In the fewest words possible the captain explained the decision of the young man.  He frankly stated that he did not believe there was any hope of success, but Sterry was firm in his resolution, and he would not interpose his authority.  Fred Whitney was about to protest, but the expression of his friend’s face showed that it would be useless, and he forebore.

Mont peered through the window, near the rear door, and, so far as he could judge, everything was favourable.  Then he faced about, smiled, and without a word waved his friends good-by.

The door was drawn inward just enough to permit the passage of his body, and the next instant he had vanished.

Capt.  Asbury sprang to the window and looked after him, but quick as he was, the time was sufficient for the youth to disappear as completely as though he were a dozen miles distant.

“If I may be allowed,” said the captain, in his most suave manner, “I would suggest, Mr. Whitney, that you assist your mother to her apartment up stairs.  She is in need of rest, and can obtain it there much better than here.”

The good woman glanced suspiciously at the man, half doubting the disinterestedness of his counsel, but he looked so grave and solicitous that she was sure she did him injustice.  While she was hesitating, Fred added: 

“It is good advice, mother; you can lie down, and when it is necessary I will call you.  Come, please.”

She could not decline, and the stalwart son, who seemed to have forgotten all about his wounded arm, almost carried her up the short stairs and to her room.  He was so familiar with the interior that he needed no light, and deposited her as gently as an infant on the bed, kissed her an affectionate good-night, and promised to listen and come to her on hearing the slightest movement in her apartment.

“How does she seem to be?” asked Capt.  Asbury, as Fred came down the stairs.

“As well as ever; but the little rest will be grateful.  She has had enough to try the strongest person within the last few days.”

“True indeed.  I presume Vesey will soon be back with some ugly message from Inman and Cadmus, but we have delayed matters so long that I’m hopeful of keeping it up a while longer.  Suppose, when this enterprising rustler shows himself, you allow me to do the talking, Fred. There is a good deal, you know, in the way you put things.”

“I understand,” replied the other, with a smile.  “It will come, perhaps, more appropriately from you than me.”

It was apparent from the manner of the captain that he felt considerable hope of success through the efforts of Miss Whitney or Sterry, or both.  Time was the great factor.  It would seem that three or four hours ought to bring the cattlemen, if either of the messengers succeeded in getting through the lines.  While there was little doubt of the ability of the besieged being able to stand off their assailants for a much longer time, yet there was every reason to strain to the utmost the fortunate delay already secured.