't fancy the journey."

So it was arranged. Naylor, as he turned away to help in the preparations, had a last word.

"Accident!" he said scornfully. "If ever I git my paws on that young devil's windpipe suthin' will happen but it won't be an accident. No, sir."

* * * Along the road through the foothills Satan paced behind his retainers; he trusted no man or woman. Matters had gone according to plan and a fierce elation possessed him.

"I deceived them, every one, even my father," he exulted. "And those idiots away East said I couldn't act. This will make a stir in the country and drive Jeff back to me. And then, Satan must die and Lander vanish, to reappear later as a wealthy stranger in search of a ranch. He will fall in love with the Double K, also its fair owner, and those boors in Dugout will lick the dust off the boots of the man they would hang to-day if they dared. But I must get rid of that cursed cowboy--he knows--or suspects--too much."

His low laugh reached the ears of the riders in front and moved Squint to speech: "I ain't what you'd call mealymouthed, but if I'd just bumped off my of man I dunno as I'd be all that amused."

The man beside him, a half-breed, furtively crossed himself. "He make bargain wit' de Evil One," he muttered, with a fearful glance over his shoulder.

Scar grinned hardily. "I ain't carin' if he's the Evil One hisself so long as he pays well," he said. "But we ain't had no luck since that blasted cowpunch showed up."

Satan's satisfaction was to be short-lived; some hours later Belle Dalroy burst in on him, still in her riding-kit and obviously excited. He received her with a studied indifference.

"What's the news from Dugout?" he asked.

Her eyes widened. "Who told you--oh, well, perhaps you also know what happened there?" she said petulantly."Tell me."

"Colonel Keith was in Black Sam's this morning and was doing something to his gun when it exploded, and--he's dead."

The news shook him so severely that he forgot his pretence of omniscience; in a flash he saw that such an explanation would defeat the purpose for which he had committed the crime.

"Who told you that fine tale?"

"Mrs. Jansen, the store-keeper's wife; her husband was with the Colonel; he ought to know."

"All the same, it's a lie," Satan replied vehemently. "Keith was killed in a gunfight." He paused, and with sinister emphasis, added, "I ought to know; I was there."

In those stony, implacable eyes she read the truth. "You, Jeff?" she stammered. "You--shot--your own father?"

"My own father," he mimicked. "Who forced me to herd with the dregs of humanity, hired one of them to slay me, and when that failed, tried to do it himself. Yes, I shot him, and would do it again--gladly."

The last word was spat out with vicious intensity. He had no object or interest in justifying his action to this woman for whose opinion he cared nothing, but he had been playing the part of the prodigal son so long that it had become almost second nature.

That he had succeeded was soon evident. Appalled at first by the terrible confession, her shallow temperament, inured to an atmosphere of violence and wrong-doing, soon reacted, and having her own aims, she adopted his cynical attitude.

"Well, if that's how you feel about it," she said. "But I don't see it helps you to hand the Double K to the girl."

"It brings me a step nearer; if anything happened to her ..." His laugh chilled her blood. "In any case, I have two ways of regaining my heritage: take it by force, or marry Joan; this accident story should help me there."

"She might not consent."

"My dear Belle, I'm afraid you don't realize my persuasive powers," he drawled. "Obstinacy in a human being is not one of the incurable diseases."

She did not look at him, fearful that he would divine her chagrin, for his marriage to Joan Keith spelt an end to her hopes. Again she asked why this man whose face she had never seen should have such a fascination? Possibly his cold ferocity appealed to her own lawless spirit. She could not answer; he was her man, and to keep him, she was prepared to dare anything, even his vengeance. With all his cleverness, he did not dream that this woman--fit only, in his estimation, to pander to his pleasure--was resolved to baulk him.

"It would be impossible, he could never get away with such an outrage," she told herself, but with no great conviction. "If he does ..."

Chapter XXII

That same afternoon, Sudden, stepping down to the store, saw Scar, Squint, and Coger leave the Chief's quarters. They were talking and laughing boisterously, but at the sight of him they ceased, and, bunching together, discussed something in low tones. He stalked past, obtained the tobacco he needed, and set out again for the saloon. The men had vanished, but aware that Satan's patience must be nearly exhausted, he was on the alert. Anita slid by, her averted head hidden in a mantilla.

"Roden is waiting for you, behind the stones," she murmured.

Sudden took no notice, save to slacken his stride while he rolled and lighted a cigarette; he required a few moments to consider this new development. One thing was certain--he had outstayed his welcome; Scar would not dare to act without instructions. They would be three to one, but of course, they counted on a surprise.

"An' they may get one," the puncher said grimly.

Twenty yards further along were the remains of a log shack; the roof had gone, and the walls rose only a few feet, but would afford some protection to a kneeling man. Almost opposite was a group of boulders, fallen fragments from the cliff too big to be removed, and affording ideal shelter for the ambushers. The street appeared to be empty, but from several doorways Sudden saw protruding heads.

"Friend Scar has passed the word that I'm to be dealt with," Sudden told himself.

He strolled carelessly on, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, but with every nerve and muscle keyed for immediate action. At the moment he came to the shack, three men with levelled guns rose from behind the boulders and Scar's rasping tones rang out.

"Reach for the sky, Sudden; we got you to rights."

Two lightning leaps to the left and the threatened man was crouching among the tumbled timbers of the cabin. Three bullets which whizzed past his ears left him untouched.

"An' now yu ain't," Sudden retorted, punctuating the remark with a couple of shots, one of which tore the hat from Scar's head, while the other brought Coger staggering into the open, only to fall, face downwards, in the dust, the sun glinting on the barrel of the pistol in one outflung hand.

A torrent of curses testified to the feelings of the dead man's companions, and then Scar spoke again: "Hey, Sudden, whatsa use shootin' us up? The town is closed an' you can't git away. We got orders to take you in."

"Come ahead," the puncher replied. "Yu won't do it burrowin' behind them rocks like the poison toads yu are." A succession of shots answered the invitation, but the marksmen were hampered by the necessity of having to bob up, fire, and vanish all in a second or so, the accuracy of the other man's shooting leaving no margin for delay. As it was, Squint lost half an ear, and Scar's temple was scorched by a bullet which came within an inch of putting a period to his interest in earthly affairs. Followed a lull, the attackers being unwilling to take any further risks with this lean-visaged devil, who laughed at danger and shot as one inspired.

"Keep close--he can't git away," Roden growled. "If he don't give in soon, I'll sing out for help, but I didn't want the Chief to think we couldn't curry a Ii'l hoss like this."

"So it's easy, huh?" Squint replied, wiping the blood from his torn ear. "Glad you told me--I mightn't 'a' noticed it."

Secure behind his timber rampart, Sudden, while keeping a keen eye on the enemy, was trying to find a way out of his difficulty. Even if he slew Scar and Squint, there were others to take their place, and he could not fight the whole town. He had almost decided to surrender and trust to the slender chance of bluffing the bandit leader once more when a faint footfall from behind made him look round. He was just in time to leap to his feet as Muley, with a bellow of rage, hurled his huge bulk at him.

Sudden's right-hand gun spoke viciously but could not stop the bull-like charge. The great arms gripped their prey, and the attacker's weight, with the impetus of his spring, sent both men to the ground. Winded by the fall, and pinned down by his heavy opponent, the puncher was powerless. Then, when an exultant shout proclaimed that Scar and his companion had seen what was happening and were hastening to Muley's aid, he made a desperate effort and succeeded in flinging the burden aside. He scrambled to his feet only to look into the muzzles of two guns.

"Put 'em up!" Roden roared. "Squint, take his hardware an' frisk him."

With an evil grin, the cross-eyed rogue drew the weapons from their holsters and pawed the prisoner over for a possible "hide-out." Then, gazing curiously at the prostrate giant, stooped and shook him by the shoulder.

"Hey, Muley, you got him, of hoss," he cried. "Hell's bells, he's dead!"

Scar's remark was characteristic: "Muley usually had money."

Sudden watched Squint despoil the body. "Buzzards ain't got nothin' on yu two," he said acidly. "What now?"

"March," Roden ordered. "An' don't try no tricks or you'll be travellin' to hell on the heels o' them others. You'd be startin' now on'y the Chief said, `Alive, if possible.' "

"I'm agreein' with him," Sudden rejoined airily.

He stepped out and his escort followed him, their weapons ready for instant use. Curious citizens, comprehending that, the battle over, there was no longer danger of flying lead, emerged to see them file by. Ignorant of what it was all about, they gathered that this stern young stranger who had slain Butch and seemed on such good terms with their leader, was now in disgrace. Men who had witnessed the affray from the saloon now came hurrying down, bringing news of the casualties, and a hum of excitement passed along the line of onlookers.

"Muley an' Coger, huh?" one commented. "An' damn near Scar an' Squint as well. He's got guts."

"He'll need 'em," said a second. "There's others can use a whip, 'sides Muley."

Even after the prisoner and his guards had entered the Chief's abode, they hung about; judgments in Hell City were apt to be swiftly given and executed.

The bandit leader, seated at his table, looked up as the three men entered. The prisoner spoke first.

"What's the meanin' o' this?" he demanded. "If yu wanted me yu'd on'y to say so."

Through the holes in the mask the unblinking eyes regarded him with malicious satisfaction. "Where is the man you took away?"

"I dunno--ain't seen him since."

"you are lying, as you have been all through. Are you the outlaw, Sudden, or is this a lie, too?"

He held up a paper, the bill issued by the sheriff of Four-ways. The puncher laughed scornfully.

"So that's why Steve stole it? Yeah, it's me all right. D'yu figure any fella would borrow a reputation like that?"

"If he wanted to work for me and win my confidence, yes," was the reply.

Sudden saw that the man's keen mind was leading him perilously near the facts and made an effort to head him off.

"I drifted here in search of a job, an' if yu an' that houn' Lagley hadn't framed me I'd still be ridin' for the Double K," he pointed out. "An' I basted four o' yore bullies the day I come."

"Which might be a good way of attracting my attention," the other countered. He studied the paper again. "The description agrees--you must be this Sudden--"

"Gimme back my guns an' I'll prove it," the puncher offered.

Satan appeared not to hear. "No, he couldn't use a man like you," he muttered, and then, through his set teeth, "By God! I'll know the truth if I have to cut your heart out. Tell Muley to get ready."

Scar shot a vindictive glance at his prisoner. "Muley has done with whippin'," he said, and went on to explain.

Satan heard him in silence and then came the inevitable gibe: "Only four of you against one? Roden, your courage astounds me; you may yet live to be a man." He looked darkly at the puncher. "Killing Muley won't save you; we must think of something else." He bent his head. When he raised it again a fiendish grin distorted his lips; so might the King of Hell have smiled at the writhings of a tortured soul. "You robbed me of a target once," he said. "You shall replace him."

At his call, Silver appeared, received instructions, and went out. Sudden was remembering Dolver, to whom he had dealt a merciful death. Was he to be immured in that living tomb, to endure the agony of dying daily? Often enough in his adventurous life he had faced eternity undismayed but the prospect of such an end brought a black moment. One leap, and the guns at his back would speak, with swift oblivion. But the puncher was not one to throw his hand in; he would play the game out, win or lose. The big bell began to ring, slow, measured strokes, like a death-knell.

His tanned face rigid as that of a redskin, he was herded into the street, where a crowd was waiting. The murmur of voices died away as the culprit, his guards, and the masked man came out.

"Where's Muley?" a blowzy woman asked.

"In hell, I reckon," a man at her elbow replied. "This is the hombre what sent him there. It ain't goin' to be a thrashin'; see the way they's fixin' him?"

Silver was busy. Having placed the condemned man with his back to the post, he bound him tightly to it with rawhide thongs so that only his head was movable. The big hat he flung down.

