son, we don't know. That is, it
don't make any difference. Perhaps we are mistaken," she answered
lamely.

Mr. Simpson was puzzled by Jack's manner. There was an awkward silence.

Dan leaned over and whispered to Laura in a tone that could be
distinctly heard, not only by Jack and Frank, but by every member of the
small company. "I shouldn't think Jack Ralston would worry about losing
a few of her old cattle. She is going to lose something else pretty
soon, that is a good deal more important."

Laura snickered nervously. She caught sight of Jack's face.

Mrs. Simpson frowned and glanced hastily at Jack. Mr. Simpson's eyes
flashed and he too watched his young girl guest. Jack was distinctly
conscious that everybody in the party stared straight at her when Dan
ended his insulting speech.

Jack felt herself turn cold all over. Only her face was scorching hot.
Half a dozen angry retorts trembled on her lips. She started to speak,
but then she turned to Frank and said quietly. "Won't you tell me
something more about your home in England? I am awfully interested."

Mrs. Simpson breathed a sigh of relief. Only Laura seemed disappointed.
There was nothing she loved half so well as a scene and she fondly
believed Dan and Jack meant to treat her to one.

Ten minutes later, Jack went over to Mrs. Simpson. "Aunt Sallie, I think
Olive and I had better start back to the ranch now. You were awfully
good to give us our luncheon, but we ought to be at home by dark."

Mrs. Simpson caught Jack's hand. "You were a trump, Jack dear," she
whispered. "I would like to shake that red-headed boy if I had a chance
at him, but I believe somebody else will when you go."

Jack smiled, though her voice trembled a little. "I don't think Dan and
I ought to carry on our quarrels at your table, Aunt Sallie," she
answered. "But you know if he says anything like that to me again, I
should die if I didn't answer him back. So, good-bye."

Jacqueline bowed her farewells and she and Olive started toward their
ponies.

Frank Kent had a moment alone with Dan.

"Dan Norton, you have got to settle with me for that speech, you cub,"
he insisted, in a white passion of anger that startled his host.

Dan thought Frank too much of a gentleman to be willing to fight.

"All right," he rejoined calmly, "choose your own time."

Half way over to their horses, Frank joined Olive and Jack.

"I am going to ride back to your ranch with you, Miss Ralston," Fran