Then he turned upon Jase Vaughn who had witnessed this action in
astonishment.

"Now," shouted old Granger, "reckon I'll get even for the loss of my
son. Here's at ye!"

"Grandpa!" cried Ralph, springing between the old man and his intended
victim. "You shall not shoot, I say!"

"Out of my way, you renegade," retorted the other leveling his gun.

As the cap snapped, Ralph struck up the barrel, and was rewarded by a
furious imprecation from the aged but relentless relative.




CHAPTER II

Ralph and His Grandfather.

Meanwhile Jase Vaughn sat on his mule looking quietly on, as if he were
entirely unconcerned in the result of the struggle between Ralph and
his grandfather.

Old Granger, finding himself baffled, flung down the rifle upon the
ground and strode off up the road, muttering wildly to himself like one
demented.

"Hold on, grandpa!" shouted Ralph, picking up the gun. "I'll be with