about Steve Hawn, and Jason's suspicions of Steve he had kept to
himself.

"My father would like to have you as our guest, Jason, while I am
here," Gray said with some embarrassment, "but he doesn't feel
like letting you take the risk."

Jason threw back the lapel of his coat that covered his badge as
deputy.

"That's what I'm here for," he said with a smile, "but I think I'd
better stay at home. I'll be on hand when the trouble comes."

Gray, too, smiled.

"You don't have to tell me that."

"How is the colonel?"

"He's pretty bad. He wants to see you."

Jason lowered his voice when they entered the hallway. "The
soldiers have reached town to-day. If there's anything going to be
done, it will probably be done to-night."

"I know."

"We won't tell the colonel."

"No."