The puncher was grinning hugely, but no smile was on Taylor’s face. “It worked, boss,” said the puncher; “she didn’t tumble. I thought I’d laff my head off when I seen her fixin’ the pillow for you—an’ your foot not hurt more than mine. You ought to be plumb tickled, pullin’ off a trick like that!” “I ain’t a heap tickled,” declared Taylor glumly. “There’s no fun in fooling _her_!” Which indicated that Taylor’s thoughts were now serious. CHAPTER XII—LIFTING THE MASK Elam Parsons awoke early in the morning following that on which Marion Harlan’s visit to the Arrow occurred. He lay for a long time smiling at the ceiling, with a feeling that something pleasurable was in store for him, but not able to determine what that something was. It was not long, however, before Parsons remembered. When he had got out of bed the previous morning he had discovered the absence of Marion and Martha. Also, he found that two of the horses were missing—Marion’s, and one of the others he had personally bought. Parsons spent the day in Dawes. Shortly before dusk he got on his horse and rode homeward. Dismounting at the stable, he noted that the two absent horses had not come in. He grinned disagreeably and went into the house. He emerged almost instantly, for Marion and Martha had not returned. Later he saw them, Marion leading, coming up the slope that led to the level upon which the house stood. Marion had retired early, and after she had gone to her room Parsons had questioned Martha. Twice while getting into his clothes this morning Parsons chuckled audibly. There was malicious amusement in the sound. Once he caught himself saying aloud: “I knew it would come, sooner or later. And she’s picked out the clodhopper! This will tickle Carrington!” Again he laughed—such a laugh as the good people of Westwood might have used had they known what Parsons knew—that Marion Harlan had visited a stranger at his ranchhouse—a lonely place, far from prying eyes. Parsons hated the girl as heartily as he had hated her father. He hated her because of her close resemblance to her parent; and he had hated Larry Harlan ever since their first meeting. Parsons likewise had no affection for Carrington. They had been business associates for many years, and their association had been profitable for both; but there was none of that respect and admiration which marks many partnerships.