hunting. Wise
diplomacy might at least have deferred the conflict.

During the bustle of preparing to leave, Bob's spirits were normal even
though his nerves were a little fluttery. As they rode out of town he
caught sight for a moment of a slim, dark girl in a blue gingham at the
door of the hotel. She waved a hand toward the group of horsemen. It was
Dud who answered the good-bye. He had already, Bob guessed, said a
private farewell of his own to June. At any rate, his friend had met
Hollister coming out of the hotel a few minutes before. The cowpuncher's
eyes were shining and a blue skirt was vanishing down the passage. There
had been a queer ache in Bob Dillon's heart. He did not blame either of
them. Of course June would prefer Dud to him. Any girl in her senses
would. He had all the charm of gay and gallant youth walking in the
sunshine.

None the less it hurt and depressed him that there should be a private
understanding between his friend and June. A poignant jealousy stabbed
him. There was nothing in his character to attract a girl like June of
swift and pouncing passion. He was too tame, too fearful. Dud had a spice
of the devil in him. It flamed out unexpectedly. Yet he was reliable too.
This clean, brown man, fair-haired and steady-eyed, riding with such
incomparable ease, would do to tie to, in the phrase of the country.
Small wonder a girl's heart turned to him.

CHAPTER XXX

A RECRUIT JOINS THE RANGERS

Harshaw did not, during the first forty-eight hours after leaving Bear
Cat, make contact with either the Indians or the militia. He moved
warily, throwing out scouts as his party advanced. At night he posted
sentries carefully to guard against a surprise attack. It was not the
habit of the tribes to assault in the darkness, but he was taking no
chances. It would be easy to fall into an ambush, but he had no intention
of letting the rangers become the victims of carelessness.

At the mouth of Wolf Creek a recruit joined the company. He rode up after
camp had been made for the night.

"Jake Houck," Bob whispered to Dud.

"Who's boss of this outfit?" the big man demanded of Blister after he had
swung from the saddle.

"Harshaw. You'll find him over there with the cavvy."

Houck straddled across to the remuda.

"Lookin' for men to fight the Utes?" he asked brusquely of the owner of
the Slash Lazy D brand.

"Yes, sir."

"If you mean business an' ain't bully-pussin' I'll take a hand," t