I saw her again this afternoon while we were working the cattle." Phil nodded.

"I know her." Jim Reid was watching Patches keenly, with a quiet look now and then at Nick.
The cowboys were murmuring among themselves.
"Pretty good work for a tenderfoot!" "Tenderfoot, hell!" "They've got Nick this trip." "Got nothin'! Can't you see it's a frame-up ?" Phil spoke to Nick.

"Well, are satisfied?
Will you vent your brand ?" The big man's face was distorted with passion.

"Vent nothin'," he roared.

"On the word of a damned sneakin' tenderfoot! I--" He stopped, as Patches, before Phil could check the movement, pushed close to his side.
In the sudden stillness the new man's cool, deliberate voice sounded clearly.