He donned the mask and peered at himself in a mirror, grinning with satisfaction over the reflection.

Had he not known himself for Alva Dale he would have been fooled by the covering.
Working swiftly, he changed his clothes.

Then, after again looking at his reflection, he put out the light, stepped outside, locked the door, and mounted his horse.
Riding a ridge above a shallow arroyo he came upon a little level near a grove of cottonwood trees.

He circled one side of the grove, and in a clearing he saw the Nyland cabin.
He had visited the cabin before, but never had he felt about it as he felt at this moment.

There had always been the presence of Ben Nyland to dampen the romantic thoughts that had beset him--for there had been a time when--if Peggy Nyland had been willing--he would have married her.
That time had passed.