"You haven't answered my letter asking what you wanted for all you're holding up here, as well as the ranch." Alton flung his head back a trifle, and Seaforth knew what lay behind his laugh.

"No," he said; "I put it in the stove." A little grey spot appeared in Hallam's cheeks, and once more his fingers closed upon the bridle.

"Well, you may be sorry by and by, but as I'm a business man first and last I'll give you another chance," he said.

"There's not room for two of us in this valley, and with what I'm holding I can call you any time." Alton's eyes were half closed now, and there was a glint in them.
"I've been figuring on that," he said.

"When I'm ready, I'll let you see my hand." Now if Hallam had been taught his business, which was an especially mean one, in England he might have kept his temper; but he lacked finish, though his abilities were unpleasantly sufficient in the West.
"Then it is to be hoped you'll put up a better game than you did at Townshead's ranch.