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164 sure," Ruth hastened to add. "He would not hurt her."

"No. I reckon he wants to make money out of me," grunted Bill Hicks, who did not lack shrewdness. "He sent the letter that told me she was here, and then he decoyed her away somewhere so's to hold her till I came and paid him the reward. Wal! let me git my Jane Ann back, safe and sound, and he's welcome to the five hundred dollars I offered for news of her."

"But first, Mr. Hicks," said Miss Kate, rising briskly, "you'll come to breakfast. You have been traveling all night"

"That's right, ma'am. No chance for more than a peck at a railroad sandwich—tough critters, them!"

"Ah! here is Tom Cameron," she said, having parted the portieres and found Tom just passing through the hall. "Mr. Hicks, Tom. Nita's uncle."

"Er—Mr. Bill Hicks, of the Silver Ranch!" ejaculated Tom.

"So you've hearn tell of me, too, have you, younker?' quoth the ranchman, good-naturedly. "Well, my fame's spreadin'."

"And it seems that I am the only person here who did not know all about your niece," said Miss Kate Stone, drily.

"Oh, no, ma'am!" cried Tom. "It was only