THE PLOTTERS Riding down the gentle slope of the basin, Alva Dale maintained a sullen silence.

He rode far in advance of the two men who accompanied him, not listening to their voices, which occasionally reached him, not seeming to be aware of their presence.
Defeat had always brought bitterness to Dale; his eyes were glowing with a futile rage as he led his men homeward.
Dale's scheme to dispose of Ben Nyland had been carefully planned and deftly carried out.

He had meant to hang Nyland, take possession of his property, and force Peggy to accept whatever conditions he cared to impose upon her.
The unlooked-for appearance of Mary Bransford's brother had disturbed his plans.

As a matter of fact, the coming of Bill Bransford would make it necessary for Dale to make entirely new plans.
Dale was puzzled.

During the elder Bransford's last days, and for a year or more preceding the day of Bransford's death, Dale had professed friendship for him.