"You won't need it no more," he said.

"The Chief's goin' to shoot him hisself, like he did that dago, Ramon," the fellow who had spoken before informed his neighbour.

"It'll be quick then," she answered, her tone tinged with disappointment.

"Mebbe not. That time he shot all round him without drawin' blood an' then turns away as if that's all. I see Ramon's eyes light up an' phut! there's a bullet in his brain."

"He's a good-looker," the woman commented. "Seems a'most a pity ..."

"Hell, men is common enough."

The dwarf completed his work, and Satan, standing about a dozen paces in front of the puncher, raised a hand dramatically for silence.

"This man is a traitor, therefore a danger to all of us," he announced.

"I am about to punish him."

He drew one of the ivory-butted revolvers from his belt and, scarcely taking aim, fired. Sudden felt the thud of the missile as it embedded itself in the post just above his head. A gasp from the crowd broke the tense silence which followed the crack of the report.

"He's missed," the woman whispered.

"He's playin' with him, like he did the other. Gawd, he's a cruel devil. Look, if he ain't laughin'."

In fact, it seemed so, for beneath the mask the lips were curled back like those of a snarling dog, as the man bent forward to mark the result of his shot. The face of the target might have been cut out of stone, the eyes staring steadily into the sunlight which in a moment might change to everlasting darkness.

"A shade too high, Sudden. I am out of practice--you know why," the taunting voice said. "That must be mended." Again he pulled the trigger and the shot struck a little below the first. "Better," he smiled complacently, and waited nerve-shattering moments before making a third attempt. This time Sudden felt the cold breath of the bullet as it stirred his hair, and steeled himself for the fourth, which ... It came, bringing a streak of fire, as though a red-hot iron had been laid across his scalp. Satan was speaking.

"You have begun to die, Sudden. Unless you supply the information I want in the morning, you will continue to die, slowly, as Dolver did. Think it over." He looked round at the spectators. "Anyone who approaches or speaks to this man will take his place."

He thrust the revolver back into his belt, and followed by his henchman, went to his quarters. The crowd dispersed quickly, the show was over, and--curiosity could be very costly in Hell City.

"Ain't you goin' to have him watched?" Silver ventured. "Don't you trust your knots?" his master said sharply. "He'll have to be a wizard to undo 'em."

"Well, do you imagine any person will dare to interfere with him?" was the arrogant answer.

Meanwhile, the reprieved man was wondering whether he ought to be glad or sorry. Tough as he was, the strain of the ordeal had tried him to the utmost. His head smarted but he knew it was, as yet, the merest graze. Tomorrow, unless he gave in--and he had no intention of doing so--the lead would bite a little more shrewdly, and the next day ... But it was no use thinking that way. He tried to move his stiffened limbs, but Silver had done a good job, and he soon realized that there was no hope in that direction. So he watched the shadows deepen, the stars come out, and the denizens of this criminal community slinking from hole to hole like a colony of predatory vermin. From the saloon came the jingle of a piano and the shouted chorus of a song.

All the passers-by, he noticed, gave the whipping-post a wide berth, but presently, a stumble and muffled curse from just behind him announced an exception. Unable to turn, he could only wait. Then came a whispered word.

"Jim!"

"Frosty? What th'--?"

"That'll keep. Wait till I cut these blame' hobbles, an' we'll flit. I guess this ain't a healthy place for us."

"Yu'll never guess better. How'd yu get in?"

"Down the hole yu showed me. There was a jigger on guard at the bottom, but I rapped him on the head with my gun an' he let me pass."

"He let--say, will he let yu go back?"

There was a subdued chuckle in Frosty's whisper. He won't care--a rap."

By this time the captive was free. Fortunately the post was near the cliff and in darkness. Sudden stretched his cramped limbs and drew a long breath.

"Beat it," he said. "I'll join yu at the Twin Diamond. I gotta get Nigger."

"Risk yore life for a hoss?"

"Just that; there's been times when but for him I wouldn't have one to risk. Don't worry, I got it all planned." Frosty knew it was useless to argue. "Well, it's yore life," he grumbled, "but a fella can push his luck too hard."

The gloom swallowed him and Sudden turned in the direction of the saloon. He had almost reached it when the door was flung back and a man wearing two gun-belts staggered out; it was Roden--alone. The fugitive crouched behind a corner of the building and as the half-tipsy ruffian passed, struck upwards, rising with the blow. The granite fist, moving like a released spring, landed full on the point of the jaw and Scar dropped as though hit by a thunderbolt. Sudden dragged the inert form back from the road, and with a sigh of content, buckled on his own belt and guns.Climbing to his bedroom window, he got his saddle, and ran to the corral. The familiar whistle brought the black, and soon the pair were heading for the west gate. As they approached, Sudden quickened pace, and they arrived with a rush. The man in charge was new to him.

"Got a pass?" he queried. " 'Less you have "

"Pass be damned!" Sudden said angrily. "Open up, yu idjut. Scar Roden had a run in with the Chief an' creased him --pretty bad. I'm for the Red Rock doctor."

The fellow stared. "Scar, huh?" he said. "Must 'a' found some sand. What happened to him?"

"The Chief got him--good, an' he's liable to get yu if..."

But the bars were already being removed, and ten seconds later, Nigger was through and racing down the trail. His rider indulged in a mild whoop and leaned over to pat the satiny neck of the friend he had dared so much to recover.

"Yu come mighty near to changin' owners, of hoss," he said. "Lyin' is like drink, it gets a hold on a fella, but I gotta admit there's a heap o' satisfaction in puttin' over a good one. I gambled on that gate-man bein', like me, tied to his post this afternoon, an' my luck was shorely in."

He laughed at his little joke, and swinging off the beaten track, plunged into the brush towards the Twin Diamond. By the time he reached the ranch-house, a pale grey light behind the distant peaks told the dawn of another day. Turning his horse into the corral, he carried his saddle to the house, and finding the door unlocked, stepped into the living-room, slumped into a big armchair, and went to sleep. A little later, Frosty arrived and did precisely the same. Chang, the Chinese cook, first astir, surveyed the pair of snoring cowboys with a grih and went about his work of preparing the morning meal. The voice of the rancher awakened them.

"Well, damn me, if some folk ain't got a nerve," he said. "Hello, Mart," Frosty greeted. "We just dropped in."

"Off, yu mean," Merry corrected. "I hope yu found all yu wanted."

"Not a spot," the Double K rider told him. "Take the bottle to bed with yu?"

"No, sir, on'y the contents," his host laughed. "C'mon: eat first an' talk after is my motto. Mornin', Jeff."

young Keith entered, greeted the guests, and sat down to the excellent breakfast provided. Not until they had done full justice to it, and lighted up, did Merry open the conversation with the customary question.

"Well, boys, what's the news?"

"S'pose yu ain't heard o' the 01' Man accidentally shootin' hisself?" Frosty began.

Sudden saw Keith's face become paler, but no word came from his lips. It was the rancher who spoke.

Ken hurt?" he cried. "How bad?"

"The Red Rock pill-roller reckons he's got a fightin' chance."

"Then he'll make it--Ken's a fighter, shore enough," Merry said. "But how did it happen?"

Frosty told the story as he knew it, but the fat man shook his head.

"It don't sound right to me."

"It ain't right," Sudden put in quietly. "Satan rode into Dugout, with six others, yestiddy mornin'. He met the Colonel in Black Sam's an' shot him; claims he went for a weapon."

Keith sprang up, his lips working, and made for the door. But the puncher was there first and had his back to it. "Where yu goin'?" he asked.

"Hell City, to blow that skunk to bits," was the passionate reply.

"Fine, yu'll look like a million bucks to him," Sudden said sarcastically. "Best let it ride, for now." Sullenly the young man returned to his seat. Frosty spoke.

"Jansen an' them who fetched the 01' Man home all had the same tale. Why would they lie?"

"Mebbe he told them to," Sudden suggested. "He's a proud man an' wouldn't want it knowed that--"

"His own son had done such a dastard deed," the boy burst in. "Yes, that's the sort of thing he would do. But he believed it himself," he finished bitterly.

"Yu can't blame him, Jeff," Merry pointed out. "That damned imposter has been too clever for all of us." His eye caught something. "How long yu been an Imp, Frosty?"

The cowboy grinned as he slipped the badge into a pocket. "Forgot that, but she was useful las' night," he said. "Soon as I got into Hell City I went straight to the saloon--"

"Yu would," his friend interrupted.

"Knowed it was the likeliest place to find yu," Frosty retaliated. "yu wasn't there, but I heard how the Chief--as they call him--had soured on yu, an'

"The rest don't signify," Sudden said hurriedly. "I guess it does," the rancher decided.

So Frosty had to tell of the battle with Roden and the subsequent ordeal, both of which had been graphically described to him by eye-witnesses. He concluded with, "An' here he is, hoss an' guns complete. How in hell d'yu manage it, Jim?"

"If I'd on'y practised steady as a kid, I'd be a good liar," Sudden smiled, and related the ruse by which he had escaped. "I was lucky."

"Lucky?" Frosty echoed whimsically. "Yu said it. I'll bet if yu pitched head first into the Glue-pot yu'd come up with a bag o' gold in each paw."

Merry laughed. "Yu can put a `p' in front o' that luck, Frosty," he said. "What was it this brigand wanted to know, Jim?"

"The whereabouts o' Keith here. As I told yu, he's the winnin' card. Holdin' him, Satan takes the pot; lackin' him, he's liable to lose out."

Jeff Keith had been listening with bent head. Now he looked up. "You went through that rather than betray me?"

"Shucks, I was allus a bad loser," the puncher replied. "Besides, tellin' him wouldn't 'a' helped me."

"No wonder you stopped me just now," the young man said. "It seems I'm just the headstrong blunderer I've always been. I owe you a lot, Mister Green."

"My friends use my first name," Sudden told him, holding out a hand.

Keith grasped it eagerly. "Thank you--Jim," he replied, and then, "What are we going to do?"

"Smash up Hell City. Will yore fellas take a hand, Merry?"

"Will they?" the rancher cried. "All I'm worth wouldn't keep 'em out of it, an' that goes for yore crowd, eh, Frosty?" The Double K man hesitated a moment and Sudden answered for him. "Shore, an' I'm bettin' we can count on help from Dugout, 'specially when it's knowed who downed the Colonel. I'm wonderin' whether the sheriff o' Red Rock would sit in?"

He was watching Keith's face as he spoke, but if the boy felt alarm at the suggestion he did not show it. On the contrary, he was the first to approve.

"Dealtry's a good man to have at your back," he said, adding with a ghost of a smile, "that is, unless he's wanting you."

"He struck me as square," the puncher went on. "I'll ride over an' have a talk with him. Meantime, we gotta keep mighty silent, an' Jeff, yu must stay holed-up--they won't look for yu here."

The young man's face fell; he had been hoping to meet Joan again, but he made no demur. The others sensed a change in him; the bitter, rebellious attitude had disappeared, leaving a quiet determination. They put it down to the infamous attempt upon his father's life, never guessing at a still more potent factor.

"We're takin' on a man-sized job an' can't afford to overlook bets," was Sudden's final warning.

Chapter XXIII

Satan's fury, when he learned that his victim had escaped sent Silver, who brought the news, cowering to a corner, whence he watched, terrified. Never before had he seen his dreaded master so completely lose control of himself. Striding to and fro, uttering fearful blasphemies, he poured vitriolic curses upon the unknown person who had robbed him of revenge, and promised punishment which turned the timorous listener's blood to ice.

