followed Creede in the dark, had killed him and slid him into a deep
hole in the creek. ... Kells and Pearce--none of them paid any
attention to my story. I had the gold-belt. That was enough. Gold
talks--fills the ears of these bandits. ... I have my share of
Creede's gold-dust in my pocket. Isn't that funny? Alas for my--YOUR
big nugget! But we've got to play the game. Besides, I've sacks and
cans of gold hidden away. Joan, what'll we do with it all? You're my
wife now. And, oh! If we can only get away with it you'll be rich!"

Joan could not share his happiness any more than she could
understand his spirit. She remembered.

"Jim--dear--did Kells tell you what your--next job was to be?" she
whispered, haltingly.

Cleve swore under his breath, but loud enough to make Joan swiftly
put her hand over his lips and caution him.

"Joan, did you hear that about Gulden?" he asked.

"Oh yes."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tell you. Yes, I've got my second job.
And this one I can't shirk or twist around."

Joan held to him convulsively. She could scarcely speak.

"Girl, don't lose your nerve!" he said, sternly. "When you married
me you made me a man. I'll play my end of the game. Don't fear for
me. You plan when we can risk escape. I'll obey you to the word."