NYLAND MEETS A "KILLER" Ben Nyland had gone to Lazette to attend to some business that had demanded his attention.

He had delayed going until he could delay no longer.
"I hate like blazes to go away an' leave you alone, here--to face that beast, Dale, if he comes sneakin' around.

But I reckon I've just got to go--I can't put it off any longer.

If you'd only go an' stay at Bransford's while I'm gone I'd feel a heap easier in my mind." "I'm not a bit afraid," Peggy declared.

"That last experience of Dale's with Sanderson has done him good, and he won't bother me again." That had been the conversation between Ben and Peggy as Ben got ready to leave.