Presently, at the end of another wild tirade, he snatched out his revolvers and Silver thought his last moment had come. But the madman fired at the picture of the gunman, bullet after bullet, until the face was no more than tattered fragments of canvas. Only when the weapons were empty did he fling them to the floor and sink, panting with passion, into a seat. Silence ensued, and this, to the solitary spectator of the wierd scene, seemed even more dreadful. Fascinated, he could not look away from the blood-red mask, out of which the rage-glazed eyes stared into space. Suddenly bandit stood up; the paroxysm had passed.

"What are you doing there, you coward?" he growled. "Go, make enquiries, find out something, blast you. And send me a boy--one who can ride."

When the fellow had scuttled out, he sat down and wrote a note, slowly, carefully. The result appeared to satisfy him, for after studying it critically, he nodded.

"That will bring her, and she will bring him," he reflected aloud. "With the old man dead, I shall hold all the cards."

At the Double K ranch-house, Joan had just relinquished her duties in the sick-room, leaving the patient in the capable hands of Mandy, who had hurried to the bedside of her old master as soon as she heard the news.

"Go foh a ride, honey," the negress said. "Yo is all tuckered out. We-all suah hab yo on our han's mighty soon, an' 01' Massa tak' de hide off'n mah back when he git well." So the girl got her horse and had just mounted when the foreman approached. He was not in a happy frame of mind these days; the "accident" to his employer had jarred him. Recalling Satan's enquiries as to the Colonel's visits to Dugout, he could not credit the current story. On the other hand, he found it just as difficult to believe that a son, however unjustly treated, could deliberately endeavour to slay his father, and coarse-natured as he was, the possibility sickened him. If Jeff had indeed sunk to that level ... The unfinished thought prompted him to give the girl a warning.

"Shouldn't go far, Miss Joan. Queer things is happenin' an' the country is a heap unsettled."

"Thank you, Steve," she smiled. "I'll be careful."

His gaze followed her as she shot away, trim figure swaying easily with the movement of the beast beneath her, a picture to take and hold the eye of any horseman.

"Hell, that boy must 'a' bin loco," was his comment.

It was only after she had ridden a mile or more that Joan awoke to the fact that she was travelling in the direction of the Glue-pot.

"Sugar, you must be a mind-reader," she told her mount laughingly. "It's a good thing you haven't the gift of speech, too, or you might betray secrets."

She pulled up as she saw a rider approaching, a mere lad of eleven or twelve, astride the back of an unkempt, shaggy pony. He stopped when he reached her and dragged off his wreck of a hat. He was not prepossessing, his thin features having a crafty expression out of keeping with his age. "I reckon yo're Miss Joan Keith," he said.

"Your reckoning is correct," she smiled. "And where do you come from?"

"Way over," he replied, jerking a thumb to the northward, and she knew that was all she would learn. "I got a letter for you --a stranger asked me to fetch it; said for me to give it to yoreself."

He dived into the pocket of his ragged overalls. Joan took the envelope and one glance at the superscription quickened the beating of her heart. But she would not open it yet.

"What was he like, this stranger?"

"Dressed like a cow-wrastler, with blue eyes an' a mark on his chin," the boy replied. "He gimme four bits." The girl's face was flushed, her eyes sparkling. She had been sure before--the writing had told her, but she could not resist the desire to prolong her pleasure. "So if I give you another four you will have a whole dollar," she said.

"Betcha life," he agreed, and putting the coins carefully away, banged his heels against the ribs of his steed and scampered off. Only then did she open the envelope.

DEAR JOAN, I shall be at the mouth of Coyote Canyon about three today. I must see you. Don't fail me.

YOUR JEFF.

Not very romantic, perhaps, but what young girl ever criticized her first love-letter? She read it three times, tucked it into the pocket of her shirt-waist, and turned towards the rendezvous.

"Joan Keith, you are an idiot," she assured herself withmock severity. "Sugar's hoof-beats are not saying `Your Jeff.' "

She reached the spot in good time, but it appeared to be deserted. After waiting a little while, it occurred to her that she might be seen by one of the Double K riders, and not wishing this, she rode a short way up the ravine, where the undergrowth would screen her from view. No sooner had she taken up this new position than she became aware of movement and five horsemen burst from the bushes and encircled her. A look sufficed to show that she was in the hands of Satan's infamous "Imps." That she had been trapped was not at first clear to her.

"What does this mean?" she asked indignantly.

The leader, whom she now recognized as the brute who had insulted her at Black Sam's, rode forward, a smirk on his disfigured countenance.

"Jeff, the Chief, that is, couldn't come hisself so he sent us to take you to him," he explained.

The statement almost stunned her. So the treasured letter was no more than a bait to lure her into the clutches of the Boss of Hell City. Furtively she crushed and let it fall; she could not keep such a vile thing. Then the horror of her position swept over her, and, spurring her pony, she made a desperate bid to break through, hoping they would not dare to pursue into the open. But ere she had gone a few feet, two of them grabbed the reins and jerked her horse back on its haunches.

"None o' that," Scar said savagely. "Come quiet an' you'll be treated decent; if you don't, I'll hawg-tie you." The girl gave in; black despair descended upon her. Roden issued an order, they closed round her, and set off along the canyon. The roughness of the trail made speed out of the question, but presently they climbed out of the dismal gorge into the hills. There was a certain fierce grandeun in the peaks and precipices, tree-clad slopes, rocky defiles, and cascading torrents, but Joan--lover of Nature as she was--had no eye for them; fear for the future was all-absorbing.

Her escort took no notice of her, but chatted in low tones among themselves. Once she caught a fragment of the conversation.

"The Chief'll have a couple of 'em now," one said. "Yeah, safety in numbers," chuckled another.

"That rule don't work with women. No, sir," Scar contributed. At which they all laughed.

They entered Hell City by the western gate, and despite her danger, the girl could not but be interested in the place which the country-side held in awe. In the afternoon sunlight, it appeared innocent enough. At first, seeing so few buildings, she wondered where the inhabitants lived, and then she noticed the tunnelled openings in the rock walls, and understood. The people who stopped and stared as she passed seemed no different from those of any frontier settlement. But a shock awaited her at the whipping-post. Hanging slackly from it by his bound wrists was an oldish man, his bared back raw and bloody, and round him, a dozen or more loungers. Scar asked a question.

"01' Benjy," he told the others. "So that was why he warn't on the gate. Well, here we are."

He got down and turned to help the girl, but she had already dismounted, and obeying his gesture, proceeded along the passage. Silver opened the door, and his brutelike appearance made her recoil. Scar chuckled.

"Go ahead," he said. "He won't bite yer."

She stepped into the room and again paused, this time in astonishment at the bizarre yet costly furnishings. But from these her gaze went almost at once to the owner, devouring her triumphantly through the slits in his mask. He made a too elaborate bow and pushed forward a chair.

"Good of you to come, Joan," he greeted, and the irony of the remark stung her.

"I had no choice," she replied hotly. "That--beastthreatened to hog-tie me."

"She tried to break away," the "beast" said sullenly.

"My fault," Satan explained. "I was so eager to see you that I promised to hang the poor fellow if he failed." He smiled at Roden. "It appears we had a difference last night, and that you wounded me and I killed you."

Scar looked at him dubiously. "I don't get you," he said. "I'm feelin' middlin' healthy for a dead man. Who put it around?"

"Sudden, and on the plea that he was going to Red Rock for a doctor, the fool at the gate let him pass, against my express orders."

"So--that was it?"

"Yes. I don't--think--he'll do it--again," Satan said slowly. He tossed over some bills. "Your men will be thirsty."

Having thus dismissed the man, he turned to the girl. "Sorry I couldn't meet you myself, Joan, but a little matter prevented me."

"The thrashing of that unhappy wretch outside?" she asked.

"Oh, that," he replied carelessly. "Just a question of discipline. They are a rough lot, these people of mine, and need an object lesson from time to time."

"You mentioned `Sudden.' Was that the cowboy who came to the Double K?"

"Yes, and you are well quit of him; an arrant rascal." Perilous as her position was, she could not keep back the retort: "He should have suited you."

She saw his mouth harden, and then he laughed. "You still have your tongue. Well, a woman without brains, however pretty, is no more than a doll."

She was silent, considering him. Though she knew the truth, the impersonation was so complete that, but for having recently seen the real Simon Pure, she might still have doubted; a warm-blooded youth, harshly treated--as he believed--by the world, might well have become such a man as this. He fell to pacing up and down, hands behind his back, an old habit of Jeff's, she remembered, when he wished to talk.

"Fine to see you here, Joan; I have much to say."

"Then please say it and let me go home," she replied. "I have been absent too long already."

"You are not going. Where I am will be `home' for you from now on," he told her. "You are to be my wife, or my woman, which you will, but--one or the other."

She sprang to her feet. "Are you mad?" she cried.

"Yes, about you," he smiled. "Once, I let you go; this time, I hold you until eternity."

The note of finality in his voice left no room for doubt; the fate she had feared from the moment of her capture had become a hideous reality. Sick with horror, she sank back in her seat and strove to rally her scattered senses. She must fight this monster, and above all, never let him suspect that she knew his secret. She too had a part to play.

"I never thought you would use me so, Jeff," she said quietly. "If you really care for me, you will let me return to the ranch; the Colonel will be anxious."

His astonishment was real. "The Colonel? Why, he's dead."

"No," she corrected. "There was an accident, and he was badly hurt, but he still lives, and needs all the care and attention I can give him. I beg you to let me go."

"No, I need you, too."

"The shock of my disappearance may prove fatal to--your father," she pleaded.

"A convincing reason for keeping you," he replied brutally.

He called Silver and gave him an order which Joan could not hear. In a while, the dwarf ushered in Miss Dalroy. The bandit spoke brusquely.

"Belle, this is Miss Keith; she will share your room for a time. I want you to take good care of her."

The adventuress had expected to find a contemptuous adversary, but she found only a distraught and despairing girl. The sight aroused no compassion in her selfish soul; willing or unwilling, Joan Keith was a formidable rival.

"I understand, Jeff; she will be safe with me," she said. "Come, Miss Keith."

Joan did not move, and Satan's lips tightened. Stepping to her side, he said savagely, "Go, before I repent of my weakness. Remember, I am master here."

With a heart heavy as lead, she obeyed, conscious that she was completely in his power. It was but a few steps, for Belle's abode was next the Chief's, a similar cave, though not so large or luxuriously fitted. But it was comfortable.

"Well, here we are," Belle said, "and let me tell you, Hell City has worse prisons." She looked curiously at her guest, sitting limply, staring with arid eyes at the carpeted floor. "You were fond of Jeff one time, weren't you? I expect he's altered."

The girl was on her guard. "Yes, into a beast," she replied.

"All men have a lot of beast in them," Belle shrugged. "Civilization smothers and keeps it under, but out here in the wilds it comes to the surface."

Joan changed the subject. "Is there no way out of this awful place?"

"Three," was the cynical reply. "Jump through the hole behind that curtain and you'll land on the rocks eighty feet below. The other two are the gates of the town: the cowboy, Sudden, went that way last night, and the man who let him pass was beaten to death this afternoon. You can reckon your chances."

"What had Sudden done?"

"I don't know, but if he hadn't escaped--well, judge for yourself," Belle said, and gave an account of the gunman's arrest and subsequent torture. The listener's ashen face rather amused her; she had purposely painted the bandit leader as black as possible.

"Diabolical !"

"Oh, Jeff's all that; sometimes I think he really is--possessed. I was glad Sudden got away--he saved my life, and yet, I fear him."

"I would say he is not the type to harm a woman."

"It is not for myself," the other admitted, and laughed. "One gets these foolish fancies; probably he is fifty miles away by now."

Joan was speculating about her companion. What dire listress had driven her, young, beautiful, to this sink of iniquity? At the risk of a rebuff, she asked the question.

"I had to choose between hanging and--this."

