In the meantime, do you take care of yourself--keep out of his way, and, as I said, above all things, procure a disguise.

Let the consequences be what they may, I don't think the beautiful _Cooleen Baum_ will ever marry him." "But," replied Reilly, "is there no risk of compulsion by her father ?" "Why, I must confess there is," replied the sheriff; "he is obstinate and headstrong, especially if opposed, and she will find it necessary to oppose him--and she will oppose him.

I myself have had a conversation with her on the subject, and she is firm as fate against such a union; and I will tell you more, Reilly--it was she who principally engaged me to protect you as far as I could, and so I shall, you may rest assured of it.

I had only to name you a few minutes ago, and your fate was sealed.

But, even if she had never spoken to me on the subject, I could not fend myself to the cruel plots of that villain.