ference, as we will vent the brand and put
the cattle under it back where they belong, in the C Bar."

"One thing more," he continued dispassionately; "I expect every man who
works for this outfit to play the limit in his employer's interest. I
have set aside two thousand dollars out of our last sales to be used to
defend any man who finds it necessary to shoot up a few of the skunks
that are looting this range. I believe that you are all dependable men,
and your wages will be raised twenty-five per cent, after the first of
the month. McVey will act as assistant foreman, and you will take orders
from him. I think that's all," he said with a yawn, "except that Red
and I are going to Gunnison in the morning. You fellows keep tabs till
we get back; we'll be gone about five or six days."

He filled his pipe, a sure indication that he contemplated an extended
stroll, and scooped up a hot coal from the fireplace; at the door he
turned for a final word: "We will take those hides with us."

After he had gone the men sat for a long time in silence. Then Holy
swore enthusiastically: "By Gawd! fellers, that's a man!" Woolly felt of
his swollen jaw tenderly and turned in pretended amazement: "Why, was
yuh thinkin' he was a woman?"

Punk ceased operations on his cigarette and stared meditatively into the
fire. "Wonder haow he's goin' to ack-kwire that brand? Trade those hides
fer it, mebbe."

But Red McVey for once was silent. Going to his warbag he took therefrom
his spare gun; it had a soft leather scabbard of the kind designed for
wearing inside the coat under the left armpit. Very carefully he cleaned
and recleaned the already speckless weapon and oiled it anew; he then
bestowed a similar attention on the Colts in his belt, and filled both
bandolier and belt with fresh cartridges from an unbroken box. Of the
hides he made a neat package that would "ride" well on a pack-saddle.
Then he took down his guitar and a moment later the night was vocal with
the strains of "The Spanish Cavalier."

When his pipe was empty, Douglass went up to the office to write a
letter. The rapidity with which he wrote showed that he had perfectly
rehearsed its text. It was addressed to Robert Carter at his New York
residence:

"DEAR MR. CARTER:--

"I have just proved to my entire satisfaction that you have been
systematically robbed by Matlock and certain of his confederates in
your employ, for the past three years. The proo