who was proving the victor.

"This does not seem to be a shooting affair," Endicott answered, "and
it is my own private opinion that Tex is abundantly able to take care
of himself. Ah--he got him that time! He's down for the count! Good
work, Tex, old man! A good clean knockout!"

The two watched as the men mounted and rode their several ways--the
stranger swinging northward toward the mountains, and the Texan
following along the south face of the butte.

"Some nice little meetings they have out here," grinned Endicott. "I
wonder if the vanquished one was a horse-thief or just an ordinary
friend."

Alice returned the smile: "You used to rather go in for boxing in
college, didn't you?"

"Oh, yes. I can hold my own when it comes to fists----

"And--you can shoot."

The man shook his head: "Do you know that was the first time I ever
fired a pistol in my life. I don't like to think about it. And yet--I
am always thinking about it! I have killed a man--have taken a human
life. I did it without malice--without forethought. All I knew was
that you were in danger, then I saw him fling you from him--the pistol
was in my hand, and I fired."

"You need have no regrets," answered the girl, quickly. "It was his