ut in protest.

"Yes, yes." There was a grating of impatience in the blind man's
voice, and the smile had vanished. "And I prefer to be robbed of a few
beeves again rather than run the chance of being burned out by those
scoundrels. I'll have no argument about the matter. I can spare no
hand among you. I'll not police this district for anybody. You
understand--for anybody. I will not stop you--any of you"--his words
came with a subtle fierceness now, and were directed at Arizona--"but
of this I assure you, any man who leaves this ranch to set out on any
wild-goose chase after these rustlers leaves it for good. That's all I
have to say."

Arizona was about to retort hotly, but Tresler, who was standing close
up to him, plucked at his shirt-sleeve, and, strangely enough, his
interference had its effect. The man glared round, but when he saw who
it was that had interrupted him, he made no further effort to speak.
The wild man of the prairie was feeling the influence of a stronger,
or, at least, a steadier nature than his own. And Jake's lynx eyes
watching saw the movement, and he understood.

The men moved reluctantly away. Their moody looks and slouching gait
loudly voiced their feelings. No words passed between them until they
were well out of ear-shot. And Tresler realized now the wonderful
power of brain behind the sightless eyes of the rancher. Now, he
understood something of the strength which had fought the battle,
sightless though he was, of those early days; now he comprehended the
man who could employ a man of Jake's character, and have strength
enough to control him. That afternoon's exhibition made a profound
impression on him.

Their supper was finished before they set out for the house, and now
the men, murmuring, discontented, and filled with resentment against
the rancher, loafed idly around the bunkhouse. They smoked and chewed
and discussed the matter as angry men who are thwarted in their plans
will ever do. Tresler and Joe alone remained quiet. Tresler, for the
reason that a definite plan was gradually forming in his brain out of
the chaos of events, and Joe because he was watching the other for his
own obscure reasons.

The sun had set when Tresler separated himself from his companions.
Making his way down past the lower corrals he took himself to the
ford. Joe thoughtfully watched him go.

Seated on a fallen tree-trunk Tresler pondered long and deeply. He was
thinking of Joe's information that