It was then there was something cold and deathlike in my soul; it was then I bade farewell to Sally Langdon.  For I knew, whatever happened, of one thing I was sure—­I would have to kill either Sampson or Wright.  Snecker could be managed; Sampson might be trapped into arrest; but Wright had no sense, no control, no fear.  He would snarl like a panther and go for his gun, and he would have to be killed.  This, of all consummations, was the one to be calculated upon.  And, of course, by Sally’s own words, that contingency would put me forever outside the pale for her.

I did not deceive myself; I did not accept the slightest intimation of hope; I gave her up.  And then for a time regret, remorse, pain, darkness worked their will with me.

I came out of it all bitter and callous and sore, in the most fitting of moods to undertake a difficult and deadly enterprise.  Miss Sampson completely slipped my mind; Sally became a wraith as of some one dead; Steele began to fade.  In their places came the bushy-bearded Snecker, the olive-skinned Sampson with his sharp eyes, and dark, evil faced Wright.  Their possibilities began to loom up, and with my speculation returned tenfold more thrilling and sinister the old strange zest of the man-hunt.

It was about one o’clock when I strode into Linrock.  The streets for the most part were deserted.  I went directly to the hall where Morton and Zimmer, with their men, had been left by Steele to guard the prisoners.  I found them camping out in the place, restless, somber, anxious.  The fact that only about half the original number of prisoners were left struck me as further indication of Morton’s summary dealing.  But when I questioned him as to the decrease in number, he said bluntly that they had escaped.  I did not know whether or not to believe him.  But that didn’t matter.  I tried to get in some more questions, only I found that Morton and Zimmer meant to be heard first.  “Where’s Steele?” they demanded.

“He’s out of town, in a safe place,” I replied.  “Too bad hurt for action.  I’m to rush through with the rest of the deal.”

“That’s good.  We’ve waited long enough.  This gang has been split, an’ if we hurry they’ll never get together again.  Old man Snecker showed up to-day.  He’s drawin’ the outfit in again.  Reckon he’s waitin’ for orders.  Sure he’s ragin’ since Bo was killed.  This old fox will be dangerous if he gets goin’.”

“Where is he now?” I queried.

“Over at the Hope So.  Must be a dozen of the gang there.  But he’s the only leader left we know of.  If we get him, the rustler gang will be broken for good.  He’s sent word down here for us to let our prisoners go or there’d be a damn bloody fight.  We haven’t sent our answer yet.  Was hopin’ Steele would show up.  An’ now we’re sure glad you’re back.”

“Morton, I’ll take the answer,” I replied quickly.  “Now there’re two things.  Do you know if Sampson and Wright are at the ranch?”