bly five thousand dollars--all that seemed good in life--and every
friend I had."

"After all, Larry, the thing may be no more than a joke or an attempt at
bluff. Even admitting that it is not, it probably only expresses the views
of a few of the boys."

Grant shook his head. "No. I believe it is quite genuine. I saw how
affairs were going even before I wouldn't give Chilton the packet; most of
the boys were ready to break away then. Well, one could scarcely blame
them for not trusting me, and I felt I was laying down my authority when I
sent the stock train through."

"Not blame them!" said Breckenridge, clenching his fist, his eyes blazing.
"Where in the wide world would the crazy fools get another man like you?
But if you can take it quietly, I ought to, and the question is, what are
you going to do?"

"What I can," said Grant. "Hold the boys clear of trouble where it is
possible. There are still one or two who will stand behind me, and what we
can't do may be done for us. When a man is badly wanted in this country he
usually comes to the front, and I will be glad to drop out when I see
him."

"Larry," Breckenridge said slowly, "I am younger than you are, and I
haven't seen as much, but it would be better for me if I had half your
optimism. Still, that was not quite what I was asking. If the beasts
actually mean to burn your place or attempt your life you are surely not
going to give them the opportunity. Can't we fix up a guard among the few
sensible men or send for the cavalry?"

Grant smiled wearily as he shook his head. "No," he said. "The one thing I
can't do is to lift my hand against the men I brought here in a private
quarrel."

Just then the cook came in with the supper, and, though the pair had eaten
nothing since sunrise and ridden through soft snow most of that day, it
cost Breckenridge an effort to clear the plate set before him. Grant
scarcely touched the food, and it was a relief to both when the meal was
over, and Grant's plate, still half-filled, was taken away. After he had
several times lighted a cigar and let it go out again, Breckenridge
glanced at him deprecatingly.

"I can't keep it up any longer, and I know how it is with you, because I
feel the thing myself," he said. "Now, if you want me here, I'll stay, but
I have a notion the poor attempts at talk I'm making are only worrying
you."

Grant smiled, but Breckenridge saw the answer in his face, and went out
hastily, which was, unde