court in Manti has decided in his favor. But
according to the record in Trevison's possession, _he_ has a clear title
to it."

"There, there," consoled Agatha; "your father wouldn't permit--"

"No, no!" said the girl, vehemently; "he wouldn't. But I can't understand
why Trevison fights so hard if--if he is in the wrong!"

"He is a desperado, my dear; a wild, reckless spirit who has no regard for
law and order. Of course, if these men are after him, you will tell them
he was here!"

"No!" said the girl, sharply; "I shan't!"

"Perhaps you shouldn't," acquiesced Agatha. She patted the girl's
shoulder. "Maybe it would be for the best, dear--he may be in the right.
And I think I understand why you went riding with him so much, dear. He
may be wild and reckless, but he's a man--every inch of him!"

The girl squeezed her relative's hand and went to open the door, upon
which had come a loud knock. Corrigan stood framed in the opening. She
could see his face only dimly.

"There's no occasion for alarm, Miss Benham," he said, and she felt that
he could see her better than she could see him, and thus must have
discerned something of her emotion. "I must apologize for this noisy
demonstration. I believe I'm a little excited, though. Has Trevison passed
here within the last hour or so?"

"No," she said, firmly.

He laughed shortly. "Well, we'll get him. I've split my men up--some have
gone to his ranch, the others have headed for Levins' place."

"What has happened?"

"Enough. Judge Lindman disappeared--the supposition is that he was
abducted. I placed some men around the courthouse, to safeguard the
records, and Trevison broke in and set fire to the place. He also robbed
the safe in the bank, and killed Braman--choked him to death. A most
revolting murder. I'm sorry I disturbed you--good night."

The girl closed the door as he left it, and leaned against it, weak and
shaking. Corrigan's voice had a curious note in it. He had told her he was
sorry to have disturbed her, but the words had not rung true--there had
been too much satisfaction in them. What was she to believe from this
night's events? One thought leaped vividly above the others that rioted in
her mind: Trevison had again sinned against the law, and this time his
crime was murder! She shrank away from the door and joined Agatha at the
foot of the stairs.

"Aunty," she sobbed; "I want to go away. I want to go back East, away from
this lawlessness and confus