nd there was a trample of hoofs and jingle of
steel as the troopers swung into changed formation. They sat still as the
cattle-men rode up, and when Clavering reined his horse in a few lengths
away from them Cheyne acknowledged his salute.

"We have come after a notorious disturber of this district who has, I
notice, taken refuge with you," he said. "I must ask you to give him up."

"I'm sorry," said Cheyne firmly. "It can't be done just yet."

Clavering glanced at the men behind him--and there were a good many of
them, all without fear, and irresponsible; then he looked at the little
handful of troopers, and Cheyne's face hardened as he saw the insolent
significance of his glance.

"Hadn't you better think it over? The boys are a little difficult to hold
in hand, and we can't go back without our man," he said.

Cheyne eyed him steadily. "Mr. Grant has given himself up to me. If there
is any charge against him it shall be gone into. In the meanwhile, draw
your men off and dismount if you wish to talk to me."

Clavering sat perfectly still, with an ironical smile on his lips. "Be
wise, and don't thrust yourself into this affair, which does not concern
you, or you may regret it," he said. "Here is a gentleman who will
convince you."

He backed his horse as another man rode forward and with an assumption of
importance addressed Cheyne. "Now," he said, "we don't want any
unpleasantness, but I have come for the person of Larry Grant, and I mean
to take him."

"Will you tell me who I have the honour of addressing?" said Cheyne.

"Sheriff Slocane. I have a warrant for Larry Grant, and you will put me to
any inconvenience in carrying it out at your peril."

Cheyne smiled drily. "Then, as it is evidently some days since you left
home, I am afraid I have bad news for you. You are superseded, Mr.
Slocane."

The Sheriff's face flushed darkly, Clavering's grew set, and there was an
angry murmur from the men behind them.

"Boys," said Clavering, "are you going to be beaten by Larry again?"

There was a trampling of hoofs as some of the cow-boys edged their horses
closer, and the murmurs grew louder; but Cheyne flung up one hand.

"Another word, and I'll arrest you, Mr. Clavering," he said. "Sling those
rifles, all of you! I have another troop with horses picketed behind the
bluff."

There was sudden silence until the Sheriff spoke. "Boys," he said, "don't
be blamed fools when it isn't any use. Larry has come out on t