about to do is done." He looked at Sanderson. "Stranger, we ain't got
no objections to you doin' all the lookin' you want to do. But keep
your trap shut. Now, Miss Bransford," he continued, turning to the
girl, "we'll get this trial over with. You say them steers which me
an' my boys brought over an' put into your corral is Double A
steers--that you're sure the brand is yours--an' the earmarks?"

"Ye-es," returned the girl slowly and hesitatingly.

While talking with Sanderson she had unclasped her hands, and now she
clasped them again, twining the fingers with a quick, nervous motion.
Again her eyes grew wide with fright, and Sanderson saw her looking at
the other girl--he saw the other girl stiffen and stand straight, her
lips curving scornfully as she returned Miss Bransford's gaze.

Sanderson's lips straightened. And now for the first time he gravely
inspected the faces in the group near him.

Two men--cowboys--who stood near the big man, were evidently the "boys"
referred to by the latter. Their faces were set and expressionless.
Between them stood a rugged, well-built man of about twenty-two or
three. His hands were tied behind him, a rope was around his neck, the
free end coiled in the hands of one of the two men.

The young man's face was sullen, but his head was held very erect, and
his eyes were steady and unwavering as he watched the big man.

The girl at whom Miss Bransford was looking stood near the young man.
Sanderson saw her turn from Miss Bransford and look at the young man
piteously, her lips quivering suspiciously.