She spoke quietly, though color stained her cheeks. "Not 'are,' Jeff--what I was. That would be bad enough. But have no fear--I shall do as you ask. For I want him--I have wanted him all the time--even during the time I was chained to that little beast, Harvey. I wouldn't have been what I am--if--if--" "Cut it out!" he advised brutally; "the man always gets the blame, anyway--so it's no novelty to hear that sort of stuff. So you understand, eh? You choose your own method--but get results--quick! I want to get that damned fool away from here!" He got up and paced back and forth in the room. "If he takes Rosalind Benham away from me I'll kill him! I'll kill him, anyway!" "Has it gone very far between them?" The concern in her voice brought a harsh laugh from Corrigan. "Far enough, I guess. He's been riding with her; every day for three weeks, her aunt told me. He's a fiery, impetuous devil!" "Don't worry," she consoled. "And now," she directed; "get out of here. I've been on the go for days and days, and I want to sleep. I shall go out to see Rosalind tomorrow--to surprise her, Jeff--to surprise her. Ha, ha!" "I'll have a rig here for you at nine o'clock," said Corrigan. "Take your trunks--she won't order you away. Tell her that Trevison sent for you--don't mention my name; and stick to it! Well, pleasant dreams," he added as he went out. As the door closed the woman stood looking at it, a sneer curving her lips. CHAPTER XVI WHEREIN A WOMAN LIES "Aren't you going to welcome me, dearie?" From the porch of the Bar B ranchhouse Rosalind had watched the rapid approach of the buckboard, and she now stood at the edge of the step leading to the porch, not more than ten or fifteen feet distant from the vehicle, shocked into dumb amazement. "Why, yes--of course. That is--Why, what on earth brought you out here?" "A perfectly good train--as far as your awfully crude town of Manti; and this--er--spring-legged thing, the rest of the way," laughed Hester Harvey. She had stepped down, a trifle flushed, inwardly amused, outwardly embarrassed--which was very good acting; but looking very attractive and girlish in the simple dress she had donned for the occasion--and for the purpose of making a good impression. So attractive was she that the contemplation of her brought a sinking sensation to Rosalind that drooped her shoulders, and caused her to look around, involuntarily, for something to lean upon. For there flashed into her mind at this instant the conviction that she had herself to blame for this visitation--she had written to Ruth Gresham, and Ruth very likely had disseminated the news, after the manner of all secrets, and Hester had heard it. And of course the attraction was "Brand" Trevison! A new emotion surged through Rosalind at this thought, an emotion so strong that it made her gasp--jealousy!