Blaisdell cursed under his breath.

Jacobs said: "By Golly! Come to pay us a call!" The women sat motionless, with dark, strained eyes.

The children ceased their play and looked fearfully to their mother.
When just out of rifle shot of the cabins the band of horsemen halted and lined up in a half circle, all facing the ranch.

They were close enough for Jean to see their gestures, but he could not recognize any of their faces.

It struck him singularly that not one of them wore a mask.
"Jean, do you know any of them ?" asked his father "No, not yet.