"I'll come back to you," he said quietly to Virginia. "Because after
what you have done for me, I belong to you . . . if you want me."
"I want you, Rod," she answered steadily. "And I know that you will
come back to me. And now . . . kiss me good night."
She clung to him a moment, then pushed him from her and watched him
swing up into the saddle and ride out among the men who were pledged
and sworn to do his bidding. As he did so Engle came to him.
"Going with us, John?" asked Norton.
"No," said Engle. "We haven't found her yet, Rod. I'll try to pick up
a trace of her here. And . . . you'll send a man to me if you find
her?"
"Yes," Norton promised.
"And if Galloway has got her . . ."
"I'll know what to do, John," said Norton gently.
Then, without again looking back, he turned his horse toward the north.
The seventeen men, riding two and three abreast, silent and grave for
the most part, followed him. The moon shone upon their rifle-barrels
and made black, grotesque shadows underfoot.
Against the northern sky Mt. Temple was lifted sharply outlined; from
its crest a leaping flame was stabbing at the stars, a new signal-fire
to be seen across many miles.
CHAPTER XXV
THE BATTLE IN THE ARROYO
Straight toward that wavering plume of flame in the north they rode
swiftly, each man with his own thoughts and with few words.
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