Collinson also addressed himself to the blaze as he said presently: "It allus seemed to me that thar was something shiny about that ledge just round the shoulder of the spur, over the long canyon." The leader ejaculated a short laugh.

"Shiny, eh?
shiny! Ye think THAT a sign?
Why, you might as well reckon that because Key's head, over thar, is gray and silvery that he's got sabe and experience." As he spoke he looked towards the man with a pleasant voice.

The fire shining full upon him revealed the singular fact that while his face was still young, and his mustache quite dark, his hair was perfectly gray.

The object of this attention, far from being disconcerted by the comparison, added with a smile:-- "Or that he had any silver in his pocket." Another lapse of silence followed.

The wind tore round the house and rumbled in the short, adobe chimney.
"No, gentlemen," said the leader reflectively, "this sort o' thing is played out.