They all spoke in the hushed tones one employs in the sick-room. Jack tried to persuade DeWitt to eat and sleep but he refused, his forced calm giving way to a hoarse, "For heaven's sake, can I rest when she is dying out there!" 

 John had not finished his feverish preparations when Billy Porter stalked into the living-room. As he entered, the telephone rang and Jack answered it. Then he returned to the eager group. 

 "Kut-le has gone on a long hunt with some of his people. They don't know where he went and refuse to look for him." 

 Billy Porter gave a hard, mirthless laugh. 

 "Why certainly! Jack, you ought to have a hole bored into your head to let in a little light. Kut-le gone. Can't find Rhoda's trail. Kut-le in love with Rhoda. Kut-le an Indian. Rhoda refuses him—he goes off—gets some of his chums and when he catches Rhoda alone he steals her. He will keep a man behind, covering his trail. Oh, you easy Easterners make me sick!" 

 The Newmans and DeWitt stood staring at Porter with horror in their eyes. The clock ticked for an instant then DeWitt gave a groan and bowed his head against the mantelpiece. Katherine ran to him and tried to pull his head to her little shoulder. 

 "O John, don't! Don't! Maybe Billy is right. I'm afraid he is! But one thing I do know. Rhoda is as safe in Kut-le's hands as she would be in Jack's. I know it, John!" 

 John did not move, but at Katherine's words the color came back into Jack Newman's face. 

 "That's right!" he said stoutly.  "It's a devilish thing for Kut-le to do. But she's safe, John, old boy, I'm sure she is." 

 Billy Porter, conscience-stricken at the effect of his words, clapped John on the shoulder. 

 "Aw shucks! I let my Injun hate get the best of my tongue. Of course she's safe enough; only the darn devil's got to be caught before he gets to Mexico and makes some padre marry 'em. So it's us to the saddle a whole heap." 

 "We'd better get an Indian to help trail," said Jack. 

 "You'll have a sweet time getting an Injun to trail Kut-le!" said Porter.  "The Injuns half worship him. They think he's got some kind of strong medicine; you know that. You get one and he'll keep you off the trail instead of on.  

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