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"It's too bad, I say. I used to think that mebbe Nellie would

like you, Code. I've counted on it consid'able all my life. But

it's too late now. Young Burns'll have to be one of the family

from now on."

"Thanks, captain," said Schofield with forced cheerfulness. "I

had hoped so, too. But that's all past now. By the way, who was

it you thought started all this trouble? I'd like to know that."

"One of the family," muttered Tanner, his thoughts still busy.

Then, recollecting Schofield's question, he appeared about to

speak, hesitated, and at last said:

"Bless my soul and body if I know! No, I wouldn't want to say

what I thought, Code. I never was one to run down any man behind

his back!"

Code looked in amazement at the old man, but not for long. A

moment's thought concerning Tanner's recently acquired relation

made his suspicion doubly sure that Nat Burns's name had been on

Bijonah's tongue.

He immediately dropped the subject and after a little while took

his departure.

CHAPTER VI