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 Barrett."

"I see there is," Barrett agreed, fully convinced that it was true. "It looks to me that the wise thing to do would be to close out the property and quit before they ruin you."

"I'm not ready to quit," Nearing returned grimly; "I never quit yet in my life."

They were silent while a man could have ridden a mile, Nearing looking at the stars again in that way of his that seemed to tell of far-ranging thoughts, projected over mighty spaces to bright-glittering promises which drew on at his approach.

"It's hell!" said he.

"I was wondering," Barrett began, tentatively, as one tries doubtful ice with cautious foot.

"Yes?"

"Whether I couldn't be of more service to the company and myself, coming in here a stranger"

"A stranger?"

"By turning detective, I mean, trying to get a lead on this big thieving gang."

Nearing jumped to his feet as if springing to answer a shout for help. He stood half leaning over Barrett, hand on his shoulder, fingers so tense they pressed into the flesh.

"Keep out of it! Keep out of it!" he said, his utterance thick, his whole manner that of a man suddenly and completely out of self-control.

"Why, Senator Nearing!"

Barrett stood facing him, cold in the surprise of such unaccountable excitement.