d
I need something to keep me busy. So far I've had no time for
investigation--came in on the stage yesterday afternoon and put up at
Vaughan's, old friends of mine--but will get at the bottom of things
to-day. You'll take hold on the first; that will give you a week to
clear up your work. You'll start at three thousand a year. And now I'll
go back to the ranch and get busy."

They shook hands and Douglass said slowly: "I'll do what I can." And
Carter was filled with great satisfaction, for he knew that was a pledge
which would see fulfillment.

When he had gone, Ken sat for a long time in silent meditation. "I guess
I've arrived!" he confided to the little girl who finally waked him out
of this reverie. "Yulie dear, it pays to stay with the game!" And he
went in to the congratulations of Blount and his wife, who were
overjoyed at his good fortune.

Down at the Alcazar he found the three riders who had deserted Matlock
overnight. "I'm taking charge of the C Bar on the first, boys," he said
simply, "and I'd like you to stay on with me if you will. There's going
to be a clean-up and a new deal. I'll play square, and you're all good
hands. What d'ye say?"

The three looked interrogatively at each other and then Reddy McVey, the
man who had taken the initiative the night before, said, "I reckon we'll
stay."

"That's good! Your pay will go right along without any docking and I
want you to go back to the ranch after we've had a drink, and finish up
your corral building. And you might tell all the other boys that I won't
make any changes--unless I have to. Sabe?"

They grinned their full understanding of the underlying significance of
that qualifying clause, and Red assured him that the rest of the outfit
would stay. "They're all good boys ef they are a leetle free on the
bit," he confided. "An' they've only been obeying orders." Ken nodded
his comprehension and the deal was properly ratified.

Over at the post office Williams was frankly exultant. "Best move ever
made on the C Bar," he swore. "That tenderfoot has more savvy than I
giv' him credit for. He's a sandy cuss, too. I was keepin' cases on him
las' night and he shore panned out good. Looks a heap more like his mam
than he does like th' ole man; reckon that's why I didn't get onto the
brand quicker. There's good leather in your new boss, Ken."

"Kem in yere this mawnin'," continued the loquacious old fellow, "an'
says--fust crack outer th' box--'What's th' na