Pagina 364 van 439

No wonder rumor had coupled his name with that of Arlie as her

future husband. He knew how to make light love by implication, to

skate around the subject skilfully and boldly with innuendo and

suggestion.

Arlie knew him for what he was--a man passionate and revengeful,

the leader of that side of the valley's life which she deplored.

She did not trust him. Nevertheless, she felt his fascination. He

made that appeal to her which a graceless young villain often

does to a good woman who lets herself become interested in trying

to understand the sinner and his sins. There was another reason

why just now she showed him special favor. She wanted to blunt

the edge of his anger against the Texan ranger, though her reason

for this she did not admit even to herself.