you. That mare you were
riding was a dandy. I see she's done."

"Yes," Tresler said sorrowfully. "And I'm not ashamed to say it's hit
me hard. She did us a good turn."

"And she owed it to us."

"You mean when she upset everything during the fight?"

"Yes."

"Well, she's more than made amends. In spite of her temper, that mare
of mine was the finest thing on the ranch."

"Yours?" Fyles raised his eyebrows.

"Well--Marbolt's."

But the officer shook his head. "Nor Marbolt's. She belonged to me.
Three years ago I turned her out to graze at Whitewater with a bunch
of others, as an incorrigible rogue and vagabond. The whole lot were
stolen and one of the guard shot. Her name was 'Strike 'em.'"

"Strike 'em?"

"Yes. Ever have her come at you with both front feet, and her mouth
open?"

Tresler nodded.

"That's it. 'Strike 'em.' Fine mare--half blood."

"But Marbolt told Jake he bought her from a half-breed outfit."

"Dare say he did."

Fyles relit his pipe for about the twentieth time, which caused
Tresler to hand him his pouch.

"Try tobacco," he said, with a smile.

The sheriff accepted the invitation with unruffled composure. The
gentle sarcasm passed quite unheeded. Probably the man was too intent
on the business of the moment, for he went on as though no
interruption had occurred.

"After seeing you on that mare I found the ranch interesting. But the
man's blindness fooled me right along. I had no trouble in
ascertaining that Jake had nothing to do with things. Also I was
assured that none of the 'hands' were playing the game. Anton was the
man for me. But soon I discovered that he was not the actual leader.
So far, good. There was only Marbolt left; but he was blind. Last
night, when you came for me, and told me what had happened at the
ranch, and about the lighted lamp, I tumbled. But even so I still
failed to understand all. The man was blind in daylight, and could see
in darkness or half-light. Now, what the deuce sort of blind disease
is that? And he seems to have kept the secret, acting the blind man at
all times. It was clever--devilish clever."

Tresler nodded. "Yes; he fooled us all, even his daughter."

The other shot a quick glance from out of the corners of his eyes.

"I suppose so," he observed, and waited.

They smoked in silence.

"What are you going to do next?" asked Tresler, as the other showed no
disposition to speak.

The man shrugged. "Take possession of the ranch.