The one thing which I had feared no longer threatened--I was not to be brought face to face with Kirby.

If we encountered each other at all, it would be in darkness, where there was only slight probability of recognition.

The impatience in Kale's face drove me to declare myself.
"Why, if thet's all I got ter do fer a hundred dollars," I said gaily, "I'm yer man, Jack.

An' how soon will Kirby be comin' down ter this yer place on Bear Crick ?" "In a day er two, I reckon.

Soon's thar's sum boat headin' down river.
Yer see, this yer's all camp; thar ain't no fit place whar we kin hide the gurl, an' make her keep her mouth shet.