“Oh, maybe you can,” laughed Cleve, as he dismounted.
Suddenly Kells became aware of Joan's exhaustion and distress. “Joan, you're not hurt?” he asked in swift anxiety.
“No, only played out.”
“You look it. Come.” He lifted her out of the saddle and, half carrying, half leading her, took her into the cabin, and through the big room to her old apartment. How familiar it seemed to Joan! A ground-squirrel frisked along a chink between the logs, chattering welcome. The place was exactly as Joan had left it.
Kells held Joan a second, as if he meant to embrace her, but he did not. “Lord, it's good to see you! I never expected to again.... But you can tell me all about yourself after you rest.... I was just having breakfast. I'll fetch you some.”
“Were you alone here?” asked Joan.
“Yes. I was with Bate and Handy—”
“Hey, Kells!” roared the gang, from the outer room.
Kells held aside the blanket curtain so that Joan was able to see through the door. The men were drawn up in a half-circle round the table, upon which were the bags of gold.
Kells whistled low. “Joan, there'll be trouble now,” he said, “but don't you fear. I'll not forget you.”