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When Jier separated from Phil after their discovery of Keller's hat and the deductions they drew froht had already broken before he caht of it, but sounds of revelry still issued boisterously from the house

As he drew near there cah-pitched voice of the dance caller in sing-song drawl, the shuffling of feet keeping tih a new day was at hand, the quadrilles continued with unflagging vigor, one succeeding another as soon as the floor was cleared

The cow country takes its ah to be an event Men and women do not ride or drive fro to drink the last drop of pleasure therefrolided from the shadow of the wild cucumber vines that rioted over one end of the porch

"Well, Jim?"

The man came to the point with characteristic directness "He has been waylaid, Phyl We found his hat and the place where they ambushed hi was clear

"I don't think it Looks like they were aiht easily have shot hile"

"And you ca him?" she reproached

"Phil and I were unaruns and help"

"And Phil?"

"He's following the trail I wanted him to let me while he came back But he wouldn't hear to it Said he had to square his debt to Larry"

"Good for Phil!" his sister cried, eyes like stars

"Is Brill still here?" he asked

"No He rode away about an hour ago He was very bitter at me because I wouldn't dance with him Said I'd curse myself for it before twenty-four hours had passed He must have Larry in his power, Jiri there will be others that will, too"

She caught the lapels of his coat and looked into his face with extraordinary intensity "I' back with you, Jim You'll let me, won't you? I've waited--and waited You can't think what an awful night it has been I can't stand it any longer! I'll go mad! Oh, Jim, you'll taketo them with passionate entreaty