Apparently luck favored Panther Pete, for, as he rode up in front of a larger house, he saw a young woman come down the walk and through the gate. He reined in, and called to her.
“Ellen!”
She had already seen him, though she had not observed him closely; now she stopped, and then turned toward him, but hesitated.
“Ellen,” he said, “I’d like to speak with you.”
Ellen West, all unaware that her lover had been shot down but a few moments before in front of her home by this man, advanced to where Panther Pete sat on his horse.
“Why, it’s Mr. Cody!” she said, in a tone of pleased surprise. “I didn’t know you were in the town.”
“I just came in.”
She glanced about, and at the men who were with him.
“I can speak safely?” she asked.
“Yes; and glad to hear your voice, no matter what you say,” was his flattering answer.