Joan looked aghast. "Hanging?" she repeated. "But what--?"

"Oh, I just killed a cur," Belle said brazenly. "He deserved to die, but your man-made laws don't take that into account." With a bitter grimace, she pointed to the bed. "Sleep sound. Hell City has had a taste of its master's medicine to-day and will be quiet."

The assurance was of no avail, and it was long ere rest came to the overwrought girl. Fears for her father, and forebodings as to the future kept her staring for hours into the blackness. There seemed to be no hope. Even if her whereabouts became known, what could a handful of cowboys do against Satan's well-armed horde of desperadoes, entrenched in this rock citadel.

Consternation reigned at the Double K that evening, and each rider as he came in from his day's work was met by a worried foreman and received the same order.

"Change yore hoss an' git busy. Miss Joan rode out around two an' ain't showed up. We gotta find her."

From all he got "Hell!" and prompt obedience. He despatched the last of them and went into his shack for his rifle. As he came out, a warning voice said: "Keep yore han's mighty still, Steve."

He looked round. Sudden, sitting on his black, gun drawn, was just behind him.

"I've come to talk, not fight," the visitor went on. "What about it?"

The foreman propped his rifle against the side of the hut. "Come inside," he invited.

Sudden slid down, without losing the drop, and followed him into the shack. "Why are yu sendin' the boys out?" he asked.

Lagley told him. "She's a good rider, but a hoss can find a hole an' break a leg. What's yore guess?"

"That she's in Hell City."

The foreman looked relieved. "If that's so, she'll be all right; Jeff would never let her come to harm."

"That's comfortin'," the puncher said sarcastically, and then, "Steve, I'm goin' to put some straight questions an' I want the same sort o' answers. Just why are yu doublecrossin' yore boss?"

The veins on Lagley's forehead swelled up, he shut his jaw, and for a moment it seemed there might be trouble. Then he said angrily, "It's none o' yore damned business."

goin' to be ," Sudden replied sternly, and reading the desperate thought, "Don't gamble, Steve; yu'll be outa luck."

Lagley hesitated; this man was his master with a gun, and there was no help within miles. He made his decision.

"Because o' the way he served young Jeff," he burst out. "I'm admittin' the boy was skittish--what colt that's worth anythin' ain't?--but he never give him a chance. Whipped him allatime with that sharp tongue o' his, like he does all of us, an' fair drove him to rebel. I wanta see him an' Miss Joan runnin' this ranch, that's what. So now yu know."

Sudden nodded. "An' if another fella was tryin' to grab it vu wouldn't help?" he queried.

"Anybody but a Keith at the Double K?" Lagley snorted. 'I'd help him into the next world with a slug in his gizzard."

"Good. yu an' me haven't been too friendly--I expect we got off on the wrong foot--but I'm beginnin' to like yu a lot better. Now, get ready for a jar: that masked fella in Hell City is not Jefferson Keith."

The foreman gazed at him, eyes and mouth wide open, and exploded in a guffaw. "Yu ain't expectin' I'll swaller that, are yu? Me, what's knowed the boy sence he was knee-high, an' made him the good cattleman he is. I wouldn't reckernize him, huh? A fine joke that."

"Is it?" the puncher asked. "Well, laugh this one off, too: the Colonel's hurt was no accident, he was deliberately shot by the man yu claim is Jeff Keith."

"But Jansen said--"

"What he was told to say; the 0I' Man would not have it knowed."

The derision died out of the foreman's face. "Jeff would never do that," he muttered perplexedly.

"He was miles distant from Dugout when it happened."

"Where is Jeff now?"

"I ain't sayin'--yet," was the reply. "But he ain't in Hell City, nor coverin' up his face. I came over because I guessed yu were on the wrong trail. How many Double K men will line up to smoke out that thieves' nest?"

"If what yu say is true, all of us. That is--"

"Except Turvey."

Lagley looked uncomfortable. "It's a fact he's different," he confessed. "Kind o' new, bin here less'n twelve months."

"Wasn't it Turvey who suggested yu should get in with Satan?" Sudden asked, and when the other assented, "I found out that he was in Hell City afore he came to yu."

Lagley swore forcibly. "He gits his time in the mornin'."

"No, that will tell them too much; we gotta lie low till we're ready to strike. Don't whisper a word to anyone 'cept Frosty --he's wise."

"I'll be dumb as the dead," the foreman promised, and awkwardly, "Green, I've treated yu mean, that bill 'bout yu, an' the frame-up, but honest, I thought I was helpin' Jeff. That devil had his tricks o' speakin', movin', an' remembered happenin's when he was a li'l lad that on'y Jeff could 'a' knowed. Anyways, I'm sayin' to yu that I'm sorry, an'--"

"Forget it, Steve, he fooled us all, even Miss Joan," the puncher said. "Now I'll fade, in case any o' the boys drift in; it won't do for them to see yu shakin' han's with me."

The foreman did not comprehend at once, but then he saw the proffered fist and took it eagerly. "Yo're a good fella, Green," he said. "Wish I'd found it out earlier."

He waited until the visitor had disappeared in the dusk and then sat down to digest the astounding news he had received. Looking back, he could see nothing which might have raised real doubt. The perpetual mask was typical of one prone to extremes, and the harsh, insulting manner merely an accentuation of the father's caustic habit. One thing he had never been able to explain; why the regard he felt for the boy he taught to ride and throw a rope should be, akin to fear in the presence of the man.

"Steve Lagley, if any hurt happens to that gal yu'll deserve to be roasted at a slow fire," was his final decision.

Darkness came and brought riders but no news. The last to arrive was Frosty, and they heard the drum of the pounding hooves long before he could be seen.

"Sounds like he's got her," the foreman said hopefully. "There's on'y one hoss an' it wouldn't be carryin' double at that pace," Lazy objected.

He was right, for when the white-headed cowboy shot out of the gloom and reined in, sending the gravel flying, it was seen that he was alone. Leaping from the saddle, he thrust a paper at Lagley.

"Found it in Coyote Canyon," he said. "As I read the sign, she was waitin' there an' five riders grabbed an' took her north."

They perused it in turn. Only Turvey had anything to say.

"Skittles ! we've had our trouble for nothin'. Her lover is gittin' impatient, an' when a woman has to choose between an old man an' a young 'un, it's an easy guess. I'll bet she went willin'."

"Yo're a dirty-minded liar," Frosty told him. "It was plain enough she tried to git away."

"Yu an' yore sign--" Turvey began, but the foreman told him sharply to shut up. "We can't do nothin' more tonight," he added. "Git yore grub an' hit the hay. Frosty, I wanta speak with yu."

The two men entered the foreman's hut. Lagley came to the point at once. "I've had a pow-wow with Green, an' he shore told me plenty. It seems I've bin a fool--an' worse. Ye see, believin' like the rest, that young Jeff was behind that red mask, I was sort o' backin' his game, but mebbe yu knew this?""No, I had my own ideas, but Jim never let on."

"An' he knew," Lagley said. "He's one white man. If yu know where to find him, take this paper along in the mornin'. What else can we do?"

"Carry on as usual till Jim gives the word--it won't be long a-comin'--after this." He tapped the paper, and turned to go.

"He shook han's with me when he went," Steve said.

Frosty understood. In silence their hands met in a grip which wiped out past misunderstandings. Neither of them saw a furtive shadow, which had been crouching at the rear of the shack, slink swiftly in the direction of the bunkhouse.

Almost before the sun had made its appearance, Frosty was pounding on the Twin Diamond ranch-house door. The owner opened it himself.

"Yu again?" he greeted. "Why'n hell don't yu come an' live here? Yu wouldn't have to knock the house down to get in.""I'm allus forgettin' yore scrap-heap's feeble constitution," Frosty grinned. "I got news."

"If yu hadn't I'd do somethin' to yu," was the dry reply. "I shore thought them rapscallions from Hell City was makin' a massed attack. Awright, fellas, it's on'y that quiet, well-behaved young gent frdm the Double K." This as Sudden and Jeff hurried in.

"What's the, trouble?" the puncher asked.

"Yu were right, Jim, he's got her," the cowboy replied. One by one, they read the missive, Keith last, with shaking fingers and face the colour of chalk.

"The swine can even imitate my writing," he cried. "By Christmas, if he makes her shed only one tear I'll have his heart's blood. What can we do, Jim?"

Sudden shook his head. "We can't move--yet; we're not strong enough."

But to leave her in the power of that--devil ! if no one else will go--"

"Listen," Sudden said sternly. "Here's how I figure it. The shootin' at Dugout was done to pull yu in. The Colonel's care for his name trumped that trick, so now he's baitin' the trap with the girl. An' yu want to rush into it. She'll be safe. Remember, he believes that, to her, he is still Jeff Keith, an' I'll bet she won't let him know different."

"That's the straight of it, boy," the rancher agreed. "Yo're the king-pin; if he gets yu again, we're done."

Keith threw up his hands, a gesture of despair. "It's plain hell, but you're right. I'll stay put," he promised. "Sorry I flew off the handle, Jim."

"I ain't blamin' yu--felt like it myself. Tough on yu to be tied here, but it's gotta be. Mart, can yu keep yore outfit within easy reach o' the ranch-house to-day?"

"Yu bet I will."

"Good. We have to move fast now. I'm ridin' to Red Rock this mornin' to see Dealtry, an' I'll come back by Dugout. If they'll both chip in, we'll tackle Hell City--tomorrow."

"That's the talk, Jim," Merry approved.

"What yu want I should do?" Frosty enquired.

The puncher's grim face relaxed. "Keep that big mouth o' yourn shut--all of it," he replied, and was gone before the insulted one could think of a fitting retort.

Chapter XXIV

The sheriff of Red Rock smiled as he recognized the young man he had catalogued in his memory as "Mart Merry's visitor."

"Takin' the back trail a'ready?" he asked. "Ain't tired of us, I hope."

"Neither one nor the other," Sudden replied. "Yu remember the day I met yu?"

"Shore thing--I saved the bank forty thousand bucks."

"Yeah, havin' had word o' the hold-up from a boy name o' Holt. Did he tell yu how he knowed?"

"He was some reticent 'bout that--said a fella called `Sudden' sent him. I took a chance, though I'd never heard o' the jigger."

"Yo're meetin' him now," the puncher announced "Yu see, I was one o' the road-agents, but for reasons yu'll understand later, I didn't want the trick turned." He grinned at the amazed officer. "Why, if yu'd accepted my invite an' searched me, yu'd 'a' found another o' them red badges."

Dealtry leaned back ink his chair. "Damn me if I know whether I oughta thank or throw yu in the calaboose."

"Play safe an' make it the first," Sudden advised. "I'm here on serious business."

"Spill it," was the reply. "You can't surprise me no more."

"Don't bet too high on that," Sudden warned. "Yu re collect we talked o' young Keith an' yu told me he was reputed to be bossin' an outlaw band--the same what tried to rob yore coach. Well, that ain't so; their leader is a man yu used to know as Lafe Lander."

"Jeff's friend?"

"Yeah," Sudden said drily, "but lemme show yu how much of a friend he is." In a few sentences, he told of the impudent impersonation, the shooting of the Colonel, and abduction of his daughter. The sheriff's eyebrows nearly joined his hair as he listened to the extraordinary story. The teller of it concluded with, "Lander is a good shot an' carries a couple o' thirty-eights. Does that mean anything to yu?"

"Hell's blight," the sheriff swore. "It was a thirty-eight let the life out'n my boy. That clears Keith."

"Shorely, an' yu can add that Lander admitted to me he shot yore son."

Dealtry rose, his face rigid. "Mister," he said, "I don't care if yo're forty outlaws riled into one, I'm deep in yore debt for this, an' if there's any way I can square it you on'y gotta say. But first, I'm goin' to scare up a few o' the boys, gather in an' hang this felon."

