“Belllounds, you’ve every man’s good will,” replied Wade.  “I hope you won’t take offense at my leavin’.  You see I’m on Wils Moore’s side in—­in what you called these peculiar circumstances.  He’s got nobody else.  An’ I reckon you can look back an’ remember how you’ve taken sides with some poor devil an’ stuck to him.  Can’t you?”

“Wal, I reckon I can.  An’ I’m not thinkin’ less of you fer speakin’ out like thet.”

“All right.  Now about the dogs.  I turn the pack over to you, an’ it’s a good one.  I’d like to buy Fox.”

“Buy nothin’, man.  You can have Fox, an’ welcome.”

“Much obliged,” returned the hunter, as he turned to go.  “Fox will sure be help for me.  Belllounds, I’m goin’ to round up this outfit that’s rustlin’ your cattle.  They’re gettin’ sort of bold.”

“Wade, you’ll do thet on your own hook?” asked the rancher, in surprise.

“Sure.  I like huntin’ men more than other varmints.  Then I’ve a personal interest.  You know the hint about homesteaders hereabouts reflects some on Wils Moore.”

“Stuff!” exploded the rancher, heartily.  “Do you think any cattleman in these hills would believe Wils Moore a rustler?”

“The hunch has been whispered,” said Wade.  “An’ you know how all ranchers say they rustled a little on the start.”

“Aw, hell!  Thet’s different.  Every new rancher drives in a few unbranded calves an’ keeps them.  But stealin’ stock—­thet’s different.  An’ I’d as soon suspect my own son of rustlin’ as Wils Moore.”

Belllounds spoke with a sincere and frank ardor of defense for a young man once employed by him and known to be honest.  The significance of the comparison he used had not struck him.  His was the epitome of a successful rancher, sure in his opinions, speaking proudly and unreflectingly of his own son, and being just to another man.

Wade bowed and backed out of the door.  “Sure that’s what I’d reckon you’d say, Belllounds....  I’ll drop in on you if I find any sign in the woods.  Good night.”

Columbine went with him to the end of the porch, as she had used to go before the shadow had settled over the lives of the Belllounds.

“Ben, you’re up to something,” she whispered, seizing him with hands that shook.

“Sure.  But don’t you worry,” he whispered back.

“Do they hint that Wilson is a rustler?” she asked, intensely.

“Somebody did, Collie.”

“How vile!  Who?  Who?” she demanded, and her face gleamed white.

“Hush, lass!  You’re all a-tremble,” he returned, warily, and he held her hands.

“Ben, they’re pressing me hard to set another wedding-day.  Dad is angry with me now.  Jack has begun again to demand.  Oh, I’m afraid of him!  He has no respect for me.  He catches at me with hands like claws.  I have to jerk away....  Oh, Ben, Ben! dear friend, what on earth shall I do?”

“Don’t give in.  Fight Jack!  Tell the old man you must have time.  Watch your chance when Jack is away an’ ride up the Buffalo Park trail an’ look for me.”