“If I discover that what I say is true,” said Ted, in a low voice so full of purpose that it was in itself a warning, “you will be the sorriest man in all this country.  I will make you suffer by it even as you have caused suffering to others.”

“So you have suffered, eh?  That is good!  Now I am a little better satisfied.  But my debt to you is not yet paid.  There are other things in store for you.”

“What do you mean, you dog?  By Heaven, I know now that you did cause her abduction, and I shall find her.  You cannot keep me away from the place in which you have hidden her.  I shall find her if she is at the end of the earth.  When I do find her, if anything has harmed her, you, Shan Rhue, gambler, thief, and murderer, shall pay for it, and pay heavier than for any amusement you have had in all your miserable lying, thieving career.”

As the epithets addressed to Shan Rhue left Ted’s lips, the bully sprang back, and made a motion to draw his six-shooter.

But before he had his hand on his hip his eyes were looking into the bore of Ted’s forty-four.  Instead of drawing a gun, therefore, he pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his dry lips.

Shan Rhue feared Ted Strong.

“Remember,” said Ted, before turning away, “I know that you have spirited Stella Fosdick away.  But I shall find her, and when I am sure of it you better leave the country before I reach the place where you are, for as sure as I am standing here I will make my previous experience with you so tame that you will be glad to crawl in the dust on your face to be forgiven.”

“Ha, ha!” laughed Shan Rhue.  “So it hurts as bad as that, eh?  Good!”

He went away laughing, and it was all Ted could do to control himself, and keep from leaping upon him and punching him.  Instead, he jumped into his saddle and rode Sultan like the wind out to the cow camp.

For several days he had paid no attention to the herd, leaving it under the general direction of Bud, while he stayed in town trying to hear some news of Stella, or was riding all over the country with one or another of the boys, searching for her.

As he rode into camp with disappointment and dejection written on his face, he was met by Mrs. Graham, who had grown pale and wan with anxiety.

“Any news of her?” she asked Ted.

“None, but I haven’t given up hope by any means.  Don’t worry so, Mrs. Graham.  I think I am on the track at last, and that we shall soon have her with us again.”

But Mrs. Graham only walked away with the tears coursing down her cheeks.  The herd was grazing to the west of the camp, and Ted rode out to it, and to where Bud was sitting quietly in his saddle watching it.

There was an air of dejection about Bud, also.  Indeed, every fellow in the outfit was secretly worrying and grieving for Stella.

“Say, Ted,” said Bud, as Ted rode up, “I think thar’s somethin’ wrong with ther dogies.”