his virile cousin so picturesquely
competent, so clean-cut and four-square of mind. Was he in love with
the Wild Rose from Wyoming, whose spirit also was like a breath from
the sweet hill pines? Or was his decision only the expression of a
native chivalry that went out to all his friends and perhaps to all
women?

"They'd certainly arrest her," Jack commented. "From a lawyer's point
of view there's every reason why they should. Motive for the crime,
sufficient; intention to force the victim to make reparation or punish
him, declared openly; opportunity to commit it, confessed; presence on
scene and eagerness to escape being seen there, admitted. The case
against her is stronger than the one against you." He offered this
last with a smile decorously but not wholly concealed.

"Yet she couldn't possibly have done it!" the cattleman replied.

"Couldn't she? I wonder." The Beau Brummel stroked his bit of
mustache, with the hint of insolence his manner often suggested.

"Not possible," said Lane forcefully. "Uncle James was a big,
two-fisted fighter. No slip of a girl could have overpowered him an'
tied him. It's not within reason." He spoke urgently, though still in
the low murmur both the cousins were using in order not to be overheard.

Jack put a neat, highly polished boot on the desk of the sergeant of
police. "Ever hear of a lady called Delilah?" he asked lightly.

"What about her?" In Kirby's quiet eye there was a warning.

The man-about-town shrugged his well-tailored shoulders. "They have a
way, the ladies. Guile, my son, is more potent than force."

"Meaning?"

"Delilah chloroformed Samson's suspicions before she sheared his locks."

Kirby repressed an anger that he knew was worse than futile. "It you
knew Miss McLean you couldn't misjudge her so. She thinks an' acts as
straight as a man."

"I don't say she did it, old top. I'm merely pointing out that it's
possible she did. Point of fact your friend made a hit with me. I'd
say she's a game little thoroughbred."

"You an' James will regard what she told you as confidential, of
course."

"Of course. We're of your mind, too, though I put her proposition to
you. Can't see anything to be gained by airing her story unless it's
absolutely necessary on your account. By the way, James wants me to
tell you that he thinks you won't have to spend another night at this
delightful hotel the city keeps for its guests. Bond has been
practi