But he reflected that he had already shown his active partisanship, that he could be of little service to them at Wild Cat Station, and would be only increasing the distance from his home; and above all, an impatient longing for independent action finally decided him.

"I think I'll stay here," he said to Clinch, "unless you want me." Clinch cast a swift and meaning glance at the enemy, but looked approval.

"Keep your eyes skinned, and you're good for a dozen of 'em," he said sotto voce, and then turned to Stanner.

"I'm going to take this paper to Wild Cat.

If you want to communicate with me hereafter you know where I am to be found, unless"-- he smiled grimly--"you'd like to see me outside for a few minutes before I go ?" "It is a matter that concerns the Stage Company, not me," said Stanner, with an attempt to appear at his ease.
Hale accompanied Clinch and Rawlins through the kitchen to the stables.
The ostler, Dick, had already returned to the rescue of the snow-bound coach.
"I shouldn't like to leave many men alone with that crowd," said Clinch, pressing Hale's hand; "and I wouldn't have allowed your staying behind ef I didn't know I could bet my pile on you.