them for the water. .... Now I want to run that main ditch
along the river, through your farm. Can't we make a deal? I'm ready
to be liberal--to meet you more than halfway. I'll give you an
interest in the company. I think I've influence enough up at the
Capitol to have you reinstated as inspector. A little reasonableness
on your part will put you right again in Forlorn River, with a chance
of growing rich. There's a big future here.... My interest, Belding,
has become personal. Radford is in love with your step-daughter. He
wants to marry her. I'll admit now if I had foreseen this situation I
wouldn't have pushed you so hard. But we can square the thing. Now
let's get together not only in business, but in a family way. If my
son's happiness depends upon having this girl, you may rest assured
I'll do all I can to get her for him. I'll absolutely make good all
your losses. Now what do you say?"

"No," replied Belding. "Your money can't buy a right of way across my
ranch. And Nell doesn't want your son. That settles that."

"But you could persuade her."

"I won't, that's all."

"May I ask why?" Chases's voice was losing its suave quality, but it
was even swifter than before.

"Sure. I don't mind your asking," replied Belding in slow
deliberation. "I wouldn't do such a low-down trick. Besides, if I
would, I'd want it to be a man I was persuading for. I know
Greasers--I know a Yaqui I'd rather give Nell to than your son."

Radford Chase began to roar in inarticulate rage. Belding paid no
attention to him; indeed, he never glanced at the young man. The elder
Chase checked a violent start. He plucked at the collar of his gray
flannel shirt, opened it at the neck.

"My son's offer of marriage is an honor--more an honor, sir, than you
perhaps are aware of."

Belding made no reply. His steady gaze did not turn from the long lane
that led down to the river. He waited coldly, sure of himself.

"Mrs. Belding's daughter has no right to the name of Burton," snapped
Chase. "Did you know that?"

"I did not," replied Belding, quietly.

"Well, you know it now," added Chase, bitingly.

"Sure you can prove what you say?" queried Belding, in the same cool,
unemotional tone. It struck him strangely at the moment what little
knowledge this man had of the West and of Western character.

"Prove it? Why, yes, I think so, enough to make the truth plain to any
reasonable man. I come from Peoria--was