Ben Blair dropped his hand and turned to the spectators. "Men," he said slowly and distinctly, "for the present at least I'm master of this ranch, and when I give an order I expect to be obeyed." Again his eye went from face to face fearlessly, dominantly. "Does any other man doubt me?" Not a voice broke the stillness of the night. Only the restless movement of the impatient mustangs answered. "Very well, then, you heard what I said. Go to bed, and to-morrow go on with your work as usual. Grannis will be in charge while I'm gone," and without a backward glance the long figure returned to the ranch-house. The weazened foreman and the tall adventurer had been watching him impassively from the doorway. In silence they made room for him to pass. "Grannis," he asked directly, "have those horses been taken care of?" "No, sir." "See to it at once then." "Yes, sir." The blue eyes rested for a moment on the other's face. "You heard who I said would be in charge while I'm away?" "Yes, sir," again. Ben moved over to the bunk opposite to that in which lay the dead man and took off his hat and coat. "Graham!" The foreman came close, stood at attention. "Keep awake and call me before daylight, will you?" "I will." "And, Graham!" "Yes." "I may be gone several days. You and Ma attend to the--burial. Dig the grave out under the big maple." A pause. "I think," steadily, "he would have liked it there." The foreman nodded silently. Benjamin Blair dropped into the bunk, drew the blankets over him and closed his eyes. As he did so, from the direction of the barn there came a succession of pistol shots--one, two, three. Then again silence fell. CHAPTER XIV THE INEXORABLE TRAIL Once more, westward across the prairie country, there moved a tall and sinewy youth astride a vicious looking buckskin. This time, however, it was very early in the morning. The rider moved slowly, his eyes on the ground. His outfit was more elaborate than on the former journey. A heavy blanket and a light camp kit were strapped behind his saddle, and so attached that they could be quickly transferred to his back. A big rifle was stretched across his right knee and the saddle-horn. At either hip rode a great holster. The air, despite the cloudiness, was bitter cold; and he wore a heavy sheepskin coat with the wool turned in, and long gauntlets reaching half-way to his elbows. A broad leather belt held the heavy coat in place, and attached to it was a thin sheath from which protruded the stout handle of a hunting-knife. He also wore another belt, fitted with many loops, each holding a gleaming little brass cylinder. No one seeing the man this morning could have made the mistake of considering him, as before, on a journey to see a lady.