Venters experienced a grim pride in the feat.

What would Tull say to this achievement of the outcast who rode too often to Deception Pass?
Venters's curious eagerness and expectation had not prepared him for the shock he received when he stood over a slight, dark figure.

The rustler wore the black mask that had given him his name, but he had no weapons.
Venters glanced at the drooping horse, there were no gun-sheaths on the saddle.
"A rustler who didn't pack guns!" muttered Venters.

"He wears no belt.
He couldn't pack guns in that rig....

Strange!" A low, gasping intake of breath and a sudden twitching of body told Venters the rider still lived.
"He's alive!...