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The man beside the girl read the situation at a glance. The

handcuffed figure groveling on the steps belonged to the murderer

Struve, and over him stood lightly the young ranger Steve Fraser.

He was standing off a mob that had gathered to lynch his

prisoner, and one glance at him was enough to explain how he had

won his reputation as the most dashing and fearless member of a

singularly efficient force. For plain to be read as the danger

that confronted him was the fact that peril was as the breath of

life to his nostrils.

CHAPTER VII -- ENTER MR. DUNKE

"He's my prisoner and you can't have him," the girl heard the

ranger say.

The answer came in a roar of rage. "By God, we'll show you!"

"If you want him, take him. But don't come unless you are ready

to pay the price!" warned the officer.