CHAPTER XXII.
JULIE BRINGS DISTURBING NEWS "Is that right, Loot'nant ?" demanded the mountaineer, leaning forward and peering searchingly at his informant.
"It is my information." "Whar you hear it ?" "I overheard it one night.

Another thing.

That friend of yours, Lum Bangs, I should not trust too far were I in your place.

Mind you, I don't speak with any knowledge that he isn't your friend, but I should advise you to keep your eyes on him." "Ah reckons you-all ain't such a fool as ye look," grunted Jed Thompson, turning abruptly and striding away.
"Whew! That was a blow below the belt," muttered Hippy.

"I am glad that Emma Dean didn't hear that." Lieutenant Wingate heard Thompson getting his horse from the barn, and, a moment or so later, saw him riding away, rifle thrust in the saddle boot.