g his wants during convalescence; erecting a citadel
in his heart which would stand as a monument to his gratitude. No, not
gratitude merely. The smile was born. He turned and looked at her,
meeting her eyes fairly, and hers dropped in confusion.

"Do you think that I am the same as before?" he asked suddenly.

She stood up, radiant, pointing a finger toward the Coyote trail. "Ed is
coming!" she declared.

Before he could say another word she was down off the porch and running
toward her brother, holding his horse while he dismounted, kissing him,
patting him lovingly as they came toward the porch.

The latter greeted Hollis warmly. "A fellow couldn't help but feel good
with a sister like that--now could he?" he inquired as he came upon the
porch and took the chair which Nellie had vacated. She had disappeared
into the cabin, not even looking at Hollis, but she could not have heard
Hollis's reply had she remained. For it was wordless. There are times
when men understand perfectly without speech.

Hollis stayed for dinner. Nellie was radiantly silent during the meal,
attending to the wants of the two men, listening while they discussed
recent happenings in the county. Ed was much pleased to hear of the
coming of Ben Allen.

"That guy is business--through and through," he assured Hollis. "He was
the best sheriff Colfax County ever had--and it's had some good ones.
Allen's quiet, but there ain't anyone going to herdride him. Some have
tried it, but they found it didn't pay and so they don't try it any
more."

After dinner they went out on the porch for a smoke, leaving Nellie
inside. They could hear her singing as she washed the dishes. Hazelton
smiled as a particularly happy note reached his ears. "I don't know
what's got into Sis," he said, flashing a swift glance at Hollis. "I
don't know as I ever heard her sing that well before."

Hollis made no reply and the conversation turned to the drought--as all
conversations did during that period. Word had come to Hazelton of
Dunlavey's warning to the cattle owners. He had heard also of Hollis's
announced intention of taking sides with the small owners.

"Dunlavey's ten days is up the day after tomorrow," said Hazelton. "If
Dunlavey starts anything what are you going to do?"

"That will depend on what Dunlavey starts," smiled Hollis.

"H'm!" inexpressively grunted Hazelton. He flashed a glance at the face
of the young man beside him, noting the firm mouth, the stead