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 to refute in any convincing manner by word or deed.

"What did you take the trouble to come up here for, then? Haven't you got sense enough to know you've rammed your neck right into the rope? We're not fools enough to turn a wolf loose a second time."

Duncan's manner was even more threatening than his words. It was plain that he believed Texas had betrayed his trust, and was so deeply set in that belief it would take something more than words to remove the conviction. The other men were ominously silent.

"If I'd been one of them, or even sold out to them, I wouldn't 'a' come, Mr. Duncan, sir."

Texas had expected to meet suspicion and distrust, but he had not looked for such cold prejudgment and unfair passing of sentence. There was not a spark of resentment or anger in him, even at that; only a desire that was almost frantic to save his honor and clear himself of what appeared in the eyes of the cattlemen a monstrous crime.

"We didn't expect you to," said Duncan shortly; "but now that you're here you've saved us a lot of trouble."

There was a short laugh at that. The sound ran through the little knot of men like a growl.

"I'll go wherever you say, and I'll do whatever