it. As to these others, Angus made up his mind to settle the
score with them if he ever found out their identity. Never again would
he lay a hand on Turkey. As for Braden--his mouth twisted scornfully at
the thought of the latter's fat body in his grip.

But Turkey's visit to Mr. Braden's office was with quite a different
object than Angus' interpretation of it. Between Turkey and Mr. Braden
there was little more cordiality than on the day when the latter had
patted the boy on the head. When he had left the ranch Mr. Braden had
extended sympathy, condemned Angus for harshness; but Turkey had been
unresponsive. He looked on family quarrels as the exclusive property of
the family.

Turkey knew of the mortgage which Mr. Braden held but nothing of its
condition. The burden of financing the ranch had been upon Angus, and he
had not shared it. Nor did Turkey know anything of the further sum Angus
had borrowed. And so Turkey, if he thought of the mortgage at all,
assumed that it was all right. It was Angus' business.

He heard of the action which Mr. Braden was taking quite by accident. On
the occasion when Angus had seen him entering the office he had gone
there merely with reference to a transaction in cattle in which Garland
was interested. But on hearing that Braden had launched a mortgage
action, he went there to get first-hand information.

"Do you mean," he queried with a scowl when Mr. Braden had stated the
case succinctly, "that the ranch will be sold?"

"I am afraid there is nothing else for it," Mr. Braden replied in
regretful tones. "I offered to buy it at a fair price, but your brother
wouldn't sell."

"He wouldn't, hey!"

Mr. Braden shook his head sadly. "I am sorry to say that the present
condition of affairs is due to his recklessness and mismanagement."

"Huh!" said Turkey.

"It would have been much better," said Mr. Braden, "if I had insisted
upon my original view after your father cash--er--was called hence. I
felt that your brother was incompetent, and results have proved it. I
was weak; yes, I admit that I was weak."

"Then the size of it is, that we lose the ranch?"

"If my claim is satisfied otherwise I shall be very glad. But of course
I have to protect myself."

"Who gets it? You?"

"It will be sold publicly to the highest bidder."

"Is that you?"

"I may have to bid it in to protect myself," Mr. Braden explained. "It
is forced on me, and I fear others--you and your sister--must suff