Beyond question she had not gone to Standing Rock or else Johnny and Tony would have passed her. That left only Winnemucca as a possible destination. Hughie’s observation that she had been “all dressed up” only added to Johnny’s conviction that he would find her there. But why had she left without leaving a note for her father? And why the long ride when she might have caught a train at Argenta or Standing Rock? Wasn’t it plain that she hoped to go unquestioned? But what had she to conceal? Could the letter which Hughie had brought be the answer? Johnny glanced at the old man, who was pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself. His concern for his girl swept away some of the boy’s angry feelings. Old tyrant that he was, no one could deny his love for Molly. “She shouldn’t do these fool things,” Johnny heard him say. “Runnin’ off without a word! She’s only a girl; only a child.” He stopped to catch Johnny’s eye. “You come in here a minute,” he ordered. Tony sighed impatiently as Johnny and the old man went inside. When the two men reached the office Kent shot his demand at the boy without a second’s delay: “I want that picture!” “I told you I’d give it to Molly if she won’t let me keep it. That’s my answer. I never knew till an hour ago what she meant to me. I’m tellin’ you fair, now, that I’m takin’ my orders from her.” “Well, you’re armed, and so is the Basque, but I’ll have my say before very long. You stay ’way from my daughter. You’re a fool if you’re countin’ on puttin’ her between us. She’s my girl! Keep your picture! She’ll be askin’ for it quick enough. Don’t let me hear that you’re showin’ it round, makin’ talk. By God, there won’t be room enough in this State for you if you do.” “Your opinion of me does credit to you, don’t it?” the boy snapped back. “Funny you didn’t find me out long ago.” “You keep your back talk,” Kent roared. “Where you goin’ when you leave here?” Johnny smiled enigmatically. “That’s a fair question. I’ll ask you one, and we’ll be even-Stephen. When you left Standing Rock this mornin’ you told Hobe you were off for Winnemuc. I’d admire to know what made you change your mind.” “What do you mean?” gasped the old man. “My comin’s and goin’s are my own business. Are you hintin’ at somethin’? “No, I ain’t hintin’. But I’m doin’ some tall thinkin’.” “You can give it a name if you’re half a man.” Johnny turned away sadly.