a few exceptions," Edgar said. "Mrs. Nelson, for
example. One could hardly consider her apathetic."

"That woman's dangerous! When we were working up things against
Beamish, she must make him look like a persecuted victim. She goes too
far; the others won't go far enough. Guess they're afraid of getting
hurt."

"You couldn't say that of Mr. Hardie," Flora objected.

"No. But some of his people would like to fire him, and he's going to
have trouble about his pay. Anyhow, this state of things is pretty
hard on us. There's no use in bringing a man up when you've only got
unwilling witnesses."

"What you want is a dramatic conviction," said Edgar sympathetically.

"Sure. It's what we're working for, and we'd get it if everybody
backed us up as your partner and Mr. Grant are doing." He turned to
George. "My coming back here is a little rough on you."

George smiled.

"I dare say it will be understood by the opposition, but I don't mind.
It looks as if I were a marked man already."

A few minutes later Flett went out to attend to his horse; George took
Grant into a smaller room which he used for an office; and Edgar and
Flora were left alone. The girl sat beside the stove, with a
thoughtful air, and Edgar waited for her to speak. Flora inspired him
with an admiration which was largely tinged with respect, though, being
critical, he sometimes speculated about the cause for this. She was
pretty, but her style of beauty was rather severe. She had fine eyes
and clearly-cut features, but her face was a little too reposeful and
her expression usually somewhat grave; he preferred animation and a
dash of coquetry. Her conversation was to the point--she had a way of
getting at the truth of a matter--but there was nevertheless a certain
reserve in it and he thought it might have been more sparkling. He had
discovered some time ago that adroit flattery and hints that his
devotion was hers to command only afforded her calm amusement.

"Mr. Lansing looks a little worried," she said at length.

"It strikes me as only natural," Edgar replied, "He has had a steer
killed since the rustlers shot the bull; we have foiled one or two more
attempts only by keeping a good lookout, and he knows that he lies open
to any new attack that may be made on him. His position isn't what you
could call comfortable."

"I hardly think that would disturb your comrade very much."

Edgar saw that she would not be put off with an in