o longer restrain
himself. His face was bestial with passion as he entered his office.

Inside the office he lighted a lamp and seated himself at his desk.
There, with a pair of shears and a piece of black cloth, he fashioned a
mask. He donned the mask and peered at himself in a mirror, grinning
with satisfaction over the reflection. Had he not known himself for
Alva Dale he would have been fooled by the covering.

Working swiftly, he changed his clothes. Then, after again looking at
his reflection, he put out the light, stepped outside, locked the door,
and mounted his horse.

Riding a ridge above a shallow arroyo he came upon a little level near
a grove of cottonwood trees. He circled one side of the grove, and in
a clearing he saw the Nyland cabin.

He had visited the cabin before, but never had he felt about it as he
felt at this moment. There had always been the presence of Ben Nyland
to dampen the romantic thoughts that had beset him--for there had been
a time when--if Peggy Nyland had been willing--he would have married
her.

That time had passed. Dale grinned wickedly as he dismounted and
walked forward.

There was no light showing in any of the windows, and Dale stepped
stealthily to the rear door and knocked.

There was no answer; and Dale repeated the blows. Then he grinned With
delight as he heard Peggy's voice, high-pitched and startled, saying:

"Who's there?"

"It's me--Sanderson," he returned. "I've come for you!"

"What for?" This time there was alarm in the girl's voice, and Dale
heard her walk across the floor and halt at the door. He mentally
visualized her, standing there, one ear against the panel.

"Didn't they tell you?" he said in a hoarse voice, into which he
succeeded in getting much pretended anger. "Why, I sent a man over
here with word."

"Word about what?"

Dale heard the girl fumbling at the fastenings of the door, and he knew
that his imitation of Sanderson's voice had deceived her.

"Word that Ben was hurt," he lied. "The east train hit him as it was
pullin' in. He's bad off, but the doc says he'll come around if he
gets good nursin', an' that's why I've come----"

While he was talking the door burst open and Peggy appeared in the
opening, her eyes wide with concern and eagerness.

She had heard Dale's first knock on the door, and knowing it was
someone for her--perhaps Ben returning--she had begun to dress,
finishing--except for her shoes and stocking