But she looked down, with a cold falling of gloom, at her blue gingham dress.

That was not as she wished to appear.

She could be in her riding costume, with the rather mannish blouse and loosely tied cravat, spurs on her boots and quirt in her hand as became the mistress and ruling force of a big ranch.

Then she received sudden and convincing proof that mere outward appearances meant nothing in the life of Red Jim Perris.

He took off his hat and swung it in greeting.