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"Mr Las Vegas, you're too late," asserted Helen, as she advanced to lay a hand on the horse

"Ranger isit, he threw it over the horse; and then with one powerful swing he set the saddle in place

"Thank you very much for hilad," responded Dale, and then, after a few deft, strong pulls at the straps, he continued "There, he's ready for you"

With that he laid an ar and s and calm now, in feminine possession of her secret and his, as well as her composure, looked frankly and steadily at Dale He seemed composed, too, yet the bronze of his fine face was a trifle pale

"But I can't thank you--I'll never be able to repay you--for your service to me and my sister," said Helen

"I reckon you needn't try," Dale returned "An' ood for me"

"Are you going down to Pine with us?"

"No"

"But you will come soon?"

"Not very soon, I reckon," he replied, and averted his gaze

"When?"