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Arlie's flush showed the swift, upblazing resentment she

immediately controlled. "Mr. Fraser--just arrived from Texas. Mr.

Fraser, let me introduce to you Mr. Briscoe."

The Texan stepped forward to offer his hand, but Briscoe

deliberately put both of his behind him.

"Might I ask what Mr. Fraser, just arrived from Texas, is doing

here?" the young man drawled, contriving to make an insult of

every syllable.

The girl's eyes flashed dangerously. "He is here as my guest."

"Oh, as your guest!"

"Doesn't it please you, Jed?"

"Have I said it didn't please me?" he retorted smoothly.

"Your looks say it."

He let out a sudden furious oath. "Then my looks don't lie any."

Fraser was stepping forward, but with a gesture Arlie held him

back. This was her battle, not his.

"What have you got to say about it?" she demanded.

"You had no right to bring him here. Who is he anyhow?"

"I think that is his business, and mine."