e."

"But this cad Strong is nothing but a common cow-puncher, and his
companions are even worse."

"They're worth more than you are financially," said the colonel. "That
is, they have made more individually than you have made. I'm not saying
what your father gives, or will give you. And that counts for
something."

"Well, there is no use saying anything more about it if you are willing
to give your consent to Hallie traveling in the company of, and camping
with, such a low blackguard as that fellow Strong."

"You dare not call him that to his face," came an indignant voice.
Evidently Stella had entered the library in time to hear Barrows'
speech.

"I am surprised to hear you speak in that manner of one of my guests,"
came the voice of Hallie Croffut. "Papa, I'm going with Stella. At first
I hesitated to leave you and Clarence here alone, but now I am decided.
You will not be very lonely, and I shall be very safe and happy with
Stella and dear Mrs. Graham, who is like an own aunt to me, and with
those gentlemen, the broncho boys. Good-by, daddy. We'll be back soon."

"So his name's Clarence, eh?" said Bud Morgan, on the veranda. "Well,
wouldn't that jar yer?"

In the library Hallie was kissing her father good-by, and then offered
her hand to Barrows.

"Good-by, Clarence," she said. "I hope you'll be in a better frame of
mind when I get back."

"I want to talk to you privately before you go," said Barrows, in a
sulky voice.

"It is not necessary," answered the girl.

"But I insist upon it. It is my right."

"You have no rights I do not give you. This is good-by."

"I'll make you regret this yet. I'll----"

"Hold hard, Barrows. Remember, you are in my house, and that you are
talking to my daughter. Threats to a girl do not come gracefully from a
gentleman." The colonel evidently had sprung to his feet, and his voice
was cold and harsh.

"Very well, I will not threaten. I will execute."

The young officer strode from the room and through the hall, pausing to
pick up his cap.

At the door he came face to face with Ted Strong, who was standing there
quietly, waiting for the moment when he should think his presence would
be necessary in the library.

As the two came face to face, Barrows stopped and looked into Ted's eyes
with a look of intense hatred. He was as white as a sheet, and his lips
trembled.

"So you have been acting the eavesdropper, eh?" Barrows said, with a
sneer. "I hope you heard all