Because Lost Valley used to be a nest of miscreants, it needn't always
be. I don't see what right we've got to set ourselves above the law."

"This valley has always stood by hunted men when they reached it.
That's our custom, and I mean to stick to it."

"Very well. I hold you to that," she answered quickly. "This man
Fraser is a hunted man. He's hunted because of what he did for me and
dad. I claim the protection of the valley for him."

"He can have it-- if he's what he says he is. But why ain't he been
square with us? Why didn't he tell who he was?"

"He told me."

"That ain't enough, Arlie. If he did, you kept it quiet. We all had a
right to know."

"If you had asked him, he would have told you."

"I ain't so sure he would. Anyhow, I don't like it. I believe he is
here to get the man I told you of. Mebbe that ain't all."

"What more?" she scoffed.

"This fellow is the best range detective in the country. My notion is
he's spying around about that Squaw Creek raid."

Under the dusky skin she flushed angrily. "My notion is you're daffy,
Jed. Talk sense, and I'll listen to you. You haven't a grain of