The tall leader stood near the fire, conversing with half a dozen of his

followers. Miss Calhoun's eyes finally rested upon this central figure

in the strange picture. He was attired in a dark-gray uniform that

reminded her oddly of the dragoon choruses in the comic operas at

home. The garments, while torn and soiled, were well-fitting. His

shoulders were broad and square, his hips narrow, his legs long and

straight. There was an air of impudent grace about him that went well

with his life and profession. Surely, here was a careless freelance upon

whom life weighed lightly, while death "stood afar off" and

despaired. The light of the fire brought his gleaming face into bold

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relief, for his hat was off. Black and thick was his hair, rumpled and

apparently uncared for. The face was lean, smooth and strong, with a

devil-may-care curve at the corners of the mouth. Beverly found herself

lamenting the fact that such an interesting face should be marred by an

ugly black patch, covering she knew not what manner of defect. As for

the rest of them, they were a grim company. Some were young and

beardless, others were old and grizzly, but all were active, alert and

strong. The leader appeared to be the only one in the party who could

speak and understand the English language. As Beverly sat and watched

his virile, mocking face, and studied his graceful movements, she found

herself wondering how an ignorant, homeless wanderer in the hills could

be so poetic and so cultured as this fellow seemed to be.

Three or four men, who were unmistakably of a lower order than their

companions, set about preparing a supper. Others unhitched the tired

horses and led them off toward the river. Two dashing young fellows

carried the seat-cushions under the rocky canopy and constructed an

elaborate couch for the "Princess." The chief, with his own hands, soon

began the construction of a small chamber in this particular corner of

the cave, near the opening. The walls of the chamber were formed of

carriage robes and blankets, cloaks and oak branches.

"The guest chamber, your highness," he said, approaching her with a

smile at the conclusion of his work.

"It has been most interesting to watch you," she said, rising.

"And it has been a delight to interest you," he responded. "You will

find seclusion there, and you need see none of us until it pleases you."

She looked him fairly in the eye for a moment, and then impulsively

extended her hand. He clasped it warmly, but not without some show of

surprise.




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