things blind, and I'm going to take care of Jude."

John uttered a contemptuous oath.

Doug swallowed with an effort but his steady temper was well under
control and he went on, "I'd like to be as good a rider and rancher as
you are and handle a gun as good as you do, but I'm hanged if I want my
woman to be as scared of me as Mother is of you."

"Think yourself a man, eh? Well, I'll tell you, young fellow, as long as
you live in that house, there, you'll obey and take the lickings I give
you. My father built that house and I was born in it and so were you.
Hemen come from our breed and only a sissy refuses to obey. I may not be
as well educated as my ancestors back East were, but I'm just as well
trained as any of 'em and you're going to be too. We Spencers boss our
own households. Go get me that whip!"

"No, sir, I won't do it," replied Douglas, a steady burning light in his
eyes.

"You mean you'll stand up to me and fight after you saw the way I could
handle you a few minutes ago?"

"Yes, sir, I do."

For a long moment there was silence, while Mrs. Spencer twisted her hands
together and Doug and his father stared at each other. Then John gave a
short laugh.

"By Sitting Bull! if you haven't got nerve, Doug! Go saddle Buster and