Sudden smiled; he liked the courage of this forthright, burly fellow. But this would not do. "Wait a minute, sheriff; if it was that easy, I'd 'a' fetched him in for yu," he said, and went on to explain that Hell City was a natural fortress, garrisoned by at least two-score desperate men who would fight to the last because life or liberty was already forfeit to the law.

"It'll mean a battle," Dealtry commented, his sombre eyes alight. "Good. I'll be at the Twin Diamond to-morrow, early, an' I won't be alone."

Leaving Red Rock, Sudden took an easterly trail to Dugout. His journey had, so far, been successful; not only had he secured the needed assistance, but removed the shadow overhanging Jeff Keith. The end of the long and perilous path he had been pursuing was almost in sight, and in a little morethan twenty-four hours--if all went well, the most colossal criminal he had ever encountered would reap the reward of his misdeeds. At this point his cogitations concluded with a self-deprecatory laugh.

"Countin' chickens, Nig," he said. "I'm shore old enough to know better'n that."

His entry into Dugout caused a flutter; heads were poked out of doorways as the news travelled from house to house. He turned into the store, which was empty, except for the proprietor.

"Jansen, yu are a liar," he remarked, and smiled.

The store-keeper was glad to see that smile; the words were fighting talk, and though he was no coward, he knew it was death for him to draw on this man. He said nothing. "Yu pretend that Colonel Keith injured himself though yu saw another shoot him," the puncher continued. "There is no longer any need for that lie. Bite on this : Jeff Keith ain't the man yu know as Satan."

Incredulous as Jansen undoubtedly was, he did not dare dispute the assertion.

"How--how d'you know?" he stammered.

"I went to Hell City to find out," Sudden replied. "Heard 'bout Miss Keith?"

"Ain't nothin' happened to her, has there?"

"Some o' Satan's Imps carried her off last night."

The store-keeper stamped with rage. "Curse it! You gave them whelps a lesson once. Don't you reckon they need another?"

"They're gettin' it--to-morrow, an it's goin' to be the last one. I'm here to ask if Dugout will stand in?"

"you bet she will," Jansen replied. "What you want me to do?"

"Report with yore men to Steve Lagley in the mornin', and tell 'em not to chatter; we aim to make it a surprise party."

"Here's one who'll go, mister," a hoarse voice broke in. "I got Pop's rifle an' can use her, too."

A gawky youth emerged from the shadowy back of the store. There was an eager fire in his dark eyes.

"Awright, Bud, talk to me later," Jansen said, and in a whisper to the puncher, "Satan had his father hanged. Is Merry in this?"

"Yeah, an' the Red Rock sheriff is fetchin' a posse; we're goin' to do this thing right. So long,"

Black Sam welcomed the gunman with the old broad grin, disclosing a white line of teeth which seemed to extend halfway round his head. He was not one to blow hot and cold; the cowboy had done him a service; he remembered that and forgot the rest.

"Sho' am please' to see yo, sah," he greeted.

"Howdy, Sam," Sudden smiled. "On'y time to have just one o' the best liquor in pese parts."

"Bettah dan Hell City, sah?"

"Yeah, yu black rascal. See here, Jansen has some good an' bad news for yu; don't open yore face 'bout either."

Leaving the darkie scratching his wool, he set out for the Twin Diamond, satisfied with his day's work.

* While the puncher was proceeding on his way to Red Rock, Hell City had a visitor who greeted Silver familiarly and stepped into the Chief's presence, indifferent to the black look he received.

"What brings you, Turvey?"

,"Thought yu'd like to hear that the OP Man is liable to pull through--must 'a' bin a poor shot, Dessay yore hand shook; it ain't every day a fella has to down his own dad." He sniggered at the last word, and his rat-like eyes roamed round the room. "Yo're well-fixed here--seems a pity to leave it.""I've no intention of doing so," Satan snapped.

"Mebbe, but sometimes other folk do the plannin'."

"What do you mean?"

"Takin' the girl has tipped the balance: the Twin Diamond an' Double K is gittin' ready to move."

"The Double K? Has Lagley lost his senses?"

"Steve has had a change of heart," Turvey sneered. "Yu see, he wants the range to stay in the Keith family."

The expressionless eyes suddenly flamed as Satan realized that this creature knew his secret; little did Turvey suspect how near he was to death at that moment. With an effort the masked man fought down the desire to close those jeering lips for ever. But the damage was done, and this fellow might still be useful. So, when he spoke, his voice did not betray him.

"How did you learn this?"

"Overheard Steve an' Frosty talkin' las' night; that gunfighter, Sudden, 'pears to be runnin' things."

The Chief bit on an oath. Though he would not admit it, he was beginning to fear this strange cowboy who, by accident or design, was wrecking his plans. But for his craving for cruelty ... He would not think of that.

"So two dozen cow-hands imagine they can take Hell City?"

"Dugout may help--we ain't too popular there."

"Those--tradesmen?" Satan said scornfully.

"A tradesman can pull a trigger, an' his bullet's just as hard," Turvey pointed out.

"But not so likely to hit the mark," the Chief retorted. "And when is the attempt to be made?"

"Couldn't find that out; soon, I'd say; they want the girl back."

"They won't get her," the bandit assured him. "Your news has been of use. Take this." With a grin of greed, the informer deftly caught the bag of money. "Silence, they say, is golden, Turvey; you will find it so. When this little trouble is over ..." It was well for his peace of mind that the cowboy could not read that smile. "Get back to the Double K anc glean what you can."

Turvey shook his head. "I've quit," he explained. "Steve had an ugly look forme this mornin' an' I'd sooner take a hint than a chance."

"A pity," Satan said. "Still, it is one man more for us. Now leave me, I have much to do; when guests are expected, one must make arrangements."

"Shore, we gotta give 'em a warm welcome," Turvey laughed, and departed.

Satan laughed, too, but directly he was alone, became thoughtful. "So the cat is out," he mused, "and the most perfect getaway ever devised comes to grief. Keith has talked, or the gunman has guessed--correctly, but in this place no one knows save that rat and gold will keep him quiet until I substitute--lead. I still hold a trump card, Joan, but it is not safe for her to remain here--those damned cowboys may prove too strong for us. The wise general prepares for the possibility of defeat."

He summoned Silver and sent him for Miss Dalroy. When she arrived he pointed to a seat.

"Hell City is shortly to be attacked by a considerable force," he began bluntly. "What do you suppose will happen to you if it is taken?"

"One of the victors might succumb to my charms and make me his blushing bride," she returned lightly, conceiving that he was trying to frighten her for some purpose.

He frowned at her flippancy. "You would be handed over to the nearest sheriff and go back to face your trial."

The harsh statement sobered her. "What do you want?"

"I am arranging for you and Miss Keith to be taken else where. You will start this afternoon, with Silver as escort."

"Two woman, alone with that--animal?" she cried.

"He is the only man I trust, or can spare," Satan said coldly. "You will be quite safe."

"Why can't you come?"

He drew himself up. "Desert my people?" he asked, and then, remembering that this woman was not one to be impressed by heroics, added, "I shall be needed here, and will join you later."

"I won't go," she said stubbornly.

"Get ready. You need not tell the Keith girl why the journey is necessary," he replied, and with a change of tone, "Belle, you know I would not send you away but for your own sake, don't you?"

Instantly she melted. "Oh, Jeff, I'm a fool about you," she murmured. "There are times when I could kill you, and others--"

"When you would die for me," he smiled. "But I'm only asking you to live for me, my dear."

The smile remained when she had gone. "Hard words for a man, and soft for a woman, spoken at the right time, will move mountains," he soliloquized. "God! if that cursed cowpuncher had never been born."

He thrust aside the ambitious hopes his abnormal vanity had bred--the present needed all his attention. To Silver he gave detailed instructions, and the dwarf's beady eyes shone when he heard the reward he was to receive if he carried them out successfully.

"I savvy, Chief," he grunted.

"If you fail, in any way, I'll kill you--slowly," Satan said. "You can't hide from me." He tapped his forehead. "I see with my brain."

Having thus reminded the fellow of his supernatural powers, he went about the business of dealing with the threatened attack. The boom of the bell brought the dwellers running, all save the guardians of the gates. Excited questions flew back and fore. Who was the victim? What form would the punishment take? One said the gunman, Sudden, had been recaptured. The spectacular figure of their leader stilled the hubbub. In a melodramatic fashion he flung his right hand upwards.

"My friends," he cried, "it has been revealed to me that the Double K and Twin Diamond ranches are combining to drive us from our retreat. What are we to do?"

The answer came in one roar, "Fight!"

"I am glad you agree with me. These cattlemen think the earth was created solely for them, and must be taught otherwise. They can get to us only through the gates, unless"--he glanced up at the cliff walls--"they drop from Heaven, and a cowboy is as little likely to come from as go there."

"That's one for you, Turvey," a wit shouted, and raised a laugh.

"So we must have a strong force at each entrance, men who can use their rifles, with others in readiness to take the places of those who may--be unlucky," Satan went on. "We have plenty of weapons and ammunition. Roden will command at the west gate and Turvey at the east. There will be twenty gold pieces for every man if we win, and remember, you will be fighting for your very existence, so--no mercy."

Though the cheering as he turned his back on them gratified his mummer's appetite for applause, it brought a sneer to his lips. How easy it was for a clever man to mould the common clay to his own desires ! A handful of gold, a few well-chosen words, and these men were ready to lay down their lives for him. Fools ... fools ...

Meanwhile, the objects of his contempt were discussing the news. Hard-bitten, reckless, the prospect of a battle daunted them not at all. With coarse jests and a great deal ofboasting, they crowded round the two lieutenants, busy distributing cartridges and rifles. Some disdained the latter, for as one rugged-faced old freebooter expressed it: "A gun you know is like a good wife--not so purty, mebbe, but you c'n trust her."

"Gimme a skinnin' knife; I'll win me some scalps," another bragged.

"Scalps, hell! They'll be skallyhootin' to damnation afore they git within fifty yards o' the gates," he was told. And this seemed to be the general opinion.

To Joan Keith the journey, when she learned that Satan would not accompany them, proved such a relief that she did not ask why they were going; no place could be worse than the horrible haunt she was in. Even the presence of Silver alarmed her much less than it had her more sophisticated companion.

"The poor fellow can't help the way he was born," she said. "I had a dog once whose appearance scared everybody, and he was the most docile of animals."

Belle shrugged her shapely shoulders and retired behind a screen to dress for the ride. When she reappeared, Joan found herself staring at a young cowboy in high-heeled boots, chaps, woollen shirt with a bright kerchief knotted round the neck, Stetson, and gauntleted gloves.

"What do you think of it?" Belle laughed, turning this and that way to display herself.

Before Joan could reply, a familiar voice forestalled her: "Charming, Belle; you need only the mask to be my double."

"Let me try," she said saucily, holding out her hand.

"We've no time for play," he replied sharply. "The horses are waiting."

The scene outside was one of bustle and excitement, and the fact that every man was carrying a rifle, coupled with their own hurried departure, gave Joan a glimmering of the truth; her friends were coming to the rescue. Obeying their conductor's order, they went to his apartment. Belle's eyebrows rose when she saw the open trap-door.

"A private exit?" she laughed. "What a clever devil you are, Jeff. Come along, Miss Keith, we shall learn all his secrets."

They descended until they reached the cave where Keith had spent so many solitary months. Belle looked at the man archly.

"I wonder what love-bird occupied this comfortable cage?" she said. "you are full of surprises, Jeff."

"The best is yet to come," he returned curtly, and went to the opening which served as a window.

