He closed his eyes, picturing the great stallion as he had first seen him, standing there on a little rim-rock protecting his band of mares, watching with regal scorn the approach of his adversary. "And his spirit didn't break," VB muttered. "It's all there, just as sound as it ever was--but it's standing for different things. It's no longer defiance--it's love." When March was well on its way Jed and VB drove to Ranger for more supplies. The Captain had been turned into the lower pasture, and followed them as far as he could. When stopped by the fence he stood looking after them inquiringly, and when they topped a little swell in the road, ready to drop out of sight, a long-drawn neighing came from him. "Poor Captain!" muttered VB. "It's like going away from a home--to leave him." "You're foolish!" snorted Jed. Later he said sharply: "No, you ain't, either!" When they reached Ranger three cowboys were shooting at a tin can out on the flat, and before entering the store they stopped to watch. A man came out of the saloon and walked swiftly toward the buildings along the road. As he approached both recognized Rhues. "Better come in," said Jed, moving toward the door. "Wait!" With apparent carelessness VB lounged against a post that supported the wooden awning. Rhues slowed his pace a trifle as he saw who the men were, and VB could see his mouth draw into an expression of nasty hate as he passed close and entered the blacksmith shop. No further sign of recognition had passed between them. When the trading was finished and they walked back toward the corral Jed remarked uneasily: "I don't feel right--havin' you around Rhues, VB. He's bound to try to get you some time. I know his breed. He'll never forget th' beatin' you give him, an' th' first time he sees an openin' he'll try for you. Men like him lives just to settle one big grudge--nothin' else counts." VB raised a hand to his side and gripped the forty-five that was slung in a shoulder holster under his shirt. "I know it, Jed. I hate to pack this gun--makes me feel like a yellow dog or a Broadway cow-puncher--I don't know which. But I know he means business. I don't want to let him think I'd step an inch out of his way, though; that's why I didn't go into the store." He lowered his voice and went on: "Jed, I wouldn't say a word that would send the worst man in the world into trouble with the law unless I was absolutely certain. I've never mentioned it even to you--but I think when Kelly was killed the man who did that shooting believed he was getting me." Jed spat lingeringly. "VB, I've thought so, too," he said. They reached the ranch the next afternoon, greeted by a shrilling from the Captain that endured from the time they came in sight until VB was beside him. "Captain," the boy whispered, rubbing the velvety nose, "making them respect you is worth having a gunman on my trail--it is." CHAPTER XVII Great Moments They were a long way from camp, and night impended.