"Where've you been all these nights?" queried the bandit leader.

"Is that any of your business--when you haven't had need of me?"
returned Cleve.

"Yes, it's my business. And I've sent for you. You couldn't be
found."

"I've been here for supper every night."

"I don't talk to any men in daylight. You know my hours for meeting.
And you've not come."

"You should have told me. How was I to know?"

"I guess you're right. But where've you been?"

"Down in camp. Faro, most of the time. Bad luck, too."

Red Pearce's coarse face twisted into a scornful sneer. It must have
been a lash to Kells.

"Pearce says you're chasing a woman," retorted the bandit leader.

"Pearce lies!" flashed Cleve. His action was as swift. And there he
stood with a gun thrust hard against Pearce's side.

"JIM! Don't kill him!" yelled Kells, rising.