"Mr. Brandt, I seem to have done you a service, and am no longer required," he said in a courteous tone.
Brandt eyed his man; but judged him wrongly. An English gentleman was new to the border-outlaw.
"I swore the girl should be mine," he hissed.
"Doomed men cannot be choosers!" cried Helen, who had heard him. Her dark eyes burned with scorn and hatred.
All the party heard her passionate outburst. Case arose as if unconcernedly, and stood by the side of his master. Legget and the other two outlaws came up. The Indians turned their swarthy faces.
"Hah! ain't she sassy?" cried Legget.
Brandt looked at Helen, understood the meaning of her words, and laughed. But his face paled, and involuntarily his shifty glance sought the rocks and trees upon the ridge.
"You played me from the first?" asked Mordaunt quietly.
"I did," replied Brandt.
"You meant nothing of your promise to help me across the border?"