She could see the battle in his face, and the passing of its
evil, sinister expression.
"Beg your pardon, Miss Mackenzie. York's right. I'll add my word
to his about your safety. I'm a wolf, they'll tell you. But when
I give my word I keep it."
They turned and followed through the gateway the cattle which
Hardman and another rider were driving up the canon. Presently
the walls fell back, the gulch opened to a saucer-shaped valley
in which nestled a little ranch.
Leroy indicated it with a wave of his hand. "Welcome to Hidden
Valley, Miss Mackenzie," he said cynically.
"Afraid I'm likely to wear my welcome out if you keep me here
until my father raises thirty thousand dollars," she said
lightly.
"Don't you worry any about that. We need the refining influences
of ladies' society here. I can see York's a heap improved
already. Just to teach us manners you're worth your board and
keep." Then hardily, with a sweeping gesture toward the weary
cattle: "Besides, your uncle has sent up a contribution to help
keep you while you visit with us."
York laughed. "He sent it, but he didn't know he was sending it.
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