The darkness was deep, but on the other side of the ridge a small fire was burning, from fragments brought from the stables.

Of this the adventurer meant to keep clear at all hazards.
More than one rustler knew him intimately, and it might be that he to whom he was talking was an old acquaintance and enemy.
How Sterry longed for the presence of Vesey! In a natural manner he sauntered up the ridge, as if his intention was to return to the camp-fire, that being the course most likely to dissipate any misgiving on the part of the other.
The latter made no response, and Sterry kept on, thinking: "I'm rid of him, any way, and ought to have less trouble with others that may wish to ask questions." But, glancing over his shoulder, he was startled to observe that the man, instead of moving off, as he had supposed, was standing motionless in the gloom, as if studying him.
"By gracious!" concluded the youth, "he must have noticed my voice, for, not knowing Smith, how could I imitate it ?" The situation would have made any one uneasy, but he did not hasten nor retard his footsteps until he reached the top of the ridge, and was able to observe the camp-fire clearly.
It was small, as has been said, but five or six figures were lolling about it, smoking, talking, and passing the dismal hours as inclination prompted.

Other forms were moving hither and thither, some of them quite close to where Sterry had halted, though none paid him any attention.
The young man was looking for an opening by which he could make his way beyond the lines without attracting attention.

The best prospect seemed to be the stretch of prairie extending from the front of the house toward the Big Horn Mountains.
"No one appears to be on the lookout there--" At that instant each arm was tightly gripped, and the man with whom he had exchanged words but a few minutes before said: "Mr.Smith, please go with us to the fire; my friend here is Smith, and he is the only one in our party with that name; maybe you are his double." It was useless to resist, and Sterry replied: "You know there are several Smiths in this country, and I ought to have the privilege of wearing the name without objection." "We'll soon see," replied the first captor.
Within the next minute Sterry was marched in front of the camp-fire, where the full glare fell upon his countenance.
Then a howl of exultation went up, for more than half of the rustlers in the group recognized him..