Then,
in the stillness that followed, the drumming of hoofs rose from the
prairie. It grew louder, and when another sound became audible too,
more than one of those who listened recognized the jingle of
accoutrements. Courthorne rose unsteadily, and made for the door.
"I think," he said, with a curious laugh, "I must be going. I don't
know whether the troopers want me or your comrade."
A lad sprang to his feet, and as he ran to the door called "Stop him!"
In another moment Dane had caught his arm, and his voice rang through
the confusion as everybody turned or rose.
"Keep back all of you," he said. "Let him go!"
Courthorne was outside by this time, and only those who reached the
door before Dane closed it heard a faint beat of hoofs as somebody rode
quietly away beneath the bluff, while as the rest clustered together,
wondering, a minute or two later, Corporal Payne, flecked with spume
and covered with dust, came in. He raised his hand in salutation to
Colonel Barrington, who sat very grim in face in his chair at the head
of the table.
"I'm sorry, sir, but it's my duty to apprehend Lance Courthorne," he
said.
"You have a warrant?" asked Barrington.
"Yes, sir," said the corporal.
There was intense silence for a moment. Then the Colonel's voice broke
through it very quietly.
"He is not here," he said.
Payne made a little deprecatory gesture. "We know he came here. It is
my duty to warn you that proceedings will be taken against any one
concealing or harboring him.
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