ut with such hateful intensity that even
the mat of beard and moustache parted, and the cruel mouth and
clenched teeth beneath were revealed. His eyes, too, shone with a
diabolical light. For the moment Tresler was master of the situation,
but, as Jake had said, he was "boss" of that ranch. "Boss" with him
did not mean "owner."

CHAPTER III

THE BLIND MAN

Tresler was unfeignedly glad to leave Jake Harnach behind him, but he
looked very serious as he and his companion moved on to the house. The
result of his meeting with the foreman would come back on him later,
he knew, and it was as well that he was prepared. The meeting had been
unfortunate, but, judging by what he had heard of Jake in Forks, he
must inevitably have crossed the bully sooner or later; Jake himself
would have seen to that.

Diane Marbolt paused as she came to the verandah. They had not spoken
since their greeting. Now she turned abruptly, and quietly surveyed
her guest. Nor was there any rudeness in her look. Tresler felt that
he was undergoing a silent cross-examination, and waited, quietly
smiling down at her from his superior height.

At last she smiled up at him and nodded.

"Will I do?" he asked.

"I think so."

It was a curious position, and they both laughed. But in the girl's
manner there was no levity.

"You are not sure? Is there anything wrong about me? My--my dress, for
instance?" Tresler laughed again; he had missed the true significance
of his companion's attitude toward him.

Just for a moment the dark little face took on a look of perplexity.
Then the pucker of the brows smoothed out, and she smiled demurely as
she answered.

"Oh, I see--no," doubtfully. Then more decidedly, "No. You see, you
are a 'tenderfoot.' You'll get over it later on."

And the last barrier of formality was set aside.

"Good," exclaimed Tresler, emphatically. "We are going to be friends,
Miss Marbolt. I knew it. It was only that I feared that 'they' might
ruin my chances of your approbation. You see, they've already caused
me--er--trouble."

"Yes, I think we shall be friends," Diane answered quietly. "In the
meantime, come along into the house and have your lunch. It is ready,
I saw you coming and so prepared it at once. You will not mind if I
sit and look on while you eat. I have had mine. I want to talk to you
before you see my father."

There was distinct anxiety in her manner. More surely than all, her
eyes betrayed her uneasiness