He passed the cabin on the way, and, seeing Anita seated in the doorway, he came to a momentary halt.
"You had better go inside and lock the doors and windows behind you," he said, advisingly. "There are invaders in the gulch, and we must try and effect a settlement with them; so it is not desirable that they should see you."
"You are not going to fight them?"
"Yes, if they will not come to reasonable terms which I shall name. Why?"
"Oh! don't fight. You will get killed."
"Humph! what of that? Who would care if I were killed?"
"I would, for one, Mr. Redburn."
The miner's heart gave a great bound, and he gazed into the pure white face of the girl, passionately. Was it possible that she had in her heart anything akin to love, for him? Already be had conceived a passing fancy for her, which might ripen into love, in time.
"Thanks!" he said, catching up her hand and pressing it to his lips. "Those words, few as they are, make me happy, Miss Anita. But, stop! I must away. Go inside, and keep shady until you see me again;" and so saying he hurried on.
In ten minutes' time two score of brawny, half-dressed Utes were rallied in the valley, and Redburn was at their head, accompanied by the "General."