ury. Dunlavey elects the sheriff--controls
the election machinery. I am powerless--a mere figurehead. This is the
situation in a nutshell. I could go into detail, but I imagine it is
plain enough as it is."

Hollis's face had become gravely serious; his lips were straightened
with an expression that hinted at the conflict that was going on in his
mind.

"Isn't there an army post near?" he questioned.

"Over at Fort Union--a hundred miles or so southwest. I have pleaded for
a detail, but have been informed that it can't be had; that the soldiers
are needed to keep the Indians in order. Independent cattlemen are
supposed to fight it out alone. At least that is the inference, if we
are to consider the attitude of the government."

Hollis was gravely silent. The judge leaned back in his chair, watching
him with a queer expression. He realized that he had said enough to
discourage the average young man from remaining in the country a moment
longer than was absolutely necessary. He would not have been surprised
had Hollis told him that he did not intend to remain. But from what he
had seen of the young man he felt sure that his decision, when it did
come, would be final. More than once since Hollis had been in the office
had the judge observed the serene, steady gleam in his eyes, and he had
catalogued him with the rare class of men whose mental balance is so
perfect that nothing disturbs it. The judge had met a few such men in
the West and he knew the type. As he sat looking at the young man he
decided that Providence had made a mistake in allowing him to waste his
time in the East. The West teemed with opportunities for men of his
kind.

He was not surprised at Hollis's next question; it showed that he was
considering the situation from many angles before committing himself.

"What is the condition of Circle Bar ranch at present?" he asked.

"The title to the land is intact and cannot be assailed. But Norton
informs me that there are not above two hundred head of cattle on the
range, and that the buildings are run down. Not a very cheerful
prospect?"

He had told the truth about the land and the cattle, but he had
purposely exaggerated concerning the condition of the buildings, being
grimly determined to place the situation in its most unfavorable light
that he might be the better able to test the young man's mettle. He
smiled as Hollis thoughtfully stroked his chin.

"Well, now," admitted the latter, flashing a