Part 58 (1/2)

”I don't want you to think that I am through ... not now. There has been stealing, but that has been only a part of the trouble. There have been other things, things which this man who we know has stolen would not do. Let us not be satisfied with cutting off the top of this weed which has poisoned the range; let us try to get to the roots and tear them out!”

She stood, beautiful in the confidence which, with a sentence, with a gesture, had checked these men in their determination to administer justice as it once had been administered in those hills, which had stilled dissent on their lips, which had switched their reasoning into a new path. Alone among them she could dominate! Her strength, doubted an hour ago, over-rode Riley's influence, created by years of prestige on the range, even made that old cattleman stand back and wait respectfully, wondering what she had to say. Her color was high, eyes bright, lips parted slightly in a grave, a.s.sured smile, and her one extended hand, small, white, delicate held them!

”This thievery was only a symptom, only an indication of what has transpired,” she went on. ”Just the outward evidence of those desires and impulses which have turned into chaos the peace of this beautiful country. Into that we must inquire and there is one more witness I want to call.”

She hesitated, then said gently:

”Bobby Cole.”

A low murmur again ran through the group and from the clouds above them came a muttering of thunder.

All turned to look at the girl and so intent were they that they did not see a horseman ride through the trees and stop and look; and dismount. Tom Beck walked slowly toward the group, until he could lay a hand on the hip of Jane Hunter's pinto. Then he stood behind her, eyes curious.

”Will you come up here and talk to me?” Jane asked.

The other girl remained motionless.

”Well now, Miss Hunter, don't you think--” Hepburn began in mild protest.

”I think many things, Mr. Hepburn. My purpose is either to justify or to convince myself that I think wrongly. Will you come ... Bobby?”

Almost mechanically the girl moved forward. Hilton muttered a quick word to Webb and Webb glanced back nervously. Two of his men moved closer.

”But we've found out about your calves, Miss Hunter. What else do you want to know?”

Hepburn's voice was breath-choked though outwardly he maintained composure.

”It makes d.a.m.ned little difference.” It was Riley speaking and his hand was on his holster. ”Hepburn, you and everybody else stand pat until you're called for.”

Hepburn's eyes flared malevolently. He started to speak again, but closed his lips, as in forebearance. Sam McKee coughed with a dry, forced sound.

”What is it you want with me?”

Bobby stopped before Jane and eyed her up and down, gaze settling on the girl's face finally. There was hostility in it; there was hate ...

a degree; but these were softened, subdued, leavened by an outstanding appreciation. Her lips trembled and, almost thoughtlessly, she put out a hand to touch her father's, fingers squeezing his in a movement of affection ... and relief.

For a moment Jane did not speak. Then she began, lowly, rapidly, flushed but resolute and with a light of friendliness in her eyes.

”I want you to understand me ... without any more delay. You and I came into this country at about the same time. Where we should have been friends from the first we have been enemies; it even came to such a pa.s.s that you promised to drive me from the country.”

Her voice shook a bit and on the words that old hostility leaped back into Bobby's face.

”I think that was because you did not understand me. You have thought that I wished you bad luck from the first and that is not so. Had I wanted to have vengeance on you, had I wanted to drive you out, I could have done so this afternoon ... only a moment ago. I am not trying to impress you with my generosity because I don't feel that I have been generous. I have tried to be just; that is all. I have tried to do the thing that would mean the most to all of us....

”But there are things with which you can help me. I am sure. There are so many things that we have in common. You see, you and I are very much alike.”

That touched the other's curiosity. She was all intent, lips parted, eyes wondering.

”Alike?” She was incredulous.