It was beginning to grow dark when the party reached their cabin. Just before reaching it they crossed the pasturage ground of the burro, who was seen quietly browsing, as if he had not taken any part and felt no interest in the proceedings of the afternoon.
Halting in front of the opening, Jeff said to Tim:
"You have the gun and know it's a repeater."
The Irishman nodded his head.
"Keep guard over these fellows till I come back; it won't be long."
"I'll do the same—on that ye may depind."
TIM AND HIS PRISONERS.
The massive figure swung off in the gloom. He gave no intimation of whither he was going, and no one could guess, except that he promised shortly to return.