d Dan and the old man talking about your
ranch. I don't say I actually hurried away, but I wasn't going to
eavesdrop. Just as I started to clear out, however, I overheard Mr.
Norton say: 'Well, we've fixed them good and plenty, haven't we, Dan,
Jr. Rainbow Ranch is the same as ours! I tell you might is right in this
country, my lad.' I kind of stopped then, Miss Jack," Frank added. "I
didn't exactly like the sound of what Mr. Norton said."

Jack had come close to Frank, but her hands were clasped behind her to
hide her impatience. "Do go on, please," she urged breathlessly.

"Then Dan answered: 'You are sure right, Father. We are going to prove
that Rainbow Ranch belongs to us a whole lot easier than if it really
did.' I heard just exactly those words. Miss Ralston," Frank remarked,
quietly. "And I am ready to swear to them in any court of law."

"Oh-h," Jack bit her lips to hide their trembling and a hot color
flooded her face. "What did you hear next?" she pleaded. "Do go on."

"I didn't hear anything more," Frank answered. "I marched into their
study and told Mr. Norton and Dan exactly what I thought of them. Then
Dan and I got to using some language and we rather broke up the
furniture for a while. Of course I can't stay in the house of a man whom
I know to be a rogue. But will you tell your overseer, Mr. Colter, that
I won't get too far out of this neighborhood to appear when your suit
about the ownership of Rainbow Ranch comes into court." Frank looked
around for his hat. "I hope you will have a very happy Christmas," he
said. He held himself so erect, with a dignity of grace and breeding
such as Jack had rarely seen. Before Jack realized what was happening,
Frank was out of the room.

For the second time in their acquaintance, she ran after him. This time
she put her hand on his and fairly dragged him back with her.

"Oh, please, please don't go. You must stay and have Christmas at the
Lodge with us," Jack entreated. "We have plenty of room and we would so
love to have you. Do wait here until I go and find Cousin Ruth, I know
she will be more apt to persuade you to stay."

Needless to say, Cousin Ruth was successful and at eight o'clock, the
ranch girls, Cousin Ruth, Frank Kent, Jim Colter, Aunt Ellen, Uncle
Zack, and six bashful cowboys were gathered about the mammoth Christmas
tree.

Frieda was to light the candles. She looked like a plump little German
fairy in her new white frock, with her long braids