صفحة 348 من 439

"I notice he didn't tell any of his plain story until we proved

it on him. He comes through with his story after he's caught with

the goods. Don't you know that every criminal that is caught has

a smooth explanation?"

"I haven't any doubt Mr. Briscoe will have one when his turn

comes," the ranger remarked.

Jed wheeled on him. His eyes glittered menace. "You've said one

word too much. I'll give you forty-eight hours to get out of this

valley."

"How dare you, Jed--and in my house!" Arlie cried. "I won't have

it. I won't have blood shed between you."

"It's up to him," answered the cattleman, his jaw set like a

vise. "Persuade him to git out, and there'll be no blood shed."

"You have no right to ask it of him. You ought not----" She

stopped, aware of the futility of urging a moral consideration

upon the man, and fell back upon the practical. "He couldn't

travel that soon, even if he wanted to. He's not strong enough.

You know that."