he drew his pony to a halt. But apparently Calumet's
interest was largely negative, for he did not move from his position,
merely glancing at Taggart as the latter halted his pony, grinning
mildly at him and speaking to him in a slow drawl.

"Get off your cayuse an' visit," he invited.

Taggart's smile was wide as he dismounted. He did not seem to look at
the others particularly, not even deigning a glance at Dade, but his
gaze fell on Betty with an insolent boldness that brought a flush to
that young lady's face. There was a challenge in the look he gave her.
He dismounted and bowed mockingly to her, sweeping his hat from his
head with a movement so derisive that it made Dade longingly finger his
pistol butt.

Calumet still sat on the pile of lumber. His smile was engaging even
if, as it seemed to Dade, it was a trifle shallow. But now Calumet
slowly got to his feet. He stood erect, yawned, and stretched himself.
Then turning, his back to Taggart, who had come close to him, he looked
at Betty, steadily, intently, with a command showing so plainly in his
eyes that the girl involuntarily started.

"Betty," he said slowly; "come here."

She went toward him, scarcely knowing why, yet remotely conscious of
something in his eyes that warned her that she must not refuse--a cold,
sinister gleam that hinted of approaching trouble. She walked to a
point near him and stood looking at him wonderingly. And now for the
first time since the beginning of their acquaintance she became aware
of a quiet indomitability in his character, the existence of which she
had suspected all along without having actually sensed it. She saw now
why men feared him. In his attitude, outwardly calm, but suggesting in
some subtle way the imminence of deadly violence; in his eyes, steady
and cold, but with something cruel and bitter and passionate slumbering
deep in them; in the set of his head and the thrust of his chin, there
was a threat--nay, more--a promise of volcanic action; of ruthless,
destroying anger.

Taggart, apparently, saw nothing of these things. He looked again at
Betty, his heavy face wreathed in an insolent half-smile. She saw the
look and instantly flushed and stiffened. But it appeared that Calumet
noticed nothing of her agitation or of Taggart's insulting glance. He
stood a little to one side of Taggart, and he spoke slowly and
distinctly:

"Taggart," he said; "meet my boss, Betty Clayton." He smiled grimly at