Joan absently opened one of the books on the table. The fly-leaf bore the inscription "Jefferson Keith" and she closed it quickly. At that moment, the Chief called them, and even Belle's self-assurance failed her when she saw the frail rope-ladder dangling aginst the face of the cliff.

"My God, Jeff, you're not expecting us to go down that, are you?" she exclaimed.

"No, I'm ordering you to," he replied forcefully. "It's safe enough--if you hold on."

Heights had no terrors for the range-bred girl. "I will go first," Joan offered.

The masked man divined that she would risk being dashed to fragments rather than remain alone with him; anger, and his natural instinct to inflict pain, brought a refusal.

"No, age before beauty," he said, dealing a double blow. "Go, Belle, and don't look down."

The taunt served its purpose. Furious, the woman crawled through the opening and commenced the descent.

She was not without courage, but this was an ordeal outside her experience, and the thought of what would happen if she fell, paralysed her. Clinging desperately to the ladder, she moved so slowly that the man above cursed impatiently. Weak and dizzy, she every moment expected to slip and feel her body hurtling through the air. When she was half-waythough she did not know that--her flimsy support began to sway under her weight and she paused, frozen with fear.

"Don't stop, damn you, unless you want death."

The strident voice, cleaving the atmosphere like a bullet, lashed her to action. Blind to everything save the ropes she must grip and the rungs she must find for her feet, she went on, and at last the watchers above saw her vanish over the bulge at the bottom of the cliff.

"That yell saved her life--in another moment the fool would have fallen," Satan said. "I expect better from you. I hate to let you go, Joan, but it is only for a day or so."

His eyes were alive now, alive with a passion which chilled and frightened. But she must play her part.

"I don't understand," she said wearily. "I know you would not hurt me--Jeff."

"I shall explain everything," he replied eagerly, his hot gaze devouring her. "Joan, I could take your kisses, but .. . Go, girl, before the nearness of you weakens my will."

She needed no second bidding; the peril she was about to face could not compare with that she left behind. So, with a light heart, she followed Belle. Holding tightly, she looked neither up nor down, keeping her eyes glued on the rocky wall before them. One thought only came to her as she dropped lower and lower--Jeff must have escaped in the. same way. Somehow, the probability gave her confidence, and almost before she realized that the task was done, a pair of huge hands lifted her from the ladder, set her on the ground, and she was gazing into the grinning face of Silver.

"Here you is, an' there's the hosses. Let's be goin'," he said.

There were four animals, one of them packed with supplies. In a brief space, they were on their way.

Chapter XXV

The first arrivals at the Twin Diamond ranch-house on the following morning were Lagley, Frosty, and Lazy. The face of the foreman wore a worried frown as he drew Sudden aside.

"Dugout has shown up ten strong but I'm fearin' we've overlooked a bet," he said. "Turvey's pulled his freight an' it ain't hard to guess where he's gone."

"But he didn't know."

"May have heard me talkin' to Frosty--he was late for supper, 'cordin' to Lazy, said his hoss was troublesome."

Before the puncher could reply, another voice chimed in.

"By Christmas, if it isn't Steve Lagley. How are you, old grumbler?"

Lagley spun round, a picture of perturbation, but he managed to grasp the extended hand, staring hard the while. "Mighty glad to see yu agin, Master Jeff," he said.

"What are you looking for--a red mask?" Keith asked slyly.

The foreman's coppery skin took on a purple tinge. "No, I on'y wanta see that once more, through the sights o' my gun."

"Don't you do it," the young man cried. "He's my meat."

"Yo're both wrong--he's mine," Sudden corrected. He looked at Keith. "There's Dealtry; go an' speak with him."

The boy hesitated a mere second, squared his shoulders, stepped to where the officer was standing, and said quietly: "Morning, sheriff."

Dealtry, who had just dismounted, turned, scanned him closely, and then said, "Well, Jeff, I've had some hard thoughts 'bout you; wrongly, as it now appears."

"I didn't shoot Dan," Keith said earnestly. "We were friends, and our difference would have been forgotten in the morning. I suppose it was my running away ..."

"Yeah, it looked bad. If you'd stayed--but there, I reckon `if' is the cussedest word in the world. What Green told me yestiddy made it plain. All I want now is to slant a gun on that--."

"Yo're fourth on the list an' ain't got a chance," Sudden grinned. "How much help yu brought?"

"There's on'y a dozen of us but we're good," was the sheriff's modest reply. "Got any plan?"

Mart Merry, the Double K foreman, and his two men joined the group, and the rancher answered the question.

"There's but two ways into the durn place. My idea is to split our force an' attack 'em both at the same time. Yu agree, Jim?"

"Nothin' else for it," the cowboy concurred. "Mart, yu an' Dealtry can take this side, an' the Double K an' Dugout men the other."

"What are yu goin' to do, Jim?" the rancher asked.

"I want a few fellas who can shoot fast an' arc willin' to gamble. Yu see, I know of another way in--hit on it by chance--an' it's possible, with trouble both ends o' the town, it may be overlooked. Once in, mebbe we can grab the leader, an' anyway, we'll have the gates between two fires. What yu think of it, Steve?"

"It's good," Lagley said. "Likewise, it's a Double K job. Here's three of us--"

"Four," Keith put in quietly.

"An' I can soon git the others--they'll all wanta come."

"Three more will do--them gates are a tough proposi tion," Sudden decided. "Go get 'em, Steve." He followed as the foreman went to his horse. "Yu know where to meet us?"

"Yeah. How d'yu learn 'bout that way in, Jim?"

"Yu showed it me," the puncher smiled.

"Yo're lettin' me down mighty easy; I ain't forgettin' it." Further preparations for the fray did not take long. Sudden had a final word.

"We won't make a move till yu got 'em real interested at both ends. So long, an' good luck."

Soon after he had gone, Merry and the sheriff set out, their men straggling behind. The cowboys, for the most part, jested and poked fun at one another, indifferent to the fact that they were about to risk their lives, but the Red Rock men rode with grave, determined faces : they were there to administer the law.

Less than an hour's ride brought them within sight of their objective, a gate of heavy timber set between unscaleable heights which, continuing for about a hundred yards, walled in the narrow approach. Dealtry pulled up with an exclamation of dismay.

"Phew! That's a nice nut to crack, Mart," he said. "How in blue blazes are we to git near?"

"Leave the hosses round the bend an' try to sneak up--they won't find aimin' too easy if we keep the lead flyin'."

"I'll give 'em a chance first," the sheriff replied.

Before the rancher could protest, he rode forward, alone, right hand raised, palm outwards, the Indian form of the white flag. He had not proceeded far when the ugly features of Roden bobbed up behind the barrier.

"That'll be near enough," he called. "Who are you an' what's yore errand?"

"I'm the sheriff o' Red Rock, an' I'm lookin' for a fella named Lander."

"Never heard of him."

"He hides his face behind a red mask," Dealtry went on. "Turn him over to me, surrender yoreselves, an' I'll deal with you as leniently as the law will let me. That's my only offer."

"An' here's mine," Roden retorted. "Git to hell outa here or I'll send you there. Scat!" He fired as he finished, and the bullet ballooned the dust under the belly of the officer's horse. "That's the on'y ca'tridge I'm wastin'," he added.

Dealtry paced slowly back to his companions. The horses were bestowed safely, and the men, prone on their stomachs and taking advantage of any inequality in the ground which would serve as shelter, began a steady bombardment. The besieged replied, but the hail of lead soon rendered the loopholes in the gate dangerous, and their response slackened. During a slight lull, the muffled crash of gun-fire in the distance announced that the second attack had commenced.

The Double K cowboys and their supporters from Dugout had, in fact, the harder task, and Lanky--who had been appointed leader--muttered grotesque oaths as he surveyed the narrow approach, with its perpendicular cliff on one side and precipice on the other.

"What we want is wings, an' the on'y kind we're liable to git'll have a harp thrown in," he grumbled. "Hey, Jansen, what's that young cannon yo're totin'?"

"She's an old Sharps buffalo gun," the store-keeper replied. "Kicks like a mule, but throws a two-ounce slug what'll go through a man like he ain't there."

"Can yu use her?"

"I expect there's some here could shoot better," Jansen confessed.

"Yu take my Winchester an' lemme try her," Lanky suggested.

Flattened out in a little hollow, he cuddled the stock of the weapon, took careful aim, and fired. The shrill burst of profanity and tornado of lead which followed the boom of thebig gun denoted that damage had been done. Afterwards they learned that the shot had passed through a loophole, shattered the chest of a bandit about to fire, and permanently crippled another behind him.

"She's bully," Lanky said, ejecting the empty shell and pushing in a second. "If we had six o' these, we'd knock that blame' gate to hellangone."

Meanwhile, Sudden and his party were preparing to get into the game. The topmost cave, at least, seemed to be unguarded, and a rope having been adjusted, Sudden and Lagley slid down to investigate. A cautious peep at the street below showed it to be deserted; the ladder for the next step in the descent was in position.

"Anybody watchin' will be at the bottom," Sudden said. "Call the boys."

Keith and the other four joined them. In the cave below they again found a ladder, and silence, save for the dulled, spiteful voices of the guns outside. A third stage, and a querulous remark drifted up to them: "Just our luck to be tied here, missin' all the fun. I told Turvey they wouldn't know--hello, Flicksy, how's it goin'?"

"Bad," came the reply. "Th' gate can't last much longer--they got a buffalo gun what's makin' matchwood of it. Turvey an' two more is cashed an' most of us chipped some."

"What about them?"

"I sent one over th' edge an' I reckon he won't feel th' bump when he lands, but we dassen't show a nose. I du no who cut them damn loopholes, but ..." The stream of blasphemies died away in the distance.

"Mebbe we ain't so unlucky arter all," a new voice said. There were two of them, squatting near the entrance to the cave, rifles within reach. Noiselessly as cats, the cowboys crept down the ladder, and before the surprised sentinels could utter a sound, they were roped, gagged, and carried to the floor above. So far, all had gone well, but the crucial moment had come. Sudden had his plan ready.

"Jeff an' Frosty will come with me to search out Miss Keith an' Satan," he said. "The rest o' yu can drive these dawgs from the Dugout gate an' let our lads in."

With his two companions, he ran swiftly across the open space, kicked wide the door of the Chief's quarters and dashed in, only to hear the slam of the trap as it fell into place.

"Damnation, he must have seen us," he cried.

They uncovered the opening to see the ladder lying below. Sudden did not hesitate; hanging by his hands, he dropped, landing safely; the others followed. Flinging back a second trap-door, they raced down into the room Jeff knew so well; it was empty. Sudden sprang to the window just in time to see the man they sought leap into the saddle of his black and spur the animal into the undergrowth. "You taught me that trick, Sudden," came the shouted taunt. The swinging rope-ladder seemed a further mockery.

"Can't we follow?" Keith asked despairingly.

"Yeah, when we get hosses. He had his getaway all fixed, if the cards went against him. But he was alone. C'mon, we're wasting time."

They made their way up again to find a very different scene. The eastern gate had fallen, and the Double K cowboys, shouting and shooting, were driving the remnant of its defenders before them. From the drifting clouds of thin blue smoke came spits of flame and the crack of exploding cartridges. Yells of defiance, curses and groans of stricken men added to the clamour. Though the outlaws fought with the courage of cornered beasts, Sudden could see that victory was but a matter of time.

"We gotta find someone who can give us news o' Miss Keith," he said.

At that moment, Lazy emerged from one of the caverns with a prisoner; it was Anita.

"Hi, yu Frosty fella, look what I found," he called out.

Sudden went to them. "yu've found a very good friend o' mine, Lazy," he said. "I'm obliged to yu for takin' care of her." The cowboy let go the captive's wrist as though it burned him. The girl's dark eyes asked a question.

