During the week that had elapsed between the clash at the bunkhouse and the departure of the wagon the range boss had given no sign that he knew of the existence of Ferguson.
Nor had he intimated by word or sign that he meditated revenge upon Rope because of the latter's championship of the stray-man.

If he had any such intention he concealed it with consummate skill.

He treated Rope with a politeness that drew smiles to the faces of the men.

But Ferguson saw in this politeness a subtleness of purpose that gave him additional light on the range boss's character.

A man who held his vengeance at his finger tips would have taken pains to show Rope that he might expect no mercy.