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that they welled there in response to the words the mucker had just spoken--the

nearest approach to words of endearment that ever had passed his lips.

Theriere reached up and took Byrne's hand. It was evident that he too had noted

the unusual quality of the mucker's voice.

"Yes, old man," he said very faintly, and then "water, please."

Barbara Harding brought him a drink, holding his head against her knee while he

drank. The cool liquid seemed to give him new strength for presently he spoke,

quite strongly.

"I'm going, Byrne," he said; "but before I go I want to tell you that of all the brave

men I ever have known I have learned within the past few days to believe that you

are the bravest. A week ago I thought you were a coward--I ask your forgiveness."

"Ferget it," whispered Byrne, "fer a week ago I guess I was a coward. Dere seems

to be more'n one kind o' nerve--I'm jest a-learnin' of the right kind, I guess."

"And, Byrne," continued Theriere, "don't forget what I asked of you before we

tossed up to see which should enter Oda Yorimoto's house."

I'll not ferget," said Billy.

Good-bye, Byrne," whispered Theriere. "Take good care of Miss Harding."

Good-bye, old pal," said the mucker. His voice broke, and two big tears rolled

down the cheeks of "de toughest guy on de Wes' Side."

Barbara Harding stepped to Theriere's side.

Good-bye, my friend," she said. "God will reward you for your friendship, your

bravery, and your devotion. There must be a special honor roll in heaven for such

noble men as you." Theriere smiled sadly.

Byrne will tell you all," he said, "except who I am--he does not know that."

Is there any message, my friend," asked the girl, "that you would like to have me

deliver?"

Theriere remained silent for a moment as though thinking.

"My name," he said, "is Henri Theriere. I am the Count de Cadenet of France.

There is no message, Miss Harding, other than you see fit to deliver to my

relatives. They lived in Paris the last I heard of them--my brother, Jacques, was a

deputy."

104

The Mucker