It is my notion they never intended to kill him; had a row of some kind, or else Mac tried to get away.

Any trace of the girl ?" "No; but she must have been there." "So I think; got mixed up in the affair some way, and they have been compelled to carry her off to save themselves.

Do you know why they were after Mac ?" "No, sir." "Well, I do; he carried thirty thousand dollars." "What ?" "He was acting paymaster.

The money came in from Wallace last evening, and he was ordered to take it to Ripley at once." Hamlin drew in his breath quickly in surprise.
"Who knew about that, sir ?" "No one but the Adjutant, and Major McDonald--not even the orderly." The eyes of officer and soldier met.
"Do you suppose he could have told _her_ ?" the former asked in sudden suspicion.
"That would be my theory, sir.

But it is useless to speculate.