"Because," he returned earnestly, bending toward her, "I believe that gash in the earth is going to get us out of here. Anyhow it is the only chance I can figure. If we can creep through to the river, undiscovered, I 'll agree to leave Mister Indian guessing as to where we 've gone."
The new note of animation in the man's voice aroused her, but she grasped his arm tighter.
"But--but, oh, can we? Won't they be hiding there too?"
"It's a chance, that's all--but better than waiting here for a certainty. See here, Miss McDonald," and he caught her hand in his own, forgetful of all save his own purpose and the necessity of strengthening her to play out the game, "the trend of that gulf is to the west; except up here close to the bluff it runs too far away for a guard line. The Indians will be lying out here on the open prairie; they will creep as close in as they dare under cover of darkness. I 'll bet there are twenty red snakes now within a hundred feet of us--oh, don't shiver and lose your nerve! They 'll not try to close that gap yet; it's too dangerous with us on guard and only one side of the coach exposed. That fellow was trying us out a while ago, and they 've kept quiet ever since I let drive at him. They know the limits of the safety zone, and will keep there until just before daylight. That is when they 'll try to creep up upon us. Have you got the time?"
She opened her watch, feeling for the hands with her fingers, wondering vaguely at her own calmness. The cool resourcefulness of Hamlin was like a tonic.
"It--it is a little after one o'clock," she said slowly, "although I am not sure my watch is exactly right."
"Near enough; there are signs of daylight at four--three hours left; that ought to be sufficient, but with no darkness to spare. Will you go with me? Will you do exactly as I say?"
She drew a swift breath, holding her hand to her side.
"Oh, yes," her voice catching, "what--what else can I do? I cannot stay here with those dead men!"
"But I want you to go because--well, because you trust me," he urged, a new trace of tenderness in his lowered voice. "Because you know I would give my life to defend you."
He was not sure, but he thought her face was suddenly uplifted, her eyes seeking to see him in the darkness.
"I do," she answered gravely, "you must believe I do; but I have never been in such peril before, in such a situation of horror, and I am all unnerved. There doesn't seem to be anything left me but--to trust you."