As John Aldous stood hidden in the darkness, listening for the sound of a footstep, Joanne's words still rang in his ears.

"I believe he is out there--waiting for you," she had said; and, chuckling softly in the gloom, he told himself that nothing would give him more satisfaction than an immediate and material proof of her fear.

In the present moment he felt a keen desire to confront Quade face to face out there in the lantern-glow, and settle with the mottled beast once for all.

The fact that Quade had seen Joanne as the guest of the Blacktons hardened him in his determination.

Quade could no longer be in possible error regarding her.