n, limping figure she remembered so well.
Sight of him gave her an inexplicable thrill--a flashing memory of an
unforgettable night ride. Roy was to have charge of the horses on the
ranch, of which there were several hundred, not counting many lost on
range and mountain, or the unbranded colts.

Roy took off his sombrero and greeted her. This Mormon had a courtesy
for women that spoke well for him. Helen wished she had more employees
like him.

"It's jest as Las Vegas told us it 'd be," he said, regretfully. "Mulvey
an' his pards lit out this mornin'. I'm sorry, Miss Helen. Reckon thet's
all because I come over."

"I heard the news," replied Helen. "You needn't be sorry, Roy, for I'm
not. I'm glad. I want to know whom I can trust."

"Las Vegas says we're shore in for it now."

"Roy, what do you think?"

"I reckon so. Still, Las Vegas is powerful cross these days an' always
lookin' on the dark side. With us boys, now, it's sufficient unto the
day is the evil thereof. But, Miss Helen, if Beasley forces the deal
there will be serious trouble. I've seen thet happen. Four or five years
ago Beasley rode some greasers off their farms an' no one ever knowed if
he had a just claim."

"Beasley has no claim on my property. My uncle solemnly swore that on
his death-bed. And I find nothing in his books or papers of those years
when he employed Beasley. In fact, Beasley was never uncle's partner.
The truth is that my uncle took Beasley up when he was a poor, homeless
boy."

"So my old dad says," replied Roy. "But what's right don't always
prevail in these parts."

"Roy, you're the keenest man I've met since I came West. Tell me what
you think will happen."

Beeman appeared flattered, but he hesitated to reply. Helen had long
been aware of the reticence of these outdoor men.

"I reckon you mean cause an' effect, as Milt Dale would say," responded
Roy, thoughtfully.

"Yes. If Beasley attempts to force me off my ranch what will happen?"

Roy looked up and met her gaze. Helen remembered that singular
stillness, intentness of his face.

"Wal, if Dale an' John get here in time I reckon we can bluff thet
Beasley outfit."

"You mean my friends--my men would confront Beasley--refuse his
demands--and if necessary fight him off?"

"I shore do," replied Roy.

"But suppose you're not all here? Beasley would be smart enough to
choose an opportune time. Suppose he did put me off and take possession?
What then?"

"Then it '