"Oh, no, I am glad to know more of you, and it may be in my power to aid you, for I will gladly do all I can."
"I feel that, and we will be friends; but why do you look so anxious?"
"Do I?"
"Yes, you do."
"Well, to be candid, I am anxious for your sake, not mine, for I half-dread trouble on this run, and we are nearing the scene of several tragedies which the miners call the Dead Line. Will you not ride in the coach now?"
"No; I take all chances with you and remain where I am," was the plucky reply of Celeste Seldon.
CHAPTER XX.
MASKED FOES.
The brave response of Celeste Seldon pleased the young miner, though he did not wish her to remain upon the box. He knew the merciless nature of the road-agents, and that if they fired without challenging him, she stood, in as much danger as he did of being killed or wounded. So he said: