said, leaning back in his chair and drawing a
deep breath. "I was rather afraid at first that I would find it dull after
the East. But this situation gives promise of action."

Duncan was watching him with a crafty smile. "You reckon on running him
off, or----" He leered at Langford significantly.

The latter's face was impassive, his smile dry. "Eh?" he said,
abstractedly, as though his thoughts had been wandering from the subject.
"Why, I really haven't given a thought to the method by which I ought to
deal with Doubler. Perhaps," he added with a genial smile, "I may make a
friend of him."

He observed Duncan's scowl and his smile grew.

CHAPTER VII

BOGGED DOWN

Each day during the two weeks that her father had been at the Double R
Sheila had accompanied him on his rides of exploration. She had grown
tired of the continued companionship, and despite the novelty of the sight
she had become decidedly wearied of looking at the cowboys in their native
haunts. Not that they did not appeal to her, for on the contrary she had
found them picturesque and had admired their manliness, but she longed to
ride out alone where she could brood over her secret. The possession of it
had taken the flavor out of the joys of this new life, had left it flat
and filled with bitter memories.

She had detected a change in her father--he seemed coarse, domineering,
entirely unlike his usual self. She attributed this change in him to the
country--it was hard and rough, and of course it was to be expected that
Langford--or any man, for that matter--taking an active interest in ranch
life, must reflect the spirit of the country.

She had developed a positive dislike for Duncan, which she took no trouble
to conceal. She had discovered that the suspicions she had formed of his
character during the first days of their acquaintance were quite
correct--he was selfish, narrow, and brutal. He had accompanied her and
her father on all their trips and his manner toward her had grown to be
one of easy familiarity. This was another reason why she wanted to ride
alone.

The day before she had spoken to Langford concerning the continued
presence of Duncan on their rides, and he had laughed at her, assuring her
that Duncan was not a "bad fellow," and though she had not taken issue
with him on this point she had decided that hereafter, in self protection,
she would discontinue her rides with her father as long as he was
accompanied by the fo