New Britain herald., 1921-09-07

a voice of oil.
 1 His lean shoulders shrugged as they had before when voicing the same platitude. Don't mention it, Miss Young Lady. A pleasure, I assure you
 | Tn a matter of such importance | Glory, you'H surely turn to your. old CT friends, Strong put the interrup- | ton as vehement statement of fact | rather than an urge. Even though | I did arrive late ir the melee, let me take the prisoners into the Ear for you and act as your sponsor. Of course, youll need to testify when | they come to trial. but I can save you much annoyance, including that of | being indebted to an outsider" I'm already deep iu. MT. Gilson's debt Phil" reminded Gloriana.. But the smile she sent the surveyor was not as direct as usual.
 It was apparent that she had about reached her limit of endurance. Gill son, noting this, sought to end the controversy, if a matter which was already settled as far as he was con- cerned could be so called.
 They are my prisoners, and I'll take them in" he said. pleas asantly enough, but decisively..
 Are all your prisoners yours?' A wave of white appeared about Strong's lips. No flag of truce did it look to her who knew him; rather a signal of danger.
 All those I take, yes" Gilson turned to Alonzo, and reused him from what looked to be one of his tI, TieI you'd go out and give the truck the once-over, Lon. I want you to body guard the ranch tonight. Oh, not that there'll be any more trouble; but just to give the women a feeling of se curity."
 As the old geologist departed Gill son stepped across the room to Glor- jana, who had sunk into chair.
 And for you, pluckiest of your sex, a night and day of absolute rest, if you'll permit me to prescribe"
 The white wave about Strong's mouth had spread until it met the downward rush of red from his eyes. He thrust himself close to the man who, on their second meeting, as on their first, had combated him.
 Who are you to be giving orders around Blaze ranch?'' he demanded.
 
 to put you in your place. I will be responsible for Miss Frazer's protec- ton and the delivery of these thugs who attacked her to the proper au- thorities. If you don5t think I'm able"
 The girl knew the Strong temper and she, at least, had seen it's sign. In other second the cook shack would stage a third battle. With sharp cry she sprang up and hurried be- tween them, just as her hot-headed neighbor drew back for an opening blow.
 Maybe you'd best let us have it out objected Gilson in voice that frightened her still more.
 "No--no!" She threw out both hands to widen. the space between them. You both ought to think of me a little I've had all the fighting I can stand light I'll decide, if. I may, in my own house."
 She appealed directly to Strong.
 MT Wilson has a right to take them if he wants to, just as he had the other day." she declared, although with apprehension in eyes and voice. You were so generous in acknowledg- ing yourself wrong then-wont you gree with me tonight?" = .}.-
 Strong had started to the door, but now faced about halfway.
 Since you always approve him in public, I'll give you a chance to do so in private. The other little side issue between us is evidently of small It can wait. As for you-
 With a white heat of 'vehemence that made it seem advisa ble for him to carry out his threat of immediate ne faced Gilson.
 You'll have to say what you like to the girl I'm going to marry after I've gone. for I won't mess you up before her. She's too keen not to see through your snake-grass wiggles soon. I'll risk you or any other man turning her against mo, for I've got my own way of winning a woman which does not consist of bullying everybody within sight just to show my strength. But don't you spoil the, Ia ndscape around here again. If you do"
 Strong never finished the sentence, although his lips moved several times in an effort to do so.
 As though dreading the thought of what he might do more than either the interloper's victory or the girls change of heart, he whirled about | and hurried out the door.
 CHAPTER V.
 An Appeal for Romeo.
 GlOriana did not ride the. range |