"He escaped--for the time," Sudden told her. "We are looking for Miss Keith."

"He sent her away yesterday, with Silver, and the other woman," she replied. "I saw them pass along the valley, going west."

She could tell them no more, having had but a glimpse, but the news drove the blood from Jeff's cheeks and brought an oath to his lips. A burst of cheering from the other gate, and flying figures seeking sanctuary in the cave-dwellings from the pitiless leaden pellets, announced the triumph of the Twin Diamond contingent. Hell City was taken. The firing died out, a little breeze dispelled the veil of smoke and acrid smell of burnt powder; here and there, arms outflung, face downwards, lay the form of what had lately been a man.

The sheriff and Merry came hurrying up, both with the same question. The answer left them glum indeed.

"Me, Frosty, an' Jeff is takin' the trail soon as we get our hosses," Sudden told them.

"I'm with you," Dealtry said. "Mart, you ain't built for speed; s'pose you stay to clean house, an' then come along if we ain't back?"

"Suits me," the rancher replied.

"An' Mart, look after Miss Anita here--we owe her a lot." Sudden requested. "C'mon, fellas, let's get goin'." He started and stopped. "Which I'm shorely dumb. Where'd yu leave yore broncs, Mart? Just outside? We'll use some of 'em --that'll save time."

Shortly afterwards they were travelling westward at full speed. When they reached the split in the trail, they had to decide which turning to take. Sudden got down and studied the surface.

"Several hosses have gone to the left recent," he said, "an' one of 'em was in a hurry. Hello, what's this?"

His searching eyes had caught a gleam of white in the grass, and he picked it up. The find proved to be a tiny fragment of linen, embroidered with the letters, "J.K." He passed it to Jeff, who needed only a glance.

"It's a bit of Joan's handkerchief--she must have dropped it in the hope that someone would follow."

"Smart of her to leave a signpost," Sudden remarked, and smiled as he saw the boy slip the said "signpost" into a pocket. "It's a safe bet Satan is on his way to join her."

Frosty was enjoying a private joke. "We are now leavin' the place where I staged my on'y hold-up an' got away with thirty thousand cold, belongin' to the Bosviile bank," he stated, with a sly look at Dealtry.

"Best tell a straight story, or the sheriff will pull yu in," Sudden bantered. "An' keep agoin' while yo're doin' it."

The Double K rider obliged, telling the tale in a whimsical way which made two of his hearers laugh; Dealtry listened with grave intentness, his gaze on the man pounding along a pace ahead of him.

"yo're an odd number, Jim," he said. "If ever you take the crooked trail, I hope it don't lead you to these parts; you'd get us all guesin'--wrong."

The compliment brought a sardonic smile to the puncher's lips; the sheriff did not know that the man to whom he paid it had already a price on his head.

Chapter XXVI

Some eight miles past the Devil's Bowl was a similar but smaller hollow, one side of which sloped gently to the sagebrush plain which rose and fell unendingly to the horizon, while the other climbed abruptly to a jagged ridge. At the farther end, hedged in by pines, stood a great tooth of rock, streaked and splashed with reds, greens, and yellows. At the foot of it, some ten yards apart, were a couple of caves, and in front of them, a level expanse of scorched grass.

The place was known as Painted Valley, and it was here that Silver and his charges were waiting. The women, after a night passed in one of the natural shelters, were sitting in the shade of the trees. The man was squatting on a big boulder a little distance away, watching. The horses, still saddled,were tied to the pine-trunks. Joan regarded the animals wistfully. "Can't we reach them and escape?" she ventured.

"I have no wish to," Belle replied. "Even if it were possible, wandering in this wilderness without supplies doesn't appeal to me. Moreover, Silver has a gun."

The spoke seldom after this, for Belle seemed to have become infected with her companion's moodiness. The hours crept slowly by and the afternoon was well advanced when Silver, who had left his post only to prepare a meal or water the ponies, scrambled clumsily down and ran towards them. "He's a-comin' an' ain't losin' no time neither," he rumbled.

Joan retired to their cave; she would not be there to welcome him. Silver's throaty laugh followed her.

"Gone to prink up, I s'pose," he said. "She's a good-looker, but I knows a better."

His meaning ogle incensed the woman. "Guard that tongue or your master shall cut it out," she replied fiercely. Ordinarily the threat would have made him cringe, but this time she saw the mammoth shoulders quivering with silent mirth.

Swiftly the black horse swept along the valley to pull up, panting. Bloody wounds, dust-caked, where the spurs had bitten too deeply, showed it had been cruelly ridden. The rider too was breathing heavily, and below the mask, his face was white. He staggered a little as he alighted.

"What has happened?" Belle asked.

"Hell City is captured," he told her. "I got away, but they are on my heels, three of them, and one is the sheriff of Red Rock."

"Why is he in it?"

"I shot his son. Curse it, they can't be more than two miles away, and there's nowhere to hide here."

"If we start at once ... "

Impatiently he shook his head. "They would run us down --we couldn't blind our tracks."

Belle stepped to him, her eyes eager. "I've an idea, Jeff. We can trick them, and gain time. It's you they want."

He listened avidly. "It's clever, damned clever, and should serve," he said. "You would do this for me?"

"Even more, as you will learn," she murmured. "Now, send Silver to the spring--he will be out of sight there--give me your mask, and put Pluto at the entrance to the second cave. A whistle will tell me when to act."

"You have a head, Belle," he complimented. "I shall make for Willow Bend, California. Meet me there, and we'll conquer the world--together."

He handed her the disguise and turned quickly away to complete the preparations. The black was placed at the mouth of the cave, but not until he had changed the costly saddle for that on one of the other ponies. This occupied precious moments, and he had but just finished and concealed himself when three horsemen appeared on the far rim of the valley. He gave the signal, and at once a figure, dressed like himself, the turned-back brim of the soft hat clearly showing the red mask, darted out, leapt into the saddle of the black, and shot away towards the plain. The new arrivals saw it, too, and with a shrill yell, set off in pursuit. Satan's expression was one of triumphant derision.

"Run, you mud-heads," he muttered. "By the time you catch Pluto, tired as he is, I shall be out of your reach. It will be a pity if they shoot you down, my Belle, but it will save you a disappointment at Willow Bend, if there is such a place."

When the riders had vanished, he entered the second cave and called softly, "Joan." The girl in the shadow turned, and he fell back as though he had encountered an unseen obstacle.

"You?" he gasped. "You--have dared--to play this prank?"

"Yes, I dared," Belle repeated steadily, but her heart was hammering. "I had the courage to do that--for you." The face she was seeing for the first time in its entirety was that of a fiend. The right hand, fingers spread, moved slowly towards his gun and she knew that death was very near. Her voice did not falter. "Hear me, Jeff: the Double K is lost, and that girl could not bring it back. What use would she be to you? I am different--your kind, the wolf-breed--ready to war with the world. You have lost this throw, but such a man as you is never beaten, he plays again--and wins."

The sinister hand had stopped. She drew herself up, stamped her foot, and cried, "Am I not as desirable as that prim madam of whom you would tire in a month?" The challenging charm of her brought a flash of life into the flinty eyes, and she added softly, "Once you told me, `Love is all-powerful; it will find a way, and it forgives.' Well, I love, I have found a way, but it is for you to forgive."

She stood with bent head, as in submission, but she felt that she had won. And so it proved; her beauty, spirit, and subtle flattery had fired his imagination, and wiped out--for the moment--his defeat. Impetuously he took her in his arms.

"By Heaven, you're right, girl," he said. "I've been blind--"

The low growl of a wild beast cut him short and he turned to see Silver at the entrance, head down, long arms swinging.

"That's my woman," the dwarf said thickly. "you promised if I treated 'em fair I should have her."

Belle recoiled from her lover with a look of loathing. "You --did--that?" she whispered. "you would have given me to a --monster?"

"It was a pretence, for your sake, Belle," Satan protested. "I never meant to ..." He saw that she did not believe, and swung round on the intruder. "Get out," he ordered.

"I want my woman," Silver grunted. "I'm takin' her--now."

He moved forward, dogged, threatening, teeth bared, the great paws of him opening and shutting; desire had destroyed dread of his master, and he was blind to everything but the prize he had been promised.

This second defiance fanned Satan's fury to a white heat. Snatching out a gun he sent a bullet into the broad breast. Silver wavered, but came on. Again the bandit fired, and this time the stricken man stopped, head swaying uncertainly from side to side. Then, with glazing eyes and lips which moved soundlessly, the ponderous body collapsed as though the puny legs could no longer support it. Ashen-faced, the woman stared at it.

"You--murderer," she breathed.

Ere the man could reply there came a voice from without: "Lander, I'm waitin' for yu."

The flush of passion on the killer's face faded, leaving it ghastly. Sudden! What freak of Fortune had brought him to bar the way to liberty and life? The swift advent of peril found him unprepared. Instinctively he looked at Belle.

"What can I do?" he muttered.

"Play the man--for once," she replied harshly, and he knew that his infamy had turned her love to hate.

Into his craven heart crept a cold despair. Wantonly, without a qualm, he had sent others into the Great Unknown, and now ... It seemed incredible; he was young, strong, and yet, out there in the sunlight, death awaited him. His numbed senses could not realize it.

"Lander !"

The one word carried a threat. Motionless as a statue, the woman watched the man fight his fear, and heard the horrible croaking laugh as the actor in him came to the surface.

"I believe that is my cue," he said, and stepped, with leaden feet, into the open.

The puncher was standing about fifteen paces distant, hands hanging by his sides. He was alone, and this brought the bandit a faint hope, and a regret--that he had slain Silver.

"What do you want with me?" he demanded. "Payment," Sudden said sternly. "Yu forced me to take the life of one I had been sent to save--Dolver."

As the full import of this statement seeped into Satan's brain, tempestuous rage took the place of terror. This fellow, emissary of the Governor he had derided, had outplayed him at every point and wrought the ruin of his plans. He, the clever schemer and born leader, had been deceived and defeated by this--cowboy. The shock to his abnormal vanity bred only one craving--to kill. After all, they were man to man, and he was a fine shot.

"So you're a dirty spy, too?" he jeered. "Well, why don't you shoot?"

"I'm giving' yu what yu never gave--a chance," Sudden replied. "We'll walk towards each other, an' at the word `Three,' go for yore gun."

He took a pace and called, "One,"; a second, "Two"; and then it happened: with an inarticulate curse, the other man whipped a weapon from his belt and fired. Incredibly fast as the movement was, Sudden had seen it, yellow flame jetted from his right hip, and Satan stumbled to fall headlong, his fingers clawing convulsively at the grass. Out of the swirling smoke, Sudden advanced gun in hand; Silver might still to be reckoned with. But instead of the stunted, uncouth figune, it was Belle Dalroy who appeared. Gazing dry-eyed at the body, she said: "Crooked to the last."

"Where is Miss Keith?" the puncher asked, and when she had told him, added, "We owe yu somethin' for that."

"No, I wanted her out of the way," she said sharply. Somewhere in her warped nature was a streak of honesty. "What are you going to do with me?"

He pointed to the plain; two riders were approaching. "One o' those fellas is sheriff o' Red Rock. In yore place, I'd climb a hoss an' beat it."

Her set features softened. "You're a good sort," she murmured. "I wish--"

"They'll be here mighty soon," he said meaningly. "Take the pony with the pretty saddle."

She understood; that had been Satan's, and he would not have left Hell City empty-handed. By the time the horsemen arrived, the trees had hidden her from view. Dealtry jumped down and turned the corpse over; the bullet had entered between the eyes.

