How much better if all this can be averted." "True, indeed! And if I could be assured that you would succeed in reaching the camp of the cattlemen, I would bid you Godspeed." "I certainly will never reach it by staying here, and I think if my chances were doubly less they ought to be taken for the sake of the good that will come to all." At this juncture, Capt.

Asbury, sitting near the window, called out: "Here's a visitor!" In the gloom he was not clearly visible, even though he was seen to advance, and heard to knock on the door.

But when the latter was opened, Fred Whitney stepped inside.
Here the gathering darkness was more pronounced, for it was not deemed prudent to have a light.
"Inman has sent me with his ultimatum," said the messenger; "he says he has given you abundant time to think over the matter, and wants your decision." "What are his terms ?" asked Capt.

Asbury.
"The same as before." "He promises to treat all of us as prisoners of war, with the exception of Sterry and myself.

We are guaranteed a trial, which is another way of saying we shall be shot.