It was on his way to the rendezvous at Marshall's claim.

But this he as instantly set aside, it was his SON he must find; SHE might not confess, or might deceive him--the boy would not; and if his fears were correct, she could be arraigned afterwards.

It was possible for him to reach the little Mission church and school, secluded in a remote valley by the old Franciscan fathers, where he had placed the boy for the last few years unknown to his wife.

It would be a long ride, but he could still reach Heavy Tree Hill afterwards before Marshall and the expert arrived.

And he had a feeling he had never felt before on the eve of a desperate adventure,--that he must see the boy first.