Al Auchincloss always was the whitest an' squarest man in this sheep country." Beasley gave Dale a fleeting, dark glance.
"Dale, what you think ain't goin' to influence feelin' on this range," returned Beasley, deliberately.

"You live in the woods an'-- " "Reckon livin' in the woods I might think--an' know a whole lot," interposed Dale, just as deliberately.

The group of men exchanged surprised glances.

This was Milt Dale in different aspect.

And Beasley did not conceal a puzzled surprise.
"About what--now ?" he asked, bluntly.
"Why, about what's goin' on in Pine," replied Dale.
Some of the men laughed.
"Shore lots goin' on--an' no mistake," put in Lem Harden.
Probably the keen Beasley had never before considered Milt Dale as a responsible person; certainly never one in any way to cross his trail.
But on the instant, perhaps, some instinct was born, or he divined an antagonism in Dale that was both surprising and perplexing.
"Dale, I've differences with Al Auchincloss--have had them for years," said Beasley.