an especially
mean one, in England he might have kept his temper; but he lacked
finish, though his abilities were unpleasantly sufficient in the West.

"Then it is to be hoped you'll put up a better game than you did at
Townshead's ranch. I was a little sorry for the girl," he said. "Met
her once or twice in Vancouver, and she didn't seem well off."

Alton said nothing, but he pressed his heels home, and the big tired
horse moved forward. The trail was narrow just there, and wound
through a quaggy belt where tall wild cabbage grew out of black depths
of mire. There was also no room for Hallam to wheel his horse on the
slippery sawn-up logs, and Alton urged his beast on, glancing
imperturbably at the man in front of him.

Again the grey crept into Hallam's face, and a very unpleasant look in
his eyes, but he drew his bridle, and next moment his horse was
floundering in the mire. Alton laughed a little as he rode on without
glancing behind him.

"That may have been pleasant," said Seaforth dryly, "but in view of
what I saw in Hallam's face I don't know that it was wise."

"Well," said Alton, "I think it was. There's only one way of arguing
with a panther, and that beast's a good deal less dangerous than Hallam
is. Now you'll ride in to the settlement to-morrow, and put up a
notice at the store: 'The ranchers of the Somasco district are
requested to attend a meeting at 6.30, Saturday.' At the bottom you'll
put a big 'Important.' I've got to have a talk with you to-night."

He made a hasty breakfast when they reached the ranch, and was busy at
the sawmill, from which he did not return until supper, all day, so
that it was not until that meal was finished and he was waiting for
Seaforth that he had speech with Miss Deringham. She sat by the stove
apparently occupied with some delicate embroidery, but it was possible
that her attention was not confined to the stitches. Alton sat near
her, looking straight before him, in a deerhide chair, and it was
significant that neither of them found speech necessary. The man's
face was somewhat grim, and the girl wondered what he was thinking.

"You apparently did not find Vancouver enlivening," she said.

Alton laughed a little. "I took one or two little worries along, and
found another when I got there."

Miss Deringham went on with her embroidery for a While, and then
glanced at the man again. "I wonder if any of them were connected with
the sale of Townshead's