The fellows guarding me did not even turn their heads, but the lieutenant drew up his horse so as to block us.
"What is the trouble?
Are you hurt ?" "These ropes are tearing into the flesh," I groaned.

"I'd be just as safe if they were loosened a bit." I saw him lean forward, shading his face with one hand, as he stared toward me through the darkness.

I thought he drew a quick breath as from surprise, and there was a moment's hesitancy.
"Let out the ropes a trifle, Peter," came the final order.
The little bald-headed man went at it without a word, the lieutenant reining back his horse slightly, and drawing his hat lower over his eyes.
In the silence one of the horses neighed, and the boy seemed to straighten in his saddle, glancing suspiciously about.
"Ride ahead slowly, Tonepah," he ordered.

"I'll catch up with you." He turned back toward me.

"Who are you, anyway ?" Surprised at the unexpected question, my first thought was to conceal my identity.