Altogether, the manner of the villagers and the watchful pacing to and fro of the Jorth followers and the silent, boding front of Isbel and his men summed up for Jean the menace of the moment that must very soon change to a terrible reality.
At a call from Meeker, who stood at the back of the cabin, Gaston Isbel rode into the yard, followed by the others of his party.

"Somebody look after the hosses," ordered Isbel, as he dismounted and took his rifle and pack.

"Better leave the saddles on, leastways till we see what's comin' off." Jean and Bill Isbel led the horses back to the corral.

While watering and feeding them, Jean somehow received the impression that Bill was trying to speak, to confide in him, to unburden himself of some load.
This peculiarity of Bill's had become marked when he was perfectly sober.

Yet he had never spoken or even begun anything unusual.