said of it. The little
animal was tireless, and often, after a trip over the plains, or to Dry
Bottom to mail a letter, she would return by a roundabout trail.

Meanwhile the novel still remained unwritten. Perhaps she had not yet
"absorbed" the "local color"; perhaps inspiration was tardy. At all
events she had not written a word. But she was beginning to realize
the possibilities; deep in her soul something was moving that would
presently flow from her pen.

It would not be commonplace--that she knew. Real people would move
among the pages of her book; real deeds would be done. And as the days
passed she decided. She would write herself into her book; there would
be the first real character. The story would revolve about her and
another character--a male one--upon whom she had not decided--until the
appearance of Ferguson. After he had come she was no longer
undecided--she would make him the hero of her story.

The villain she had already met--in Leviatt. Something about this man
was repellant. She already had a description of him in the note book
that she always carried. Had Leviatt read the things she had written
of him he would have discontinued his visits to the cabin.

Several of the Two Diamond punchers, also, were noted as being possible
secondary characters. She had found them very amusing. But the hero
would be the one character to whom she would devote the concentrated
effort of her mind. She would make him live in the pages; a real,
forceful magnetic human being that the reader would instantly admire.
She would bare his soul to the reader; she would reveal his mental
processes--not involved, but leading straight and true to----

But would she? Had she not so far discovered a certain craftiness in
the character of the Two Diamond stray-man that would indicate subtlety
of thought?

This knowledge had been growing gradually upon her since their second
meeting, and it had become an obstacle that promised difficulties. Of
course she could make Ferguson talk and act as she pleased--in the
book. But if she wanted a real character she would have to portray him
as he was. To do this would require study. Serious study of any
character would inspire faithful delineation.

She gave much thought to him now, keeping this purpose in view. She
questioned Ben concerning him, but was unable to gain satisfying
information. He had been hired by Stafford, her brother told her,
holding the position