id it if possible. Nevertheless, if the situation comes squarely up
to me, I shall meet it."

"I suppose you have thought what decent men----"

Baker held up one hand. This was the first physical movement he had
made.

"Pardon me," he interrupted. "Let us understand, once and for all, that
I intend to defend myself when attacked. Personally I do not think that
either Mr. Welton or myself are legally answerable for what we have
done. I regret to observe that you, among others, think differently. If
the whole matter were to be dropped at this point, I should rest quite
content. But if the matter is not dropped"--at last he let his uplifted
hand fall, "if the matter is not dropped," he repeated, "my sense of
justice is strong enough to feel that every one should stand on the same
footing. If I am to be dragged into court, so must others."

Bob stood thoughtful for a moment.

"I guess that's all," said he, and walked out.

As the door closed behind him, Baker reached forward to touch one of
several buttons. To the uniformed messenger who appeared he snapped out
the one word, "Oldham!" A moment later the land agent stood before the
wide mahogany desk.

"Orde has just been here," stated Baker crisply. "He wanted to know if I
intended to jail Welton on that old bribery charge. I told him I did."

"How did he take it?"

"As near as I can tell he is getting obstinate. You claimed very
confidently you could head off his testimony. Up to date you haven't
accomplished much. Make good."

"I'll head him off," stated Oldham grimly, "or put him where he belongs.
I've saved a little persuasion until all the rest had failed."

"How?"

"That I'll tell you in time, but not now. But I don't mind telling you
that I've no reason to love this Orde--or any other Orde--and I intend
to get even with him on my own account. It's a personal and private
matter, but I have a club that will keep him."

"Why the secrecy?"

"It's an affair of my own," insisted Oldham, "but I have it on him. If
he attempts to testify as to the Basin lands, I'll have him in the
penitentiary in ten days."

"And if he agrees?"

"Then," said Oldham quietly, "I'll have him in the pen a little
later--after the Basin matter is settled once and for all."

Baker considered this a little.

"My judgment might be worth something as to handling this," he
suggested.

"The matter is mine," said Oldham firmly, "and I must choose my own time
and place."

"Very