"An invitation isn't begging; but never mind. If you're as anxious as you say to please your sister, go put your time into plowing and planting; then you won't have to depend on a tough grouse hen for dinner." Her eyes went again to the limp, feathered form, the bloodstained breast. "Such stupid cruelty!" she exclaimed. "To shoot the hens at this season when it means a nestful of young ones left to starve." "Aw!" Joe growled contemptuously and began to walk away. "What's that to you? You ain't running this country, so far's I know, and you ain't a goin' to stop me gettin' a sage hen. I'll shoot when I like." "Not on my land," she warned him. "Remember, Joe, I've told you to keep out. Next time I'll bring the game warden up here and have you arrested." He laughed mockingly, his face darkening. "You'll do a whole lot," he sneered; "just like you tried down at the school. But Isita didn't run any more of your errands and she didn't wear your sweater. Did she?" "Because your father took her out of school and moved out of that district is no proof that what I did was wrong." "What do I care for your 'methods'? I'll get even with you if you try any of your bossing on me. Better watch out, Miss Schoolmarm." Harry looked after him as he disappeared in the willows. "Such people!" she exclaimed with sparkling eyes and clenched hands. "They are a menace to the country." She broke off with a start and turned. While she had been talking with Joe a man on horseback had come over the ridge and crossed the meadow. As she turned, the rider, who had drawn rein and was looking down at her with interest, touched his hat. Harry's cheeks reddened as she explained what had happened. "Get the law on him, like you threatened," the stranger advised. "That'll learn him. It ain't good business not to stick up for your rights." "It's not only my rights, it's the birds' rights I'm fighting for, and unfortunately Joe is not the only one who needs teaching. In spite of signs all round our fence the hunters come right inside and shoot. I did think Westerners were more honorable." At her warmth the man laughed quietly. It was a sort of laughter that fitted his comfortable appearance; middle-aged, bearded, with the mildly decisive manner of a person used to giving orders. His fine saddle horse and saddle, yet plain dress, showed him to be a man familiar with the ways of that country. He made an instant impression upon the girl. She was too frank and guileless to recognize that under the smoothness of his manner were hard purpose and a hidden threat for any one who crossed him. "You're from the East, then?" he asked. "From Connecticut. I came out three years ago to stay with my brother, Robert Holliday." "Yes. Of course. Joyce told me that Holliday had a ranch up this way. Ludlum's my name. I live down in the lower country at the siding."