has facts. I have inquired in a prudent way of
other men from your section. He has the story, but what they say
confirms it."

Harlan listened, his blank amazement depriving him of speech.

"I've said enough now, haven't I?" asked Linton, significantly.

"No, by God, you haven't!" shouted the other, coming out of his lethargy
of astonishment. The recollection of Spinney's sinister hints came to
him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that a man who will fool and throw over a girl in a way that
drives her away from home and friends is no fit escort--"

He got no further. He knew a thoroughly maddened and dangerous man when
he saw one. He stepped back when Harlan dashed at him, and Thornton
halted of his own accord. After a time he calmed himself enough to
speak.

"I'll not begin with you, Linton. I'll begin with the man who started
that damnable lie. Oh, that--that--!" He flailed his arms about his
head, unable to express himself. "You've been lied to. You don't know
any better than to say that. If you hadn't been jealous you'd never have
brought the story to me. I'll make allowances," he raved on; "but the
man who started that story will swallow it with teeth and blood mixed."
He stamped about the room. It was so horrible that he could not grasp
the enormity of the lie all at once.

Linton was impressed but not routed. He waited till Harlan was quieter.

"I hope you'll get it straightened out," he said, coldly. "But with a
story like that extant, of course you'll see the wisdom of the course
I've suggested. You cannot afford to drag Miss Presson's name into your
affair."

"Into my affair! You dirty pup, do you dare to intimate--are you lunatic
enough to take stock in any such story about me?"

The epithets sent the color into Linton's face. But he restrained
himself.

"Your own grandfather had to take you in hand about the matter before
you left Fort Canibas, Thornton. I heard him say that much myself. He
gave no details. I don't care for any. I merely came to you to bring a
hint as to what you ought to do. You don't seem to take the hint. If you
haven't got manliness enough yourself to keep away from Miss Presson
until this story--well, put it mildly, and say until this story is run
down--then I propose to insist that you do so."

"Look here, Linton, I've usually got pretty good control of myself. I'm
trying to hold myself in now--trying as hard as I can. What you have
told me is a lie--a damnable lie. See? I