s, legs crossed, after the manner of the camper. The officer lounged at full length, an elbow dug into the sand as

Indian-is that what it means? And desolation on the plains. No

nswered in one

holy Moses, think of the millions i

n Colorado and Wyoming and Montana. Get over the idea that this land up here is a desert. That's a fool notion our school geographies are

ttention. His head was ti

e shale. Who is it? I wonder. An' what do they want? When folks' intention

esford got to his feet. "We'll step

le to me," agre

semi-darkness bac

the sound of that clear, bell-like voice

ble answer

young Indian in deerskin shirt and trousers. The girl swung from the saddle

prisoner advanced

's sworn to kill you," the

o you

de her. "Onistah was passing the stable-behind it, back of the corral. This West was g

set. His light blue eyes gleamed ha

er Creek, close to the ford." A note of excitement pulsed in the girl'

ored into those of the prisoner. Would this man kee

I'll pack my kit. W

od a moment, head li

t flickered over the copper-colored face. Tom Morse made a disc

the fingers of both hands to indicate t

without cinching. We've got no time to lose." His voice lost its curtness as he turned to the girl. "Miss McRae, I'll not

asked quickly. "I don

that seemed to express a spirit free and unafraid. The sense of superiority is generally not a lovely manifesta

s were picketed. He could hear voices farther

omewheres near

addles, pulled the picket-pins,

the sandstone. The rocks rose like huge red toadstools or like prehistoric animal

st left. The officer was still trying to persuade Je

shot. So am I. For that matter, if anybody is g

said. "See, they've

ing-ground. West was in the lead. Morse recognized Barney and Brad Stearns. T

us comin' and pulle

he red rocks," boome

the head of his horse toward the rock

came from

idn't he make him smash the barrels? Didn't he take away his six-gun from him and brin

voice. "I done brought up that boy by hand-learned him all

opin' of his life when I meet up with him. And that'll be soon, if he's up there

andstone boulders they commanded the approach. He had tried to persuade Je

ds me here, after he's

et me go because i

right enough. If West went the length of murder, he would be an outlaw. Sleeping Dawn would not be safe with him after she had ridden out t

se. "If they get me, w

llow West is a

. "I'll 'tend to that. We'll mix first, hi

at

ke his brags about what

otin' I'm in o

I can't arm you unless

urport of it was that Beresford had better come out with his hands up if he didn't want to b

the open a few yards. "Wh

"Think you can make a fool of Bully West? Think you can bust up o

s the splash of ice-water. "Three of us are here, all with rifles, al

o jail. I've got you where I want you." West swung from the saddle and came straddling for

manner or speech. His hands hung by his sides. He gave no sign of

n that would justify murder. The weapon in his hand swept wildly back and forth. Pre

rom the rocks three figures had come. Two of them carried rifles. All three of them he recognized. Hi

ther Tom Morse or this red-coat had beaten him to his prey. Jealous

volver came down and

to the rocks." He retreated,

hifting blur of moving figures, filled the night. Under cov

ked. Then, abruptly, he snapped out: "Who was responsible

I wanted that West to

an to let her do it?" the

e back. What right has he to interfere w

. "Get back of that rock there, Miss McRae, and stay

she was, the code of the frontier claimed and held her respect. She had learned of