were back in Cabin Gulch, But don't ever give up, not for a second!
We can get away. We must plan and wait. Find out where we are--how
far from Hoadley--what we must expect--whether it's safe to approach
any one in this camp."

"Safe! I guess not, after to-day," he whispered, grimly.

"Why? What's happened?" she asked quickly.

"Joan, have you guessed yet why Kells sent you down into camp
alone?"

"No."

"Listen. ... I went with Kells and Smith and Pearce. They hurried
straight to the Last Nugget. There was a crowd of men in front of
the place. Pearce walked straight up to one--a gambler by his
clothes. And he said in a loud voice. 'Here's the man!' ... The
gambler looked startled, turned pale, and went for his gun. But
Kells shot him! ... He fell dead, without a word. There was a big
shout, then silence. Kells stood there with his smoking gun. I never
saw the man so cool--so masterful. Then he addressed the crowd:
'This gambler insulted my daughter! My men here saw him. My name's
Blight. I came here to buy up gold claims. And I want to say this:
Your Alder Creek has got the gold. But it needs some of your best
citizens to run it right, so a girl can be safe on the street.'"

"Joan, I tell you it was a magnificent bluff," went on Jim,
excitedly. "And it worked. Kells walked away amid cheers. He meant
to give an impression of character and importance. He succeeded. So