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Nothing had been heard of Dunlavey it seemed that after the attack upon Hollis he had withdrawn from the scene to await the latter's next move. But Hollis was in no hurry; he had lost some of the enthusiasm that had marked his attitude in the beginning, but this enthusiasm had been replaced by determination.
He stepped forward to his pony, but hesitated when he heard Hollis speak. "Then you're not going back to the Circle Cross to work for Dunlavey?" questioned the latter. "Well, no," grinned Ten Spot. "You see, it might not be so pleasant now as it's been. I reckon when Dunlavey hears this he won't be exactly tickled." Hollis contemplated him gravely.
No doubt Dunlavey felt justified in his actions, for he had lived here a good many years, no doubt suffering the privations encountered by all pioneers; living a hard life, dealing heavy blows to his enemies, and receiving some himself.
Hollis remarked the size of the building and Norton laughed grimly. "There was a time when it wasn't any too big," he said. "Five years ago your dad had twenty-seven men on the pay-roll. If Dunlavey an' his damn association hadn't showed up he'd have had them yet." He turned toward three men who were lounging in the doorway. "Hey, you guys!" he yelled; "this here's your new boss.
"Dunlavey," he said quietly, "what is the actual value of the Circle Bar ranch?" Dunlavey smiled blandly. "You couldn't find any man around these parts to take it at any price," he returned. "Why?" questioned Hollis. Dunlavey grinned mysteriously. "I reckon you know why," he returned; "you're pretty much of a tenderfoot, but I reckon Judge Graney has put you wise to the situation.
You don't need to hang around here while we do the rest of the votin'. Watkins an' Greasy c'n stay to see that everything goes on regular." He grinned wickedly as Dunlavey stiffened. "I reckon you know me, Bill. I ain't palaverin' none. You an' Ten Spot is quits!" He stepped back a little, away from the table, his teeth showing in a mocking grin.
I am a light sleeper and when some time after midnight I heard a sound at the door I got up and peered out of the window. I saw Yuma tacking up the notice. I suppose Dunlavey wrote it." He looked at Hollis with a whimsical expression. "I suppose you are going to take the express?" he inquired.
I shall have my list ready on time likewise I shall register my brand." Dunlavey sneered. "That won't be such an almighty big job counting your steers," he said. Hollis laughed shortly. "Perhaps not as big a job as it would have been had conditions been different," he observed dryly. "Meaning?" snapped Dunlavey, stiffening in his chair. "You may draw your own inference," drawled Hollis.
"I'm saying this to you," he said, "no man ain't ever thrashed Bill Dunlavey yet and I ain't allowing that any man is ever going to. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!" He slammed the door and was gone. Hollis turned from the door to see a dry smile on the face of the man at the window. "Fire eater, ain't he?" observed the latter, as he caught Hollis's glance. Hollis smiled.
Hollis made no reply and the conversation turned to the drought as all conversations did during that period. Word had come to Hazelton of Dunlavey's warning to the cattle owners. He had heard also of Hollis's announced intention of taking sides with the small owners. "Dunlavey's ten days is up the day after tomorrow," said Hazelton. "If Dunlavey starts anything what are you going to do?"
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