she leapt back with a stifled scream and
then as she made a dash he plunged resolutely after her and caught her
like a child.

"You let go of me!" she panted, but he flung one arm about her and held
both her hands to her side.

"No," he said, and she struck out violently only to find herself
clutched the tighter.

"Wiley Holman!" she exploded, "if you don't let me go! You'd better--I
saw a man back there!"

"It's my watchman," answered Wiley. "I keep him to guard the mill. But
what are you doing up here?"

"No! It wasn't! It was Stiff Neck George! And he had something heavy in
his hand! You'd better go and watch him!"

She was struggling in his arms, her breath hot against his cheek, fear
and rage in every word, but he crushed her roughly to his side.

"Never mind about George," he said. "What are _you_ doing up here,
now?"

"But he'll blow up your mine! I've heard him threaten to! I just came up
to tell you!"

"Oh, that's different!" returned Wiley, relaxing his grip, "but never
mind--my watchman will get him."

"No! The watchman is asleep--I didn't see him anywhere! Oh, Wiley;
please run and stop him!"

"Nope," replied Wiley, "he can blow the whole mill up--I want to ask you
a question."

He released her reluctantly, for the touch of her had thrilled him, and
the sweetness of her breath on his cheek--but she darted down the trail
like a rabbit.

"Here! Wait!" he ordered and outran her in ten jumps, at which she
stooped and snatched up a rock.

"Put that down!" he said, and as she swung back the rock, he braved it
and caught her anyway. "Now," he went on, trembling from the smash of
the blow, but holding her in a grip of steel, "we'll see what all this
is about!"

"You will not!" she hissed back, "because I won't answer you a word! And
I hope old George ruins your mill!"

"That's all right," he said, shaking his bloody head, "but, Judas, you
did smash me with that stone! After that, I guess, I've got something
coming to me!" And he reached down and kissed her lips.

"You--stop!" she panted. "Oh, I--I'll kill you for that!" But Wiley only
laughed recklessly.

"All right!" he said, "what's the difference--I'd die happy! I almost
wish you'd hit me again."

"Well, I will!" she threatened, but when he released her she drew back
and hung her head. "That isn't fair," she said, "you know I can't
protect myself, and----"

"Well, all right," he agreed, "we'll call it square then. But--I want to
tell