Interest's high in this country, but it's a pity your father------" He stopped a moment, and appeared a trifle embarrassed when the girl regarded him with a little flash in her eyes.

"My father has done his best," she said.
"Of course!" said Alton hastily.

"Well, now, Hallam wants your ranch, and when that man wants a thing it's bad to keep him from getting it, but it wouldn't please me to see him take the ranch.

I wonder if you can figure what his next move will be ?" The girl's fingers trembled, but there was patience and courage in her eyes.

"I am afraid I can," said she.