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Dale felt his face grow red Indeed, this was strange conversation for hian

"Son, don't lie to an old man"

"Lie! I wouldn't lie to any one Al, it's only men who live in towns an' are always makin' deals I live in the forest, where there's nothin' to make me lie"

"Wal, no offense meant, I'm sure," responded Auchincloss "An' mebbe there's somethin' in what you say We was talkin' about the cat killed Wal, Milt, I can't prove it, that's sure An' mebbe you'll think reaser herders said about seein' a cougar in the herd"

"What was it, then?" queried Dale, o I seen your pet He was lyin' in front of the store an' you was inside tradin', fer supplies, I reckon It was like meetin' an enear was guilty when he looked in hed at But Dale was grave

"Al, I kno you felt," he replied, as if they were discussing an action of a huar An' the ways of aniood the loss of your sheep"

"No, you won't," rejoined Auchincloss, quickly "We'll call it off I'h So forget your worry about work, if you had any"

"There's soan Dale, with hesitation "An' it's about Beasley"

Auchincloss started violently, and a fla hand that shook Dale saw in a flash how the old reaser--to me!" burst out the rancher "It makes me see--red Dale, I ain't overlookin' that you spoke up fer lad An' thet's why--to-day--I forgot our old quarrel But not a word about thet sheep-thief--or I'll drive you off the place!"

"But, Al--be reasonable," remonstrated Dale "It's necessary thet I speak of--of Beasley"

"It ain't Not to me I won't listen"

"Reckon you'll have to, Al," returned Dale "Beasley's after your property He's made a deal--"