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"Very well. I hold you to that," she answered quickly. "This man

Fraser is a hunted man. He's hunted because of what he did for me

and dad. I claim the protection of the valley for him."

"He can have it--if he's what he says he is. But why ain't he

been square with us? Why didn't he tell who he was?"

"He told me."

"That ain't enough, Arlie. If he did, you kept it quiet. We all

had a right to know."

"If you had asked him, he would have told you."

"I ain't so sure he would. Anyhow, I don't like it. I believe he

is here to get the man I told you of. Mebbe that ain't all."

"What more?" she scoffed.

"This fellow is the best range detective in the country. My

notion is he's spying around about that Squaw Creek raid."

Under the dusky skin she flushed angrily. "My notion is you're

daffy, Jed. Talk sense, and I'll listen to you. You haven't a

grain of proof."

"I may get some yet," he told her sulkily.

She laughed her disbelief. "When you do, let me know."