or them to open their window. That attitude toward
them--clearly he did not expect a welcome--at once roused Dallas'
suspicion.

"Marylyn," she said, making as if to obey their visitor, "draw the bolt
of the door."

The younger girl, quick to be alarmed, instantly did as she was told,
and Dallas then shoved the sash aside. Both girls looked from the
opening.

With all Matthews' hostile intent, it must be said that the moment found
him disconcerted. He had learned on arriving that the section-boss had
two daughters. The news did not alter his determination one whit. Had
anyone suggested such a thing, he would have been moved to laughter. But
now he noted the prettiness of the younger girl, and a certain conceited
desire to appear chivalrous, which had earned him the title of
"Lady-Killer" among his associates, made him involuntarily spruce. He
smiled ingratiatingly, and prepared to launch into flowery speech
when--he met Dallas' grave, steady eyes, and suddenly found himself at a
loss for words.

"How d' do, Miss?" he said at last.

"How d' y' do?" she returned. In spite of herself her voice trembled.

That did not escape Matthews. He shamed his momentary embarrassment and
resolutely grappled the matter that had brought him. "I want t' see your
old man," he said. It was a demand.

"Dad can't see you to-day," she answered with ready caution. She thought
it best to keep from him, whoever he was, the knowledge of her father's
absence.

"Huh!" ejaculated Matthews, in an ugly tone. He came a few paces nearer.
"I got t' see him, jus' th' same."

"But you can't."

"Ain't he t' home?"

Marylyn pressed close to her sister. "Tell him yes," she begged
nervously.

Dallas hesitated. Then she answered. "He's not home. Will you please
come again--some other time?"

The gambler chuckled. "My _dear_ young lady," he said, his tone the
extreme of insolence, "I can't come no other time. Th' business I got t'
do has got t' be done t'-day. I might as well tell you that my name's
Matthews--Nick Matthews. This claim you're on is mine, an' I mean t'
have it. What's more, I mean t' have it t'-day."

"Ah!" Dallas was thinking fast. At her shoulder, aware all at once that
they were in danger, was Marylyn, clinging in pitiful terror.

"_Yes_," added Matthews, as if that clinched the matter.

Dallas looked at him without speaking.

"I jus' come from Dodge City," he went on. "My intention is t' live on
my land all winter. I'm _