JOHN GALE'S HOUR It was a heathenish time of night to arouse the girl, thought Burrell, as he left the barracks, but he must allay these fears that were besetting him, he must see Necia at once.

The low, drifting clouds obscured what star-glow there was in the heavens, and he stepped back to light a lantern.

By its light he looked at his watch and exclaimed, then held it to his ear.

Five hours had passed since he left Gale's house.

Well, the call was urgent, and Necia would understand his anxiety.
A few moments later he stood above the squaw, who crouched on the trader's doorstep, wailing her death song into the night.