hat Tresler prolonged this, his first meal with them after
such a long absence, to the last possible minute. Then he reluctantly
filled his pipe, put away his plate and pannikin, and strolled over to
the barn in company with Arizona. He went to inspect his mare; he was
fond and justly proud of her. With all her vagaries of temper she was
a wonderful beast. Arizona had told him how she had brought both of
them into the ranch from Willow Bluff on that memorable night.

"Guess it's a real pity that sheriff feller hadn't got her when he hit
Red Mask's trail," observed Arizona, while he watched Tresler gently
pass his hands over each leg in turn. "Clean, eh?" he asked presently.

"Yes. The limbs of a race-horse. Has she been ridden while I've been
sick?"

"Nope; she's jest stood guzzlin' oats."

"I shall have a time when I get into the saddle again."

They moved out and stood at the door in full view of the house. The
evening was drawing in. The sun was on the horizon, and the purple
night shades were rising out over the eastern sky.

"Arizona," Tresler said a little later, "I've got an unpleasant task
before me. I've just seen Marbolt pass the window of his den. I want a
few words with him. I think I'll go now."

"'Bout the leddy?" inquired the cowpuncher.

"You've struck it."

"Wal, git right along. I'd sooner it wus you than me, I guess. Howsum,
I'll set right hyar. Mebbe I'll be handy ef you're wantin' me."

Tresler laughed. "Oh, it's all right," he said. "I'm not dealing with
Jake."

"Nope," replied the other, settling himself on a saddle-tree. Then,
after a thoughtful pause, "which is regret'ble."

Tresler walked away in the direction of the house. He was weak, and
did the journey slowly. Nor did he feel comfortable. However, he was
doing what he knew to be right, and, as he ruefully reminded himself,
it was seldom pleasant to do one's duty. His object was simply a
matter of form, but one which omitted would give Marbolt reason for
saying things. Besides, in justice to Danny and himself he must ask
her father's consent to their engagement. And as he thought of the
uselessness of it he laughed bitterly to himself. Did not the rancher
know? And had he not fully explained his views on the matter?

Arizona watched Tresler wabbling unsteadily toward the house and
applied many mental epithets of an uncomplimentary nature on his
"foolheadedness." Then he was joined by Joe, who had also observed
Tresler's visit