Fraser? If anything happens to him, I'll remember this," Arlie told
him.

"Have I mentioned any threats, Arlie? It is well known that Lieutenant
Fraser has enemies here. It don't take a prophet to tell that, after
what happened the other night."

"Any more than it takes a prophet to tell that you are one of them."

"I play my own hand. I don't lie down before him, or any other man.
He'd better not get in my way, unless he's sure he's a better man than
I am."

"But he isn't in your way," Arlie insisted. "He has told a plain
story. I believe every word of it."

"I notice he didn't tell any of his plain story until we proved it on
him. He comes through with his story after he's caught with the goods.
Don't you know that every criminal that is caught has a smooth
explanation?"

"I haven't any doubt Mr. Briscoe will have one when his turn comes,"
the ranger remarked.

Jed wheeled on him. His eyes glittered menace. "You've said one word
too much. I'll give you forty-eight hours to get out of this valley."

"How dare you, Jed-- and in my house!" Arlie cried. "I won't have it.
I won't have blood shed between you."