"Which of these men was needed at Silverdale ?" Again the murmurs rose up, but Winston sat silent, his pulses throbbing with a curious exultation.

He had seen the color creep into Maud Barrington's face, and her aunt's eyes, when he told her what had prompted him to leave Silverdale, and knew they understood him.

Then, in the stillness that followed, the drumming of hoofs rose from the prairie.

It grew louder, and when another sound became audible too, more than one of those who listened recognized the jingle of accoutrements.

Courthorne rose unsteadily, and made for the door.
"I think," he said, with a curious laugh, "I must be going.