uck Weaver's relation to his jailers changed. It
was still understood that their interests differed, but the personal
bitterness was largely gone. He went riding occasionally with the boys,
rather as a guest than as a prisoner.

At any time he might have escaped, but for a tacit understanding that he
would stay until Menendez was strong enough to be sent home from the
Twin Star.

One pleasure, however, was denied him. He saw nothing of Phyllis, save
for a distant glimpse or two when she was starting to school or
returning from a ride with Larrabie Keller. He knew that her father and
her brother were studiously eliminating him, so far as she was
concerned. Certain events had been of a nature to induce whispered
gossip. Fortunately, such gossip had been nipped in the bud. They
intended that there should be no revival of it.

Weaver had sent word to the riders of the Twin Star that there was to be
nothing doing in the matter of the feud until his return.

He had at the same time ordered from them a change of linen, a box of
his favorite cigars, and certain papers to be found in his desk. These
in due time were delivered by Jesus Menendez in person, together with a
note from the ranch.

TWIN STAR RANCH, Tuesday Morning.

DERE BUCK: You've sure got us up in the air. The boys was figurring
some on rounding up the whole Seven Mile outfit in a big drive, but
looks like you got other notions. Wise us if you want the
cooperation of

PESKY and the other boys.

With a smile, Weaver showed it to Phil. "Shall I send word to the boys
to start on the round-up?"

"It won't be necessary. You don't need their cooperation. Fact is, now
Menendez is back, you're free to go. 'Rastus is getting your horse right
now."

The cattleman realized instantly that he did not want to go. Business
affairs at home pressed for his attention, but he felt extremely
reluctant to pull out and leave the field in possession of Larrabie
Keller, even temporarily. He could not, however, very well say so.

"Good enough," he said brusquely. "Before I go, we'd better settle the
matter of the range. Send for your father, and I'll make him a
proposition that looks fair to me."

When Sanderson arrived, he found the cattleman with a map of the county
spread before him upon the table. With a pencil he divided the range in
a zigzag, twisting line.

"How about that? I'll take all on the valley side. You take what is in
the hill