"What do you know of her?" asked the old scout.
"She is at the foot of the Twin Mountains, confined in the cabin you and Crazy Joe occupied for so many years. There is only ten men to guard her. She is there to-night. I saw her to-day when she saw me not. What is more, I know she will be there to-morrow. Then she is to be removed from there."
"Are you laying a trap to catch us?" asked the old man sternly.
"I am telling you heaven's own truth. Now I have performed my errand, I will go."
Before the old scout could reply, the mysterious messenger rose and stole silently away in the darkness. He waited to hear the picket challenge him, but no challenge came.
CHAPTER XXIV. HE IS MY HUSBAND. OH, SPARE HIS LIFE.
Irene soon discovered that her cries and her struggles were quite useless. The strong arm of Oleah held her firmly in the saddle, and the powerful horse swept steadily on. Night was falling fast, and she observed that the country, through which she was passing, was entirely strange to her; but, judging from their course, they would pass the Twin Mountains before morning. Looking appealingly into the dark, determined face, she said:
"Even now it is not too late, Oleah; take me home."