"Well," resumed the Judge, "the article has borne fruit. But perhaps not in the manner you expected." He laughed around at the three, deliberately closing an eye at Hollis. "You know," he resumed, addressing them all, his eyes twinkling as his gaze met Dunlavey's, "that the law is an expensive institution. It is a fundamental principle--at least of some governments," he smiled--"that a community that desires the law must pay, and pay dearly--for it. In short, if it wants the law it must pay taxes. I do not say that that is a principle which our government is applying, but I do say that it is an eminently fair proposition. "At all events I have received word from the Interior Department that if we want the law to come out here we must pay for it. That is not said in so many words, but that is the inference, if we are to consider the instructions of the Secretary of the Interior--which are: 'I am informed that several large ranch owners in Union County are inclined to evade taxation. Especially is this true--I am told--of a man named Dunlavey, who, if the report is correct, paid, during the last half year, taxes on five hundred head of cattle, whereas it is claimed that his holdings will amount to about five thousand, yearly average. In view of this ridiculously low return it seems incumbent upon me to appoint an inquisitor, whose duty----" Dunlavey laughed harshly, interrupting the Judge. Then he turned suddenly to Hollis, his face inflamed with passion. "I reckon this is some of your work?" he snarled. Hollis met his gaze steadily. "I imagine it is," he said quietly. He could not keep a flash of triumph from his eyes. "Nothing could please me better than to discover that I had a hand in bringing the law to this country. It needs plenty of law." Judge Graney cleared his throat. "This does not apply to you alone, Dunlavey," he said, facing the latter. "Letters have been sent to every cattleman in Union County, demanding their appearance before me. The government is determined to re-adjust conditions out here--to enforce this new law to the letter. Beginning on the first of next month,--September--which will be the day after to-morrow, every cattle owner in the county will be required to register his brand and return a list of his cattle, for taxation. Any owner refusing to make a fair return on his stock will make a grave mistake. Upon his failure to make such return the government will seize his stock and dispose of it to the highest bidder, deducting such an amount as will cover taxes, court costs, and fines, and returning the remainder, if any, to the owner." Judge Graney faced Hollis. "I suppose you have received your notification to that effect?" he inquired.