He was roused from the doze by a tremendous snorting and snarling and
found Black Bart playing with Satan. It was their greeting after
an absence, and they dashed about among the willows like creatures
possessed. Dan brought horse and dog to a motionless stand with a
single whistle, and then ran out to the edge of the willows. Down the
side of the hill rode Kate at a brisk gallop. In a moment she saw him
and called his name, with a welcoming wave of her arm. Now she was off
her horse and running to him. He caught her hands and held her for
an instant far from him like one striving to draw out the note of
happiness into a song. They could not speak.
At last: "I knew you'd find a way to come."
"They let me go, Dan."
He frowned, and her eyes faltered from his.
"They sent me to you to ask you--to free Lee Haines!"
He dropped her hands, and she stood trying to find words to explain,
and finding none.
"To free Haines?" he repeated heavily.
"It is Dad," she cried. "They have captured him, and they are holding
him. They keep him in exchange for Haines."
"If I free Haines they'll outlaw me. You know that, Kate?"
She made a pace towards him, but he retreated.
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