th his calm blue eyes.

"We've just got it out on the ranch," Jim went on. "He's--he's
knocking her about--they say."

"And so you've come in. What for?"

The big man's words had a calming effect.

"Peter, can't you tell me?" Jim went on, with a sudden change of
manner that became almost pleading. "It's awful. I can't bear to think
of Eve suffering. Is it, as they say, money? Has he--gone to the dogs
with drink and gambling? Peter," he said, with sudden sternness, his
feelings once more getting the better of him, "I feel like killing him
if----"

But the other's face was cold, and he shook his head.

"I'm not going to talk this scandal," he said. "You've no right to
feel like that--yet." And his words were an admission of his own
feelings on the subject.

Peter's eyes wandered thoughtfully from his friend to the book
shelves; and after a moment the other stirred impatiently. Then his
eyes came back to Jim's face. He watched the passionate straining in
them, that told of the spirit working within. Nor could he help
thinking what a difference there might have been had Eve only married
this man.

"You better go back to the ranch," he said presently.

But the light that suddenly leaped to Jim's eyes gave him answer
without the words which followed swiftly.

"I can't," he cried. "I can't without seeing her, and learning the
truth from her own lips."

"That you'll never do, boy, if I know Eve."

But Jim became obstinate.

"I'll try," he declared, with an ugly threat in his passionate eyes.
"And if it's Will--if he's----"

"You're talking foolish." The sharpness of Peter's voice silenced him.
But it was only for a moment, and later he broke out afresh.

"It's no use, Peter, I can't and won't listen to reason on this
matter. Eve is before all things in my life. I can't help loving her,
even if she is another's wife, and I wouldn't if I could. See here,"
he went on, letting himself go as his feelings took fresh hold of him,
"if Eve's unhappy there must be some way of helping her. If he's
ruining her life he must be dealt with. If he's brutal to her, if he's
hurting her, I mean knocking her about, Peter, I'll--I'll--smash him,
if I swing for it! She's all the world to me, and by Heavens I'll rid
her of him!"

Peter suddenly drew out his watch; he seemed wholly indifferent to the
other's storming.

"We'll go and see her now," he said. "Will 'll be down at the saloon
playing 'draw.' He don't generally get ho