" make our start at once," said Jefferson Hope, speaking in low but resolute voice, like one who realizes the greatness peril, but has steeled his heart to meet it "The front and back entrances are watched, but with caution get away side window and across the fields Once road only two miles Ravine where the horses are waiting By daybreak half-way mountains "

"What stopped," asked Ferrier

Hope slapped the revolver butt which protruded front tunic " too many take ," with sinister smile

The lights inside the house had all been extinguished, and darkened window Ferrier peered over the fields which his own, and which now about to abandon for ever He had long nerved himself sacrifice, however, thought honour and happiness daughter outweighed any regret at his ruined fortunes All looked so peaceful and happy, the rustling trees broad silent stretch of grain-land, difficult to the spirit of murder lurked through it all Yet the white face and set expression young hunter showed that approach house he had seen enough to satisfy him upon that head

Ferrier carried the bag of gold and notes, Jefferson Hope had the scanty provisions and water, while Lucy had small bundle containing few of her more valued possessions Opening the window very slowly and carefully, they waited until dark cloud had somewhat obscured the night, and then one by one passed through little garden With bated breath and crouching figures they stumbled across it, and gained the shelter hedge, which they skirted until they came gap which opened cornfields They had just reached this point young man seized his two companions and dragged them down shadow, where they lay silent and trembling

that his prairie training had given Jefferson Hope the ears of lynx He friends had hardly crouched down melancholy hooting of mountain owl was heard within few yards , immediately answered by another hoot at small distance same moment vague shadowy figure emerged gap they making, and uttered the plaintive signal cry again, second man appeared obscurity

"To-morrow at midnight," said the first who appeared in authority " Whip-poor-Will calls three times "

" well," returned the other "Shall I tell Brother Drebber ? "

"Pass it on to him, and others Nine to seven ! "

"Seven to five ! " repeated the other, two figures flitted away in different directions Their concluding words had evidently been some form of sign and countersign The instant that their footsteps had died away distance, Jefferson Hope sprang feet, and helping his companions gap, led the way across the fields top speed, supporting and half-carrying the girl when her strength appeared to fail her

"Hurry on ! hurry on ! " he gasped " line of sentinels Everything depends on speed Hurry on ! "

Once high road they made rapid progress Only once did they meet anyone, and then they managed to slip into field, and so avoid recognition Before reaching the town the hunter branched away into rugged and narrow footpath which led mountains Two dark jagged peaks loomed above them darkness, defile which led Eagle Canon horses were awaiting them With unerring instinct Jefferson Hope picked his way great boulders and along the bed of dried-up watercourse, until retired corner, screened with rocks, where the faithful animals picketed The girl was placed mule, and old Ferrier upon horses, money-bag, while Jefferson Hope led the other along the precipitous and dangerous path

bewildering route for anyone who was not accustomed Nature in her wildest moods one side great crag towered up thousand feet or more, black, stern, and menacing, with long basaltic columns upon its rugged surface like the ribs of some petrified monster other hand wild chaos of boulders and debris made all advance impossible two ran the irregular track, so narrow in places had to travel in Indian file, and so rough that only practised riders traversed it at all Yet of all dangers and difficulties, the hearts fugitives were light within them, for every step increased the distance terrible despotism they were flying

They soon had proof, however, were still jurisdiction Saints They had reached the very wildest and most desolate portion pass girl gave startled cry, and pointed upwards On rock which overlooked the track, showing out dark and plain against the sky, there stood solitary sentinel them they perceived him, military challenge of "Who goes there ? " rang silent ravine

"Travellers for Nevada," said Jefferson Hope, hand rifle which hung by his saddle

see the lonely watcher fingering his gun, and peering down at them dissatisfied at their reply

"By whose permission ? " he asked

"The Holy Four," answered Ferrier His Mormon experiences had taught him that that highest authority refer

"Nine from seven," cried the sentinel

"Seven from five," returned Jefferson Hope promptly, remembering the countersign which he had heard garden

"Pass, Lord go ," said the voice from above Beyond his post the path broadened out, horses were able to break into trot Looking back, see the solitary watcher leaning upon his gun, and knew had passed the outlying post chosen people, freedom lay before them

CHAPTER V

THE AVENGING ANGELS

ALL night their course lay through intricate defiles and over irregular and rock-strewn paths More than once they lost their way, but Hope's intimate knowledge mountains enabled them to regain the track once more When morning broke, scene of marvellous though savage beauty lay before them In every direction the great snow-capped peaks hemmed them in, peeping over 's shoulders far horizon So steep were the rocky banks on either side , larch pine seemed suspended over their heads, and to need only gust of wind hurtling down upon them Nor fear entirely an illusion, barren valley was thickly strewn with trees and boulders which had fallen in similar manner Even passed, great rock came thundering down with hoarse rattle which woke the echoes silent gorges, and startled the weary horses into gallop

sun rose slowly above the eastern horizon, the caps great mountains lit up one other, like lamps at festival, until they were all ruddy and glowing The magnificent spectacle cheered the hearts three fugitives and gave them fresh energy At wild torrent which swept out of ravine they called halt and watered their horses, while they partook of hasty breakfast Lucy and her father would fain have rested longer, but Jefferson Hope was inexorable " upon our track ," "Everything depends upon our speed Once safe in Carson rest remainder lives "

During the whole day they struggled on defiles, and by evening they calculated were more than thirty miles from their enemies At night-time they chose the base of beetling crag, where the rocks offered some protection chill wind, and there huddled together for warmth, they enjoyed few hours' sleep Before daybreak, however, they were up and on their way once more They had seen no signs of any pursuers, and Jefferson Hope began were fairly reach terrible organization whose enmity they had incurred He little knew how far that iron grasp could reach, or how soon to close upon them and crush them

middle second day flight their scanty store of provisions began to run out This gave the hunter little uneasiness, however, for game had mountains, and he had frequently before had to depend upon his rifle needs of life Choosing sheltered nook, he piled together few dried branches and made blazing fire, at which his companions might warm themselves, for they were now nearly five thousand feet above the sea level, air was bitter and keen Having tethered the horses, and bade Lucy adieu, he threw his gun over his shoulder, and set out in search of whatever chance might throw way Looking back the old man young girl crouching over the blazing fire, while the three animals stood motionless back-ground Then the intervening rocks hid them view