"Write another list of cakes and jellies and things of that kind, too.

Put down plenty." Seaforth returned by the time the horse was saddled, with an envelope, and Alton, who took it, rode out at a gallop, for it was a long way to the settlement, and the evenings at the ranch had of late become very pleasant to him.

He did not wish to lose a minute of one of them.

He drew bridle, however, when he came up with two men standing in the narrow trail, one of whom signed to him.

He was a small rancher, but it was not until the impatient horse plunged that Alton recognized the other, who moved aside, as the man he had thrown into the river.