she said.

Alton rose up, and stood still a moment, somewhat grim in face. "It
should have been my father's, and now when I don't know that I want it,
I think it's mine," he said. "Anyway, I'm kind of tired, and I think
I'll turn in. Excuse me."

He went out, and Nellie Townshead glanced at his comrade. "Do you know
what he means?" she said.

Seaforth smiled and shook his head. "I've never seen Harry taken that
way before," he said. "Still, we'll hope he'll be better to-morrow.
He has been through a good deal to-day."

Miss Townshead did not appear contented, but she changed the topic.
"Then what did you mean when you spoke about the dress packet?"

"I'll tell you," said Seaforth, "if you don't tell Harry. Well, when
the packet slipped down to the edge of the big drop I'm not sure that
the price of two ranches would have induced most men to follow it."

"But why did Mr. Alton go?" said the girl, with an expression which was
not quite the one the man had expected to see in her face.

Seaforth smiled. "He may have fancied you wanted it. Anyway, Harry is
a little obstinate occasionally, and when a thing looks difficult he
can't resist attempting it. In the language of my adopted country
that's the kind of man he is. Now I think I had better go after him,
because I fancy he wants soothing after that last speech of his."