. Molly
and Donald Keith were still absent, there was no sign of Brandon. Sandy
fancied that any wait would not be especially congenial to Keith, but
the promoter was firm in his determination to take away his son from the
ranch. While his resentment could find no outlet, it was plain that he
and his were through with any one connected with the Three Star brand.

Acting without any thought of this, save as it simmered subconsciously,
Sandy rejoiced that Molly would now stay. He intended to give her open
choice--there was money enough left, aside from the capital used on the
Three Star, to send her back east for a completion of education. Or to
pay Miss Nicholson for remaining as educator. He surmised that Sam would
persuade Kate Nicholson to stay in any event. Molly, returned, appeared
so much the woman, that the question of further schooling seemed
superfluous to Sandy. He felt that it would to her, especially after he
had told her all that had occurred since morning. That she would approve
he had no doubt. Molly was true blue as her eyes. Altogether, Sandy
considered the petering out of the Molly Mine far from being a disaster.
And, if Molly stayed west--for keeps--?

* * * * *

Keith stayed in his car, smoking, ignoring the very existence of the
ranch and its people. The afternoon wore on with the sun dropping
gradually toward the last quarter of the day's march. At four o'clock
one of the Three Star riders came in at a gallop, carrying double.
Behind him, clinging tight, was Donald Keith, woebegone, almost
exhausted, his trim riding clothes snagged and soiled, his shining
puttees scuffed and scratched. He staggered as he slid out of the saddle
and clung to the cantle, head sunk on arms until Sandy took him by the
arm. Keith sprang from his car and came over. Sam and Mormon hurried up.

"What's this?" demanded Keith angrily, suspicion rife in his voice.

"I picked him up three mile' back, hoofin' it. He was headin' fo' Bitter
Flats but he wanted the ranch," said the cowboy to Sandy, ignoring
Keith. "We burned wind an' leather comin' in, seein' Jim Plimsoll an'
some of his gang have made off with Miss Molly!"

"Where'd this happen?" demanded Sandy. "Sam, go git Pronto fo' me an'
saddle up."

"That's the hell of it," said the rider. "The pore damn fool don't know.
Plumb loco! Scared to death. Been wanderin' round sence afore noon."

Donald Keith sagged suddenly and Sandy picked th