I told it to him, exactly in the form it had come to me, interrupted only in the recital by an occasional profane ejaculation, or some interjected question.  The deputy appeared sober enough before I had finished, and fully grasped the seriousness of the situation.

“Now that is the way it stacks up,” I ended, “The girl is to be taken to this fellow’s shack and compelled to marry Kirby, whether she wants to or not.  They will have her where she cannot help herself—­away from anyone to whom she could appeal.  Rale wouldn’t explain what means were to be used to make her consent, and I didn’t dare press him for fear he might suspect me.  They either intend threatening her, or else to actually resort to force—­likely both.  No doubt they can rely on this renegade preacher in either case.”

“Jack didn’t name no name?”

“No—­why?”

“Only thar uster be a bum hangin’ round the river front in Saint Louee who hed preacher’s papers, en wore a long-tailed coat.  Thar wan’t no low-down game he wudn’t take a hand in fer a drink.  His name wus Gaskins; I hed him up fer mayhem onct.  I’ll bet he’s the duck, for he hung round Jack’s place most o’ the time.  Whatcha want me ter do?”

“It has seemed to me, Tim,” I said, thoughtfully, “that the best action for us to take will be to let them place the girl in my hands, just as they have planned to do.  That will throw them entirely off their guard.  As things stand, I have no knowledge where she is concealed, or where to hunt for her; but it is evident she is in no immediate danger.  They don’t dare to force action here, in this camp.  Once we succeed in getting her safely away, and remain unknown ourselves, there ought to be very little trouble in straightening out the whole matter.  My plan would be to either ride around the camp in the night, and then report the whole affair at headquarters, or else to strike out direct for Fort Armstrong across country.  The Indians will all be cleaned out north of here, and they know me at Armstrong.  Do you know any place you can pick up a horse?”

“Thar’s a slew ov ’em round yere,” he admitted.  “These fellers are most all hoss-soldiers.  I reckon I cud cinch sum sort o’ critter.  Yer want me along?”

“Perhaps not, Tim.  Your disappearance might cause suspicion, and send them after us.  My plan is to get away as quietly as possible, and let them believe everything is all right.  I want a day or two in which to work, before Rale or Kirby discover we have not gone to Bear Creek.  I’ll meet them alone at the spring down the trail, but shall want you somewhere near by.  You see this is bound to mean a fight if I am recognized—­likely three against one; and those men wouldn’t hesitate at murder.”

“I reckon not, an’ it wudn’t be their furst one nuther, Looks ter me like yer wus takin’ a big chance.  I’ll be thar, though; yer kin bet on thet, an’ ready fer a fight, er a foot race.  This is how I size it up—­if thar ain’t no row, I’m just ter keep still, an’ lie low; an’ if a fracas starts I’m ter jump in fer all I’m worth.  Is thet the program?”