CHAPTER XX.
THE TRUCE.
It was a dignified proceeding on the part of Monteith Sterry, and the rustler possessed enough gentlemanly instinct to appreciate the feelings of the young man, who had attested his courage too often for any one to question it.

But at the moment of wheeling his mare to ride off both caught the sound of approaching horsemen, and Sterry checked his animal.
"Who are they ?" he asked, glancing at the rustler.
"How should I know?
They may be some of your folks." "They are as likely to be yours.

I don't think, Duke, it is wise for us to stay here where we offer such inviting targets, for whoever the party may be, one of us is sure to be an enemy." Monteith Sterry moved away from the area of illumination as he spoke, Vesey keeping close to his side.
"Is it understood, Duke," asked the younger, "there's a truce between you and me ?" "Of course; if you know anything about Duke Vesey, you know he's square.

If they happen to be some of our boys, I won't take any advantage of you, nor let them, if I can help it." "And if they are Capt.

Asbury and others, I will reciprocate." Enough was said.