That damned half-breed Isbel with his gang are on our trail." That name seemed like a red-hot blade at Ellen's leaden heart.

She wanted to fling a hundred queries on Colter, but she could not utter one.
"Ellen, we've got to hit the trail an' hide," continued Colter, anxiously.

"Y'u mustn't stay heah alone.

Suppose them Isbels would trap y'u! ...

They'd tear your clothes off an' rope y'u to a tree.
Ellen, shore y'u're goin'....