John laughed. "As long as Scott Parsons was with you, why worry? We'd ought to let Young Jeff run that crook out of the valley." "I'll do it myself, some day." Douglas squared his big shoulders as he spoke. He was still very thin and his clothes hung loose on him. But his father, looking him over, did not smile. "Go to it, boy," he said. Douglas had planned to lie awake until Judith returned. But the minute he touched his pillow he dropped into dreamless slumber from which he did not waken until breakfast time. John was scolding Judith when Doug reached the table. "That's all right, to be so highty-tighty. You can get away with that with your mother but not with me. It was nearly three o'clock this morning when you came in." "O, no, John! It wasn't that late," protested Mary anxiously. "Now, Mary, don't put up one of your fool lies for the little devil. I know what time it was. What excuse have you, miss?" Judith, who was looking tired, but singularly self-satisfied, answered demurely, "I was out on business, Dad. And I'm going to get pay for it, too. A horse that will really buck." John's face was flushing when Douglas spoke. "Aw, let her keep her secret, Dad! I don't think she's done a thing but rope a stray pony." Judith protested quickly. "Nothing of the kind! If you three just knew what I have done, you'd respect me. Anyway, Doug, I know where you were. Over on Fire Mesa with Charleton Falkner." "Who told you that?" grinned Douglas. "Somebody that knew. Dad, why don't you get after Doug like you do after me? What was he doing over on Fire Mesa, all night?" "That's right, Doug! What were you doing on Fire Mesa?" asked John, all a broad smile now that infuriated Judith. She jumped up from the table, took down her milking pail and went out. Nor did she give Douglas opportunity to talk to her during the rest of the day. Not until twilight had settled in the valley did Douglas find her alone. Then, searching for her, he discovered her behind the corral, curled up against the new alfalfa stack, her eyes on the sunset glow above Lost Chief Peak. Douglas sat down beside her. "I didn't mean to tease you, this morning, Jude. I was just trying to steer Dad off." "But you always do think my stunts never amount to anything, Doug!" "Have I said a word like that, lately? I can't help being anxious, can I, when a girl like you stays out until three in the morning?" "Yes, you were so anxious your snores shook the house!" returned Judith. "Now admit, Doug, that you really think it was nothing worth worrying about." "Well, I don't see how it could be anything so very important." "There, I knew it! Doug, I'm so proud of myself that if I don't tell some one, I'll burst. Give me your word of honor you'll never give it away and I'll tell you." "I swear I'll die before I'll peep!" "Still think it's funny, don't you! All right, mister, prepare to faint! I was out helping Scott Parsons run cattle." Douglas gasped.