It was evident that her words somewhat surprised and disconcerted him for the moment.
"To let me marry a rustler--one of the Hash Knife Gang!" exclaimed Ellen, with weary incredulity.
"Wal, your dad belonged to Daggs's gang, same as I do," replied Colter, recovering his cool ardor.
"No!" cried Ellen.
"Yes, he shore did, for years," declared Colter, positively.

"Back in Texas.

An' it was your dad that got Daggs to come to Arizona." Ellen tried to fling herself away.

But her strength and her spirit were ebbing, and Colter increased the pressure of his arm.

All at once she sank limp.