No single shot could do so much to aid the rustlers as that which came near being made.
"This strained situation can't last much longer; I believe it will be settled before the rise of to-morrow's sun."
Monteith Sterry secured more than one chance of a few words with Jennie. The sense of danger naturally draws persons closer together, though the incentive was hardly needed in their case.
"Monteith," said she, as they sat apart by themselves, with the shadow of the coming night gradually closing around, "what is to be the end of all this?"
"I will tell you what I think," he replied, and thereupon read in a guarded voice the letter received from Duke Vesey, after which they burned it, that it might not fall into hands that could injure the sender.
"You can see that we are going to be favoured with a very dark night, and Vesey is so anxious to befriend me that I am sure he will find the way, though Hawkridge and the captain are less confident."
"But suppose they recognize you?"
"They can't do that in the darkness, and my rustling friend will not draw me into a peril that is greater than that of staying here."
"I feel as do Mr. Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury," she said, unable to share his ardour.
"Then do you wish me to stay here?"