That impressed her even more than the sympathetic faces turned towards the house, for it was a token that the sale was irrevocably completed.

Then the group split up as a man rode at a gallop straight towards the table.

He was breathless, the horse was smoking, and there were red smears upon its flanks as well as flecks of spume.

He swung himself from the saddle, and there followed the sound of an altercation while a noisy group surged about the table.

It opened up again, and rancher Alton walked out, pale and grim of face, alone.
"You should have come sooner, Harry," said somebody.
The rancher turned, the group closed in again, and the girl did not see Alton stride up to a big man, and laying a hand upon his shoulder swing him round.