CHAPTER XV.
THE SPECIES "Well, pretty one, you got lonesome here all by yourself?
So you holler for 'Sim! Sim!'" Big Aleck's voice was close to her as she sat in the tent.
Mary Warren felt about her, back of her on the blankets, stealthily seeking some weapon of defense.

She paused.

Under her fingers was something which felt like leather.

She made no sudden movement, but temporized.
"How could I help it ?" she asked.
Always her hand was feeling behind her on the blankets.

Yes, there was a holster.