"We—that is, the men—can fight much better when your presence causes them no anxiety."
"But, tell me, do not Capt. Asbury and the rest feel hopeful of beating off the rustlers?"
"Of course they will make a brave fight, and there is a chance of their success, but I shudder when I think of what the cost will be to both sides. How much better if all this can be averted."
"True, indeed! And if I could be assured that you would succeed in reaching the camp of the cattlemen, I would bid you Godspeed."
"I certainly will never reach it by staying here, and I think if my chances were doubly less they ought to be taken for the sake of the good that will come to all."
At this juncture, Capt. Asbury, sitting near the window, called out:
"Here's a visitor!"
In the gloom he was not clearly visible, even though he was seen to advance, and heard to knock on the door. But when the latter was opened, Fred Whitney stepped inside.
Here the gathering darkness was more pronounced, for it was not deemed prudent to have a light.
"Inman has sent me with his ultimatum," said the messenger; "he says he has given you abundant time to think over the matter, and wants your decision."