He paused for a moment for them to grasp the full import of his words.  Then he summed up the case.

“As the thing stands, we’ve got no evidence against anybody.  It can’t be proved that the calf wasn’t Nick’s property in the first place.  It can’t be proved that Nick was anywhere in the neighborhood.  It can’t be proved who fired that shot.  It could have been Yavapai Joe, or anybody else, just as well as Nick.  Phil himself, by bein’ too quick to jump at conclusions, blocked this man’s game, just when he was playin’ the only hand that could have won out against Nick.  If Phil hadn’t ‘a’ happened on to Patches and Joe when he did, or if he had been a little slower about findin’ a man guilty just because appearances were against him, we’d ‘a’ had the evidence from Yavapai Joe that we’ve been wantin’, an’ could ‘a’ called the turn on that Tailholt outfit proper.  As it stands now, we’re right where we was before.  Now, what are you all goin’ to do about it?”

The men grinned shamefacedly, but were glad that the tragedy had been averted.  They were by no means convinced that Patches was not guilty, but they were quick to see the possibilities of a mistake in the situation.

“I reckon the Dean has adjourned the meetin’, boys,” said one.

“Come on,” called another.  “Let’s be ridin’.”

When the last man had disappeared in the timber, the Dean wiped the perspiration from his flushed face, and looked at Patches thoughtfully.  Then that twinkle of approval came into the blue eyes, that a few moments before had been so cold and uncompromising.

“Come, son,” he said gently, “let’s go to breakfast.  Stella’ll be wonderin’ what’s keepin’ us.”

CHAPTER XVI.

THE SKY LINE.

Before their late breakfast was over at the Cross-Triangle Ranch, Helen Manning came across the valley meadows to help with the work of the household.  Jimmy brought her, but when she saw that she was really needed, and that Mrs. Baldwin would be glad of her help, she told Jimmy that she would stay for the day.  Someone from the Cross-Triangle, the Dean said, would take her home when she was ready to go.

The afternoon was nearly gone when Curly returned from the lower end of the valley with a woman who would relieve Mrs. Baldwin of the housework, and, as her presence was no longer needed, Helen told the Dean that she would return to the Reid home.

“I’ll just tell Patches to take you over in the buckboard,” said the Dean.  “It was mighty kind of you to give us a hand to-day; it’s been a big help to Stella and Kitty.”

“Please don’t bother about the buckboard, Mr. Baldwin.  I would enjoy the walk so much.  But I would be glad if Mr. Patches could go with me—­I would really feel safer, you know,” she smiled.