.

Suspense.
The help which Lee Haines wanted, it turned out, was guidance across a difficult stretch of country which he and Buck Daniels wanted to prospect, and while he talked Barry listened uneasily.

It was constitutionally impossible for him to say no when a favor was asked of him, and Haines counted heavily on that characteristic; in the meantime Black Bart lay on the hearth with his wistful eyes turned steadily up to the master; and Buck Daniels went to Kate on the farther side of the room.

She sat quivering, alternately crushing and soothing Joan with the strength of her caresses.

Buck drew a chair close, with his back half towards the fire.
"Turn around a little, Kate," he cautioned.