"That's Lander, shore enough," he remarked with grim satisfaction. "Lucky, after all, yore bronc went lame--he'd 'a' got away; it was one damned smart dodge. You see--"

"I had' it from Miss Dalroy," Sudden said. "It was her notion, not his. Dressed as he was--a woman's whim--and with the hoss and the mask, it looked a cinch. He thought she was takin' the ride, but she swapped duds with Miss Keith."

"Yeah, an' a nice chase she gave us. That black can run, I'm tell n' you; we'd still be admirin' his hind-quarters if Jeff hadn't fired. Shore he missed, but I s'pose it scared her, for she stopped an' faced round. You oughta seen him when we rode up, three growed men with guns drawed on that slip of a gal, but mebbe we looked as sick as he did. Frosty an' me gits the same idea--that we'd important business elsewhere. We left Jeff to do the explainin' an' I reckon he's still doin' it. What's come o' that Dalroy woman?"

"A pony is missin' but I didn't see her go," the puncher replied, omitting to add that he was looking the other way at the time.

"How did yu know Lander was here, Jim?" Frosty enquired.

"Crossing the valley, I saw Silver enter one o' the caves an' heard a shot," was the reply. "I figure we shall find him."

They did, and the sheriff pointed to the heavy Colt's revolver thrust through the waistband of the dead dwarf.

"Just--plain--murder," he pronounced.

Sudden nodded. "He killed the man who might have saved him; he shorely had `lost his medicine.' "

"We'll plant this one, but the other goes back with us--folk has to see him," Dealtry decided. "Pity we ain't got the mask."

"We have," Frosty told him, and produced it from a pocket. "I scooped her up as we came away; Miss Joan must 'a' dropped it."

So, hanging limply across the back of a pony, the Boss of Hell City returned to his shattered kingdom.

* * * Out amongst the sagebrush, two young people who had so much to say, sat tongue-tied. The girl, painfully conscious of her masculine attire, kept her head bent, or the warm admiration in the boy's eyes might have reassured her. He was the first to speak.

"Thank Heaven you are safe, Joan. But why are you here?" Falteringly she told of Belle's offer. "I had no choice; she would have gone herself if I did not, and that would have left me alone with ... I knew I was helping him, but my one thought was to get away. I had to ride hard--Belle said they would shoot."

"I shall never forgive myself for that. God! I might have killed you."

"You could not know," she reminded gently.

"Dealtry and Frosty will be too late," he said moodily. "That devil has slipped through our fingers, and now ..."

She read his thought. "Your friends will believe, Jeff," she consoled.

"There will always be some to doubt," he replied bitterly, and then forced a smile to his lips. "I'm an ungrateful cuss, Joan. After all, you have escaped from that dog, and I am free of one horrible suspicion; Dealtry knows now that it was Lander who shot his son."

"Oh, Jeff, I am so glad," she cried. "Of course, I never believed ..." She broke off breathlessly, and then added, "you will come back to the Double K now?"

"Yes, I must take my medicine," he replied.

"I don't think it will be a very bad dose," she smiled happily. "Let's go at once."

He was turning his horse when an exclamation of dismay arrested him.

"Not that way, Jeff; I can't be seen in these awful clothes."

"But you make the prettiest kind of boy, Joan," he protested. "The outfit will be falling in love with you all over again, and I'll have to lick the lot of them." He paused, fearing he might have offended, but her downcast eyes and flushed cheeks did not indicate anger. "I've no right to talk like this, but while I was in that living tomb, I used to have visions of you as the wife of another man, and it was torment. Tell me, dear, is there ...?"

Joan Keith was no coquette. She shook her head, and said softly, "It was always you, Jeff. Even when I could not but believe--the worst, I--still--cared."

Perhaps the horses understood, or had also something to say to one another, for without either rider being conscious of movement, they were side by side. Jeff had but to stretch out his arms.

When Sudden and his companions reached Hell City again they were met by Mart Merry, who surveyed the red-masked, gruesome burden they brought with callous complacency.

"So yu got him?" he said. "Where's Joan?" The information produced a hoarse chuckle. "Durn that boy; we get him outa one scrape an' right off he tumbles into another," quoth the hardened bachelor. "It looks like Ken will have his own way after all." He turned to the sheriff. "Mighty near straightened up here. A few made their getaway, but we've some prisoners for yu. Come an' look 'em over."

Apart from the shattered gate, and the fact that men were digging holes in the corral, the bandit town wore its custom ary appearance. Near the whipping-post was a group of bound men, among them Squint.

"Where's Roden?" Sudden asked.

"He stopped a slug an' it stopped him," the ruffian replied. Dirk too was there. The puncher pointed to him. "He warn't one o' the gang--just ran the saloon--got a wife an' kids, too," he said.

The sheriff looked at the other prisoners. "Did this fella fight against us?" he enquired, and when several of them growled a sullen negative, gave orders for his release.

The moment he was free the saloon-keeper looked for his benefactor, but Sudden had vanished; he did not like being thanked. Moreover he wanted Nigger, so he and Frosty used the secret exit and having regained their own steeds, set out for the Twin Diamond.

"Satan's saddle warn't on the black nor any o' the other hosses," Frosty remarked. "D'yu reckon the Dalroy woman hived it?"

"Likely," his friend replied.

"Bet it was worth takin'," the Double K rider ruminated, and with a sly glance, "Why didn't yu go with her, Jim? She's as pretty as a picture, an' she'll have a wad--now."

"When a man marries he wants more'n a picture, even if it does have a gold frame," Sudden told him. "I got somethin' to do before I start fussin' around females."

And Frosty, who knew what that "somethin' " was, had nothing to say.

Chapter XXVII

The day following the fall of Hell City was one of rejoicing tempered with regret, for casualties had not been confined to the conquered; there were gaps in both outfits, Dugout and Red Rock had lost citizens, and the wounded were many. But the job was done, thoroughly.

At the Double K ranch-house, the Colonel was receiving visitors. He had heard a wellnigh incredible story, and insisted on seeing the Principal performers in the drama. So, one by one, Merry, the Red Rock sheriff, Sudden, Frosty, and the Double K foreman filed into the bedroom, where the invalid--propped up by pillows, with Joan sitting beside him--apologized with old-world courtesy.

"Yu don't have to say a word, Ken," Merry assured him. "We're mighty glad to be able to see yu a-tall. How're yu makin' it?"

The Colonel replied that he was progressing favourably, and asked for details of the strange happenings of which he had been given only an outline. He listened as each added his quota to the tale, but his gaze was on the door. Presently it opened, Jeff stepped in, and stood, waiting. Instantly the deep-sunk eyes in the sick man's gaunt face became obdurate, relentless.

"What do you here?" he asked harshly. "Have you come slinking back to see if there is still a hope of regaining the inheritance you threw away?"

The thunderstruck company saw the boy's face turn as white as that of the man who hurled this cruel question at him, but there was no anger in it.

"No, sir, I came to beg a father's forgiveness and nothing -more," he answered quietly.

"Very touching, but a lie," was the searing retort. "I happen to know that, in case I decline to be duped, you have provided yourself with a second chance by persuading this foolish girl that you care for her."

"Oh, Daddy Ken," the "foolish girl" murmured, and hid her shamed face.

Merry stood up. "Ken Keith, yo're my friend, but if yu wasn't crippled, I'd shake the eternal lights out'n yu. Of all the--"

The Colonel did not let him finish. "Attend to your own affairs, Mart, and allow me to deal with mine," he snapped. "As for you Joan, if you marry that fellow, you go to him empty-handed. That makes a difference, doesn't it?"

The girl's wet eyes met his steadily. "No," she replied.

"Joan is more to me than all the ranches in Arizona," young Keith said. "I have learned my lesson, sir, and I'm sorry you--feel this way."

He was turning to leave when Merry spoke again: "Hold yore hosses, I'm comin' along. We'll go to the Twin Diamond, an'--" He stopped, and the belligerent look faded when he saw the change in the Colonel's face; the sternness had gone, and with a smile which was like the sun bursting through a cloud, the old man said:

"Would you rob me of my boy, Mart?"

The fat man stared open-mouthed, but Jeff understood. With a bound he was at the bedside, gripping the thin white hand waiting for him.

"Dad!" he cried.

"Forgive me, lad," Kenneth Keith said. "I had to try you --for Joan's sake; I couldn't trust her to a weakling." Taking the girl's hand, he placed it in that of his son. "There must always be a Keith at the Double K, Jeff."

"I hope there will be, sir," the young man replied, with a look which brought the blood back into Joan's cheeks.

By this time Merry had recovered. "Well, yu of fraud, I'm free to admit yu had me razzle-dazzled," he remarked. "Shore thought yu meant it, an' I 'most wish yu had; I was figurin' on gettin' me a son an' daughter at the ranch-house." He sensed the significance of Frosty's grin. "O' course, she'd want repairin' some."

"All she needs is new floors, walls, roof, an' fixin's," the white-headed cowboy suggested. "The ground's good."

This produced a laugh in which the owner of the maligned edifice joined heartily. Then the Colonel spoke.

"My friends, I owe a great debt to all of you, but especially to James Green, whom I woefully misjudged."

The Twin Diamond man could not resist the opportunity. "I put one over on yu there, Ken; said all along he was straight."

The Colonel turned on him sharply, and--smiled. "That is so," he agreed, and Mart--who had expected a prompt contradiction--was sorry he had spoken. Then, divining Sudden's evident discomfort, the invalid went on, "We must have a long talk, Green, when I am stronger. Now, I see my nurse is looking severe ..."

Jeff lingered behind the others. "Dad, you're being very good to me," he said.

"Nonsense, son," was the reply. "When a man is ill, he has time to think, and I have found much to regret. Run along and entertain our guests."

Later, Sudden encountered Lazy and enquired about* Anita.

"She's here, goin' to be Miss Joan's maid--for a spell," the cowboy told him, and reddened at the other's, "Good luck to yuStaring after the tall, loose-limbed figure as it swung towards the corral, he muttered, "How'n th' devil did he guess? Hope he ain't interested--I wouldn't have a chance."

The sheriff of Red Rock shouted a welcome as "Mart Merry's visitor" stepped into his office some weeks after the effacement of Hell City. Then he looked out of the window and saw that the black had a blanket roll strapped to the saddle.

"Ain't leavin' us, are you, Jim?" he asked.

"Shore am, an' sorry to be," the puncher told him. "They let you go?"

"It warn't easy; the Colonel an' Mart made me han'some offers, Jeff an' Frosty damn near pulled guns on me, an' Miss Joan cried, which was wuss'n all."

"Then why in the nation ...?"

"Somebody's waitin' for me in Tucson."

Dealtry thought he understood. "An' she'll be anxious, huh?"

Sudden grinned. "Yo're way off the trail, sheriff. The person waitin' for me is a shortish, middle-aged fella, with grey hair an' a persuasive manner. They call him `Bloke,' an' he can be--times."

"The Governor?"

"Yeah, an' he'll be wonderin' if he oughta send a wreath."

"So you're from him? You kept it mighty close."

"I'm the third." He told the fate of his predecessors. "I expect they talked too much."

The sheriff breathed hard. "An' we thought he was doin ' nothin'," he said. "I'll bet he'll be pleased with you."

"Just a shake an' a `Well done, Jim,' but I reckon them's the best words a man can hear in this li'l of world."

Dealtry reached into a drawer, produced and passed over a familiar folded paper."Found it on Lander. Mean anythin' to you?"

Sudden laughed. "Shore, it's my letter of introduction to Hell City. A long story, sheriff."

"I never was curious," the officer replied.

He got out a bottle and they drank together, solemnly, as men do when they have to part, and regret it. Their farewell was a mere hand-clasp and a "So long"--it was an undemonstrative land.

Standing in his doorway, Dealtry watched the black horse pace slowly along the street. When, at length, it disappeared in the distance, he said softly:

"Well done, Jim."