has a say in the matter."

"Well, say it then," Long snarled at Saxon. "who're you goin' to
go with?--me or him? Let's get it settled."

For reply, Saxon reached her free hand over to the hand that
rested on Billy's arm.

"Nuff said," was Billy's remark.

Long glared at Saxon, then transferred the glare to her
protector.

"I've a good mind to mix it with you anyway," Long gritted
through his teeth.

Saxon was elated as they started to move away. Lily Sanderson's
fate had not been hers, and her wonderful man-boy, without the
threat of a blow, slow of speech and imperturbable, had conquered
the big blacksmith.

"He's forced himself upon me all the time," she whispered to
Billy. "He's tried to run me, and beaten up every man that came
near me. I never want to see him again."

Billy halted immediately. Long, who was reluctantly moving to get
out of the way, also halted.

"She says she don't want anything more to do with you," Billy
said to him. "An' what she says goes. If I get a whisper any time