“I'm trying to find the ranger camp.”
“You've struck it. What's your errand?”
“I want to see Captain MacNelly.”
“Get down and advance. Slow. Don't move your hands. It's dark, but I can see.”
Duane dismounted, and, leading his horse, slowly advanced a few paces. He saw a dully bright object—a gun—before he discovered the man who held it. A few more steps showed a dark figure blocking the trail. Here Duane halted.
“Come closer, stranger. Let's have a look at you,” the guard ordered, curtly.
Duane advanced again until he stood before the man. Here the rays of light from the fires flickered upon Duane's face.
“Reckon you're a stranger, all right. What's your name and your business with the Captain?”
Duane hesitated, pondering what best to say.
“Tell Captain MacNelly I'm the man he's been asking to ride into his camp—after dark,” finally said Duane.