He grinned mirthlessly at the wonderful basin, noting that the Rancho Seco buildings seemed to lie on a direct line with its center; that the faint trail that ran through the basin--the trail men traveled--came on in its undulating way straight toward the Rancho Seco ranchhouse, seemed to bring the mystery of the big basin with it; seemed to be a link that connected the Rancho Seco with the promise of trouble. That impression might have engaged the serious thoughts of some men. It widened the smile on Harlan's face. For he knew there was no threat in the beauty of the valley; that it did not hide its secrets from the prying eyes of men. Whatever secret the valley held was in the minds of men--the minds of Deveny and the mysterious "Chief," and their followers. Harlan had not absented himself from the ranchhouse since the departure of Linton. He had lounged in the vicinity of the buildings during the day--and Barbara had seen him many times from the windows; and he had spent his nights watching the ranchhouse, half expecting another attack on Barbara. The girl had seen him at night, too; and she had smiled at the picture he made with the moonlight shining upon him--or standing in some shadow--somber, motionless, undoubtedly guarding her. She saw him this morning, too, as he stood beside the corral gate, and there was a glow in her eyes that, had he seen it, might have thrilled him with its gratitude. She came out of a rear door after a while, and Harlan was still standing at the gate. He watched her as she came toward him--it was the first time she had ventured in that direction since the return from Lamo with him--noting that she seemed to be in better spirits--that she was smiling. "You looked lonesome," she said, as she halted near him. "Did Linton join the outfit?" "It's likely; he went three days ago." "I knew he had gone; I saw you several times, and you were always alone. And," she added, looking keenly at him; "I saw you several times, at night. Don't you ever sleep?" "I reckon I'm a sort of restless cuss." Her face took on serious lines. "Look here, Harlan," she said, reprovingly, "you are keeping something back. You have been watching the ranchhouse at night--and during the day. You are guarding me. Why is it? Do you think I am going to run away?" "From me?" he queried; "I was hopin' you wouldn't." She stiffened with exasperation, for she felt the insincerity in his manner--caught the humorous note in his voice. "You are treating me as you would treat a child," she declared; "and I won't have it. Are you watching me because you fear there might be another--Lawson?" "There might be." "Nonsense! There isn't another man in the section would dare what Lawson dared!" "Gentlemen--eh?" he said, tauntingly. "Well, I've nosed around quite considerable, an' I don't remember to have ever run into a place where there was fewer _men_ than in this neck of the woods." "There are plenty of gentlemen. Do you think John Haydon----"