When the coach had got well away from the Dead Line, Harding gave a deep sigh of relief, for the first time feeling that Celeste was safe, and would not be retaken by the outlaws.
"Well, Doc, she's safe now, and we didn't lose our scalps," he said.
"It is a cause of congratulation all round, Harding."
"Now, Doctor Dick, you have got to tell the young lady about the poor crazy fellow."
"Did you not tell her?"
"That his wound had crazed him, yes; but that is not the worst of it."
"Ah, yes, you mean that he has been captured?"
"I cannot say that, Doc; but he has mysteriously disappeared."
"Well, you wish me to break the news to her?"
"I do, for I can't tell her what I know will hurt her, and it won't do for her to hear it from the men when she arrives in Last Chance."