RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE
about him. "I'll say a few things to Tull—when I meet him."
"Bern—you'll not draw on Tull? Oh, that must not be! Promise me—"
"I promise you this," he interrupted, in stern passion that thrilled while it terrorized her. "If you say one more word for that plotter I'll kill him as I would a mad coyote!"
Jane clasped her hands. Was this fire-eyed man the one whom she had once made as wax to her touch? Had Venters become Lassiter and Lassiter Venters?
"I'll—say no more," she faltered.
"Jane, Lassiter once called you blind," said Venters. "It must be true. But I won't upbraid you. Only don't rouse the devil in me by praying for Tull! I'll try to keep cool when I meet him. That's all. Now there's one more thing I want to ask of you—the last. I've found a valley down in the Pass. It's a wonderful place. I intend to stay there. It's so hidden I believe no one can find it. There's good water, and browse, and game. I want to raise corn and stock. I need to take in supplies—will you give them to me?"
"Assuredly. The more you take the better you'll please me—and perhaps the less my—my enemies will get."
"Venters, I reckon you'll have trouble packin' anythin' away," put in Lassiter.
"I'll go at night."
"Mebbe that wouldn't be best. You'd sure be stopped. You'd better go early in the mornin'—say, just after dawn. That's the safest time to move round here."
"Lassiter, I'll be hard to stop," returned Venters, darkly.
"I reckon so."
"Bern," said Jane, "go first to the riders' quarters and get yourself a complete outfit. You're a—a sight.
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