That promised to be an expensive and a hazardous undertaking on Gray's part; that was playing the game on a scale too big for the fellow's limited resources, and yet--it might be well to study the maps.

Yes, and it was like Gray's effrontery to pay deliberate court to "Bob" Parker, knowing his rival's feelings toward the girl.

Another insult! The upstart certainly possessed an uncanny dexterity in pricking armor joints.

But what if Gray were in earnest?
"Bob" had become a wonderfully desirable creature, she was the most attractive girl in Wichita Falls-- It was a thought that had not previously presented itself to Henry Wilson, and it disturbed him now.

He was glad, indeed, that he had sent to Ranger for that field man.
In and around the office of McWade & Stoner these were busy days, what with a couple of new wildcat promotions and a well going down on semiproven ground--that lease which cornered into the Nelson holdings, and to which Stoner had called attention.