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Tresler's knee struck it with such painful force that his foot was wrenched from the stirrup and dragged back so that the rowel of his spur was plunged, with terrific force, into the creature's flank. She responded to the blow with a sideways leap, and it was only by sheer physical strength her rider retained his seat.
At Tresler's movement the blind man roused at once and proceeded with his story. "And he roams this country at large, unchecked, unopposed. Working his will whithersoever he fancies, unseen, unknown but for his sobriquet. And you claim he and Anton are one. This great man for in his way he is great, head and shoulders above all other criminals, by reason of the extent of his exploits.
And as the men came up they saw, scattered over the adjacent prairie, the peacefully grazing beeves which were to be their charge. "A pretty bunch," observed Arizona. "Yes, and a pretty place for a raid." At that moment the doings of the raiders were uppermost in Tresler's mind. Then they proceeded to take possession.
Tresler's alarm was very real, but he shrugged with a great assumption of indifference and moved off to make a round of the corrals, carefully hugging the shadow of the walls as he went. After a while he returned to his post. Arizona was still sitting where he had left him. There was a silence for a few minutes. Then the American quietly drew his revolver and spun the chambers round.
The most welcome thing that had happened to the men on the ranch for many a long day was Tresler's return to the bunkhouse. He was hailed with acclamation. Though he had found it hard to part with Diane under the doubtful circumstances, there was some compensation, certainly gratification, in the whole-hearted welcome of his rough comrades.
We must depend chiefly on a surprise. We don't want too many empty saddles." At the bottom of the valley they found the rest of the men gathered together in the shelter of the scattered undergrowth. It was Fyles's whole command. He proceeded at once to divide them up into two parties. One he stationed east of the ranch, split into a sort of skirmishing order, to act under Tresler's charge.
"At least she will be happier away from here," he said significantly. "I don't know," retorted the other, with diabolical meaning. Tresler's exasperation could no longer be restrained. "Your conduct is inhuman to thus persecute a helpless girl, your daughter." "Ah, my daughter. Yes?" But the other gave no heed to the sneer. "You have no right to stand between us," he went on angrily.
I've seen Julian Marbolt mad madder'n hell; but I ain't never seen him jest as mad as he is against your beau. When Tresler gits right he's got to quit quick. I've been wonderin' what's fixed your father like that. Guess you ain't been crazy enough to tell him that Tresler's been sparkin' you?"
Ther' ain't a feller breathin' amounts to a row o' beans aside o' her. But it's the on'y way to save her from Jake. You'll do it. Yes, sure, you'll do it. I ken see it in your face." The little fellow was leaning over, peering up into Tresler's face with anxious, almost fierce eyes. His emotion was intense, and at that moment a refusal would have driven him to despair.
"Never mind the 'buts." And Tresler's keen, honest eyes looked squarely into the seared face of the wild cowpuncher. For a moment the men stood around looking on with lowering faces, eyeing the prostrate man furtively. But Tresler's attitude gave them no encouragement, and even Arizona felt the influence of his strong personality.
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