im.
But Duane kept him in sight, in the shade, on the paths, and up the
road into the courtyard, and he saw Snecker go straight for Longstreth's
house.

Duane was not to be turned back by that, singular as it was. He did not
stop to consider. It seemed enough to know that fate had directed him to
the path of this rancher Longstreth. Duane entered the first open door
on that side of the court. It opened into a corridor which led into a
plaza. It had wide, smooth stone porches, and flowers and shrubbery in
the center. Duane hurried through to burst into the presence of Miss
Longstreth and a number of young people. Evidently she was giving a
little party.

Lawson stood leaning against one of the pillars that supported the
porch roof; at sight of Duane his face changed remarkably, expressing
amazement, consternation, then fear.

In the quick ensuing silence Miss Longstreth rose white as her dress.
The young women present stared in astonishment, if they were not equally
perturbed. There were cowboys present who suddenly grew intent and
still. By these things Duane gathered that his appearance must
be disconcerting. He was panting. He wore no hat or coat. His big
gun-sheath showed plainly at his hip.

Sight of Miss Longstreth had an unaccountable effect upon Duane. He was
plunged into confusion. For the moment he saw no one but her.

"Miss Longstreth--I came--to search--your house," panted Duane.

He hardly knew what he was saying, yet the instant he spoke he realized
that that should have been the last thing for him to say. He had
blundered. But he was not used to women, and this dark-eyed girl made
him thrill and his heart beat thickly and his wits go scattering.

"Search my house!" exclaimed Miss Longstreth; and red succeeded the
white in her cheeks. She appeared astonished and angry. "What for? Why,
how dare you! This is unwarrantable!"

"A man--Bo Snecker--assaulted and robbed Jim Laramie," replied Duane,
hurriedly. "I chased Snecker here--saw him run into the house."

"Here? Oh, sir, you must be mistaken. We have seen no one. In the
absence of my father I'm mistress here. I'll not permit you to search."

Lawson appeared to come out of his astonishment. He stepped forward.

"Ray, don't be bothered now," he said, to his cousin. "This fellow's
making a bluff. I'll settle him. See here, Mister, you clear out!"

"I want Snecker. He's here, and I'm going to get him," replied Duane,
quietly.

"Bah! That's all a