man like
Eck Flagg." He was sorry after he said it. But there was no word from
Flagg--and her insistence, as if she wanted to be rid of him, rasped his
raw temper.

"But you're going back to the drive!" she gasped.

"I am not."

"Don't you value your reputation among men?"

"I do!"

"They'll say you're a quitter." She spoke boldly and sharply.

"Let me tell _you_ something! When you told me that you wouldn't marry
me I came nigh quitting where you're concerned. But I am back in my
right senses, as you say! You're mine! I have told you so. I tell you
again this morning. It's something of a fix you've got yourself into,
eh?"

She grew pale and her wide eyes were filled with startled protest; he
was placid enough, but his calmness made the thing more grim and
threatening when she reflected on the suggestiveness of that word "fix."
She was unable to endure his scrutiny. He did not try to restrain her
when she turned away, hastening into the tavern.

Brophy came into the dining room when he heard her setting the tables.
"Well, by swanny! You're up without being called! You ain't much like
the others I've had here!"

He was silent for some time, and when she turned she found him surveying
her with curious intentness. "It ain't none of my business, of course,
but I hope you ain't of a marrying notion, just yet awhile."

"That remark seems a little uncalled for, Mr. Brophy."

"I'm speaking out because Ward Latisan doesn't seem to be the flirting
kind, miss. You can't fool with him."

"I thank you. I shall avoid Mr. Latisan from now on. I have
thoughtlessly taken walks with him."

"If it's such a thing as you're intending to get married I'd rather lose
you to Latisan than to anybody else in this region. He's solid goods,
miss! Solid!"

She was seeking confirmation to strengthen her resolves. "I hear that
his employer is an invalid. I suppose that makes Mr. Latisan pretty nigh
indispensable, doesn't it?"

"There'll be no Flagg drive down this spring without Ward on the
job--I'll say that much," declared Brophy, with vigor. "I can't afford
to make any loud talk about the Three C's, miss," he went on, lowering
his voice cautiously, "because I cater to all comers. But I don't know
another boss driver who couldn't be scared off or bought off at the
present time, considering the hold the big corporation has got on things
up this way. They're bound to monopolize the river--the Three C's gang.
But they can't freeze