she snuggled in the crook of it, leaning
comfortably against his shoulder. He pulled the team to a walk.

"Now say it yourself."

"Say what? How _did_ you know I wanted to say something? But it's
nothing particular. It's just--everything!"

"It's sure a surprise to me. Why, only yesterday I hinted to Chetwood
that it was doubtful if he could support a wife--and to-day he bids in
my whole ranch." He laughed, but with little mirth, for the sense of
obligation lay heavy on him.

"I wonder if Jean knew?"

"I don't think so. Why, she wanted him to homestead--said he'd have to
make good before she'd marry him."

"Jean is so practical!" sighed his wife. "Now I'd never have said
anything like that to _you_. I'm glad that Braden didn't get the ranch.
Odious beast!" Angus chuckled. "Well, he _is_!"

"Easily! I never happened to think of that particular descriptive
phrase, though."

"I don't want to hear _your_ descriptive phrases. He's a horrible man. I
shudder when he looks at me. He--he seems to be thinking evil things
about me--plotting--Oh, I don't know. Did you see his face when he saw
that he would be overbidden? It turned white, and then _green_. Oh, you
may laugh! I _saw_ it."

"It was a jolt for him. He had it working like an oiled lock up to then.
Some day I will play even with him."

"He didn't accomplish his end. He's beneath your notice."

"No man who tried to hand me what he did is beneath my notice," he said
grimly. "Yes, I'll settle with him some day."

"I thought I might see your brother at the sale."

"No, he wouldn't go near it. I'll be glad when I can hand him over his
share to do what he likes with."

"It's odd that I've never seen him. Why don't you make it up with him,
Angus?"

Angus' mouth tightened grimly. "Make it up! Now, I'll tell you
something, Faith, which you must never repeat, even to Jean: I believe
he is in cahoots with Braden."

"Oh, surely not!" she cried, and when he told her the grounds of his
belief she was unconvinced. "There's some mistake, Angus."

"It's not on my part. I'm through with him--except to give him his
share. He shall have that, to the last cent. He shall not say I did not
play fair with him."

"You would play fair with every one," she told him. "I know that."

His arm tightened for an instant by way of acknowledgment. But he found
her words only just. To the best of his ability he had tried to play
fair all his life. On that score he could not reproa