"I don't like Alton, and I figure he don't like me.
Nothing wrong with the man that I know of, but I'm not fond of anybody who gets in my way, and Alton of Somasco has taken out timber rights all over the valley where we're running the Tyee.

He got in with his claim a day or two ahead of me." "A capable man ?" said Deringham quietly.
"Oh, yes," said the other.

"He's capable, so far as he sees, but the trouble is he doesn't see quite far enough.

Now, there's not room enough for two men with notions round about Somasco, and a one-horse rancher can't fight men with money, so Alton's got hold of a good deal bigger contract than he can carry through.

Anyway, now I've told you what I think of your relation, you can if you feel like that let right go of me." Deringham smiled a little.