“The trouble with girls in town,” said Buck, “is that there ain’t no room for a man to operate.  You jest nacherally can’t ride a hoss into a parlour.”

Lee Haines drew Buck a little to one side.

“What message did you bring to her, Buck?” he said.

“What d’you mean?”

“Look here, friend, these other boys are too thick-headed to understand Kate Cumberland, but I know her kind.”

“You’re a little peeved, ain’t you Lee?” grinned Buck.  “It ain’t my fault that she don’t like you.”

Haines ground his teeth.

“It was a very clever little act that you did with her, but it couldn’t quite deceive me.  She was too pale when she laughed.”

“A jealous feller sees two things for every one that really happens, Lee.”

“Who was the message from?”

“Did she ever smile at you like she done at me?”

“Was it from Dan Barry that you brought word?”

“Did she ever let her eyes go big an’ soft when she looked at you?”

“Damn you.”

“Did she ever lean close to you, so’s you got the scent of her hair, Lee?”

“I’ll kill you for this, Daniels!”

“When I left she kissed me good-bye, Lee.”

In spite of his bravado, Buck was deeply anxious.  He watched Haines narrowly.  Only two men in the mountain-desert would have had a chance against this man in a fight, and Buck knew perfectly well that he was not one of the two.

“Watch yourself, Daniels,” said Haines.  “I know you’re lying and I’m going to keep an eye on you.”

“Thanks,” grinned Buck.  “I like to have a friend watchin’ out for me.”

Haines turned on his heel and went back to the card table, where Buck immediately joined the circle.

“Wait a minute, Lee,” said Silent.  “Ain’t it your turn to stand guard on the Cumberlands tonight?”

“Right—­O,” answered Haines cheerfully, and rose from the table.

“Hold on,” said Buck.  “Are you goin’ to spoil all the work I done today with that girl?”

“What’s the matter?” asked Silent.

“Everything’s the matter!  Are you goin’ to put a man she hates out there watchin’ her.”

“Damn you, Daniels,” said Haines fiercely, “you’re rolling up a long account, but it only takes a bullet to collect that sort of a bill!”

“If it hadn’t been for Haines, would the girl’s father be here?” asked Buck.  “Besides, she don’t like blonds.”

“What type does she like?” asked Silent, enjoying the quarrel between his lieutenant and the recruit.

“Likes ’em with dark hair an’ eyes,” said Buck calmly.  “Look at me, for instance!”

Even Haines smiled, though his lips were white with anger.

“D’you want to stand guard over her yourself?” said the chief.

“Sure,” grinned Buck, “maybe she’d come out an’ pass the time o’ night with me.”

“Go ahead and take the job,” nodded Silent.  “I got an idea maybe she will.”