that.... Nell, did I change--right after the talk you had with
me--about him?"

"Indeed you did, Bo," replied Helen. "But it was for the better. Only
he can't see it. How proud and sensitive he is! You wouldn't guess it
at first. Bo, your reserve has wounded him more than your flirting. He
thinks it's indifference."

"Maybe that 'll be good for him," declared Bo. "Does he expect me to
fall on his neck? He's that thick-headed! Why, he's the locoed one, not
me."

"I'd like to ask you, Bo, if you've seen how he has changed?" queried
Helen, earnestly. "He's older. He's worried. Either his heart is
breaking for you or else he fears trouble for us. I fear it's both. How
he watches you! Bo, he knows all you do--where you go. That about Riggs
sickens me."

"If Riggs follows me and tries any of his four-flush desperado games
he'll have his hands full," said Bo, grimly. "And that without my cowboy
protector! But I just wish Riggs would do something. Then we'll see what
Las Vegas Tom Carmichael cares. Then we'll see!"

Bo bit out the last words passionately and jealously, then she lifted
her bridle to the spirited mustang.

"Nell, don't you fear for me," she said. "I can take care of myself."

Helen watched her ride away, all but willing to confess that there
might be truth in what Bo said. Then Helen went about her work, which
consisted of routine duties as well as an earnest study to familiarize
herself with continually new and complex conditions of ranch life. Every
day brought new problems. She made notes of all that she observed, and
all that was told her, which habit she had found, after a few weeks of
trial, was going to be exceedingly valuable to her. She did not intend
always to be dependent upon the knowledge of hired men, however faithful
some of them might be.

This morning on her rounds she had expected developments of some kind,
owing to the presence of Roy Beeman and two of his brothers, who had
arrived yesterday. And she was to discover that Jeff Mulvey, accompanied
by six of his co-workers and associates, had deserted her without a word
or even sending for their pay. Carmichael had predicted this. Helen had
half doubted. It was a relief now to be confronted with facts, however
disturbing. She had fortified herself to withstand a great deal more
trouble than had happened. At the gateway of the main corral, a huge
inclosure fenced high with peeled logs, she met Roy Beeman, lasso in
hand, the same tall, lea