135
XXI. June Discovers a New World 141
XXII. An Alternative Proposed and Declined 145
XXIII. Bob Crawls his Hump Sudden 150
XXIV. In the Saddle 158
XXV. The Rio Blanco puts in a Claim 162
XXVI. Cutting Sign 171
XXVII. Partners in Peril 179
XXVIII. June is Glad 189
XXIX. "Injuns" 194
XXX. A Recruit Joins the Rangers 200
XXXI. "Don't you like me any more?" 207
XXXII. A Cup of Cold Water 214
XXXIII. "Keep A-Comin', Red Haid" 222
XXXIV. An Obstinate Man stands Pat 230
XXXV. Three in a Pit 237
XXXVI. A Hero is Embarrassed 242
XXXVII. A Responsible Citizen 249
XXXVIII. Bear Cat Asleep 253
XXXIX. Bear Cat Awake 258
XL. Big-Game Hunters at Work 262
XLI. In a Lady's Chamber 266
XLII. A Walk in the Park 270
XLIII. Not even Powder-burnt 278
XLIV. Bob holds his Red Haid high 284
XLV. The Outlaw gets a Bad Break 290
XLVI. The End of a Crooked Trail 297
XLVII. The Kingdom of Joy 301

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THE FIGHTING EDGE

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THE FIGHTING EDGE

CHAPTER I

PETE'S GIRL

She stood in the doorway, a patched and ragged Cinderella of the desert.
Upon her slim, ill-poised figure the descending sun slanted a shaft of
glory. It caught in a spotlight the cheap, dingy gown, the coarse
stockings through the holes of which white flesh peeped, the heavy,
broken brogans that disfigured the feet. It beat upon a small head with a
mass of black, wild-flying hair, on red lips curved with discontent, into
dark eyes passionate and resentful at what fate had made of her young
life. A silent, sullen lass, one might have guessed, and the judgment
would have been true as most first impressions.

The girl watched her father drive half a dozen d