t' try it on. I ain't heard tell of Young Matt's leaving th'
country yet. You'd better stay away from Jennings' still though,
when you do try it." Then, while the man was tying his mule to the
fence, she ran into the cabin to greet her father with a
hysterical sob that greatly astonished Jim. Before explanations
could be made, a step was heard approaching the door, and Sammy
had just time to say, "Wash Gibbs," in answer to her father's
inquiring look, when the big man entered. Mr. Lane arose to hang
his violin on its peg.

"Don't stop fer me, Jim," said the newcomer. "Jest let her go. Me
an' Sammy's been havin' a nice little walk, an' some right peart
music would sound mighty fine." Gibbs was angered beyond reason at
Sammy's last words, or he would have exercised greater care.

Sammy's father made no reply until the girl had left the room, but
whatever it was that his keen eye read in his daughter's face, it
made him turn to his guest with anything but a cordial manner, and
there was that in his voice that should have warned the other.

"So you and Sammy went for a walk, did you?"

"She was comin' home from th' sheep ranch, an' I caught up with
her," explained Gibbs. "I 'lowed as how she needed company, so I
come 'long. I seemed t' be 'bout as welcome as usual," he added
with an ugly grin.

"Meanin' that my girl don't want your company, and told you so?"
asked the other softly.