et worse and
worse," she said, teasingly. "Do go and have another talk with
Fernando, John. Then come and tell me all about it."

Despite her teasing, Corliss was beginning to enjoy the play. As a
rule undemonstrative, he was when moved capable of intense feeling, and
the girl knew it. She saw a light in his eyes that she recognized; a
light that she remembered well, for once when they were boy and girl
together she had dared him to kiss her, and had not been disappointed.

"You are cross this morning," she said, making as though to go.

"Well, I've begun over again, Nell. You wait till I get Chinook and
we'll ride home together."

"Oh, but I'm--you're not going that way," she mocked.

"Yes, I am--and so are you. If you won't wait, I'll catch you up,
anyway. You daren't put Challenge down the canon trail faster than a
walk."

"I daren't? Then, catch me!"

She wheeled her pony and sped toward the timber. Corliss, running
heavily in his high-heeled boots, caught up his own horse and leaped to
the saddle as Chinook broke into a run. The young rancher knew that
the girl would do her best to beat him to the canon level. He feared
for her safety on the ragged trail below them.

Chinook swung down the trail taking the turns without slackening his
speed and Corliss, leaning in on the curves, dodged the sweeping
branches.

Arrived at the far edge of the timber, he could see the girl ahead of
him, urging Challenge down the rain-gutted trail at a lope. As she
pulled up at an abrupt turn, she waved to him. He accepted the
challenge and, despite his better judgment, set spurs to Chinook.

Round the next turn he reined up and leaped from his horse. Below him
he saw Challenge, riderless, and galloping along the edge of the
hillside. On the trail lay Eleanor Loring, her black hair vivid
against the gray of the shale. He plunged toward her and stooping
caught her up in his arms. "Nell! Nell!" he cried, smoothing back her
hair from her forehead. "God, Nell! I--I didn't mean it."

Her eyelids quivered. Then she gasped. He could feel her trembling.
Presently her eyes opened and a faint smile touched her white lips.
"I'm all right. Challenge fell--and I jumped clear. Struck my head.
Don't look at me like that! I'm not going to die."

"I'm--I'm mighty glad, Nell!" he said, helping her to a seat on the
rock against which she had fallen.

Her hands were busy with her hair. He found her hat and handed i