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"I've listened to you too long. I was so sure I knew more than my

father, than my friends. I'll listen no more."

The Texan gave it up. "All right, ma'am. Just as you say. If

you'll order some kind of a rig for me, I'll not trouble you

longer. I'm sorry that it's got to be this way. Maybe some time

you'll see it different."

"Never," she flashed passionately, and fled from the room.

He did not see her again before he left. Bobbie came to get him

in a light road trap they had. The boy looked at him askance, as

if he knew something was wrong. Presently they turned a corner

and left the ranch shut from sight in a fold of the hills.

At the first division of the road Fraser came to a difference of

opinion with Bobbie.

"Arlie said you was going to leave the valley. She told me I was

to take you to Speed's place."

"She misunderstood. I am going to Alec Howard's."

"But that ain't what she told me."