Mrs. Simpson frowned and glanced hastily at Jack. Mr. Simpson's eyes flashed and he too watched his young girl guest. Jack was distinctly conscious that everybody in the party stared straight at her when Dan ended his insulting speech. Jack felt herself turn cold all over. Only her face was scorching hot. Half a dozen angry retorts trembled on her lips. She started to speak, but then she turned to Frank and said quietly. "Won't you tell me something more about your home in England? I am awfully interested." Mrs. Simpson breathed a sigh of relief. Only Laura seemed disappointed. There was nothing she loved half so well as a scene and she fondly believed Dan and Jack meant to treat her to one. Ten minutes later, Jack went over to Mrs. Simpson. "Aunt Sallie, I think Olive and I had better start back to the ranch now. You were awfully good to give us our luncheon, but we ought to be at home by dark." Mrs. Simpson caught Jack's hand. "You were a trump, Jack dear," she whispered. "I would like to shake that red-headed boy if I had a chance at him, but I believe somebody else will when you go." Jack smiled, though her voice trembled a little. "I don't think Dan and I ought to carry on our quarrels at your table, Aunt Sallie," she answered. "But you know if he says anything like that to me again, I should die if I didn't answer him back. So, good-bye." Jacqueline bowed her farewells and she and Olive started toward their ponies. Frank Kent had a moment alone with Dan. "Dan Norton, you have got to settle with me for that speech, you cub," he insisted, in a white passion of anger that startled his host. Dan thought Frank too much of a gentleman to be willing to fight. "All right," he rejoined calmly, "choose your own time." Half way over to their horses, Frank joined Olive and Jack. "I am going to ride back to your ranch with you, Miss Ralston," Frank announced quietly. Olive looked relieved, but Jack shook her head firmly. "You are awfully good, Mr. Kent," Jack protested. "But really Olive and I can go home perfectly well alone. We would rather not trouble you." Frank assisted Olive on her broncho and then climbed into his own saddle, Jack being already mounted. "Mr. Simpson thinks I had better go home with you," Frank repeated carelessly. "And I think you might let me act as an honorary escort, because in case you don't I shall simply ride along behind you." CHAPTER XVIII. A RACE FOR LIFE. "JACK, don't you think we are going too near the corrals?" Olive inquired timidly.