A MAN FROM THE ABYSS At about the time Sanderson was entering Okar, Alva Dale was letting himself into the door of his office at the Bar D ranchhouse.

Dale's thoughts, because of the sensuous longing with which he had always looked upon Peggy Nyland, had become abysmal.

Silverthorn had warned him that the dragging of a woman into the plot would be fatal to their aims, but Dale had paid no heed to Silverthorn.

During the day he had kept thinking of the girl until now he could no longer restrain himself.

His face was bestial with passion as he entered his office.
Inside the office he lighted a lamp and seated himself at his desk.
There, with a pair of shears and a piece of black cloth, he fashioned a mask.