TALK He was long in getting his answer.

The hours dragged on slowly for Kate and the doctor, for if Joe Cumberland could hold Dan it was everything to the girl, and if Barry left at once there might be some root for the hope which was growing stronger and stronger every day in the heart of Randall Byrne.

Before evening a not unwelcome diversion broke the suspense somewhat.
It was the arrival of no less a person than Marshal Jeff Calkins.

His shoulders were humped and his short legs bowed from continual riding, and his head was slung far forward on a gaunt neck; so that when he turned his head from one to another in speaking it was with a peculiar pendulum motion.

The marshal had a reputation which was strong over three hundred miles and more of a mountain-desert.