“I’ve handled my plow all spring,” she said to herself sagely, “I pitched hay all day and was not too tired at night. I can lift a grain sack easy. I’ll sell out hard if I have to—for Mammy and Brand and Bud and Sonny.” And when Provine turned and come toward her, smiling, he was met by blue eyes that were hard as shining stone, a mouth like a line of battle and hands clutched hard on folded arms. “Oh, ho,” he said, “we’re goin’ to butt our head agin a wall, ain’t we? Cut it, kid, an’ kiss me—you might as well now as later. An’ besides, I don’t like a mouth all mashed up from discipline.” “The hand of God,” said the big girl stiffly, “is before my face. His host is round about me. _I’d_ advise _you_ to let me alone.” The man threw back his head and laughed. “I don’t see no host,” he said, “an’ I ain’t superstitious,” and with a leap he swung one long arm around her neck. “Help me, Lord!” said Nance aloud, and bowing her young body she pulled her forehead down his breast and slipped free. Next moment she had struck him in the mouth with all her might and followed through like any man. Provine roared and swore and came for her again, head down and small eyes blazing. “Now,” he said, “I’ll have to hand you discipline, you damned hell-cat!” * * * * * So the night that was so full of portent dropped down upon the country of the Deep Heart hills and Destiny rode the winds. Sky Line Ranch was stirring early, even before the first grey light had touched the east. There was much afoot. Bossick’s steers were going down the Pipe that day—and perhaps Sud Provine and Nance Allison would go with them, bound for the Big Bend country in Texas whence the man had hailed. “I think she’ll sign this morning,” said Arnold easily as he sat down to Josefa’s steaming breakfast by lamplight, “and keep her mouth shut, too.” In the shielding clump of pines Bossick waited for Fair’s signal somewhere inside the cliff. Not so far down the great slope of Mystery Rod Stone was climbing up with the Cordova men behind him and Minnie Pine like his shadow at his side. And deep in the heart of the earth Brand Fair was slowly forging upward toward that coup of justice for which he had labored so long and patiently. There was excitement in him and exultation and a certain grim joy, for he knew the man he wanted was at Sky Line Ranch and that he was about to lay upon him and Kate Cathrew the stern hand of the law. Not least of the actors in the coming play, set to function on the stage of Rainbow’s Pot, was Bud Allison urging his exhausted horse slowly up toward Sky Line. * * * * * False dawn had come and passed. The short darkness following was shot now with pale light above the distant rim.