“If you’ll take a word of advice,” commented the spectator at last, “you’ll cut that—­for the time being at least.”  He hesitated; then went on reluctantly.  “I’ve been in your pay and I’ll try to be square with you.  If you’ve got an atom of presentiment you’ll realise that this is no place for you to get into the shape you’re getting.”  Again he halted, and again with an effort he gave the warning direct.  “If I were you I wouldn’t be at this ranch a second longer than it took me to leave; not as long as I had a broncho or a leg or a crutch to go on.”

Slowly and more slowly came the words.  Then followed silence, with the two men staring each other face to face.  Breaking it, the overseer arose.

“I’ve said more than I intended already,” he added, “and now I wash my hands of you.  Do as you please.  I’m going to bed.”

Preventing, of a sudden sobered, Craig was likewise on his feet.

“In common decency, even if you’re no friend of mine, don’t go, O’Reilly,” he pleaded.  He had no thought of superiority now, no thought of malice; only of companionship and of protection.  “I know what you mean.  I’m no fool, and what you suggest is exactly what’s been driving me insane these last two days.  I’m going in the morning, as soon as it’s daylight; the team is all ordered; but to-night, now—­” instinctively he glanced at the window where recollection pictured the darkness without—­“I haven’t nerve to face it now.  I’d go plumb mad out there alone.”

The Irishman shrugged in silence and attempted to pass.

“Please don’t go,” repeated Craig swiftly.  “I know I’m acting like a child, but this cursed country’s to blame.  Stay with me this last night.  I couldn’t sleep, and it’s madness to be alone.  See me through this and I swear you’ll not regret it.  I swear it!”

Just for a second O’Reilly paused; then of a sudden his face flamed red through his untrimmed beard.

“To hell with your money!” he blazed.  “I wouldn’t lift my finger for you if How Landor were to come this second.”  He checked himself and took a step forward meaningly.  “Besides, I couldn’t help you any if I would.  God himself couldn’t protect you now unless He performed a miracle.  Out of my way.  I tell you I’m done with you.”

Craig had not stirred.  He did not now; and of a sudden the overseer turned to pass around.  As he did so for the first time he faced the single window that looked north toward the second ranch house:  the house which How Landor had builded to receive his bride.  The curtain was still down, but to the Irishman’s quick eye there rested upon it now a dull glow that was not a reflection of the light within.  A second after he noticed the man halted, looking at it, speculating as to its meaning.  Then of a sudden he realised; and in two steps he was across the room and simultaneously the obscuring shade shot up with a crash.  Instantly following, startlingly unexpected, the red glow without sprang through the glass and filled the room.