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Fraser met his frank question frankly. "No, Alec, I've had to

give up that notion long since--soon as I began to guess they

were friends of Miss Arlie. I'm going back to tell Hilliard so.

But I ain't going to be run out by Briscoe."

"Good enough. Put her there, son. This shack's yore home till

hell freezes over, Steve."

"You haven't any doubts about me, Alec. If you have, better say

so now."

"Doubts? I reckon not. Don't I know a man when I see one? I'm

plumb surprised at Arlie." He strode to the door, and called to

Bobbie: "Roll along home, son. Yore passenger is going to stay a

spell with me."

"Of course, I understand what this means, Alec. Jed and his crowd

aren't going to be any too well pleased when they learn you have

taken me in. They may make you trouble," the ranger said.