Dug returned to his seat and gazed out at the yellow and purple
afterglow of sunset.
"Say, maybe you'd feel like handin' me the reason you wouldn't set the
law on to that--woman?" he went on presently.
The question was by no means idle. It was inspired by the man's
genuinely kindly nature. Somehow, he felt that he had been responsible
for that which he had seen, still saw, in this man's eyes.
But he was wholly unprepared for the reply forthcoming. It came
promptly. Each word came distinctly, deliberately, in a voice of
bitter coldness. The tragedy of it left the rancher speechless.
"Because I married Elvine van Blooren just over six weeks ago."
CHAPTER XIX
THE RETURN HOME
A long day of anxiety and fevered apprehension merged into a night of
terror. It was the outcome of a conviction that was irresistible. The
shadow of disaster was marching hard upon her heels. Nor had she the
power to avoid it.
As night came on Elvine remained alone in her twilit bedroom. She had
no desire to come into contact with the servants, she had no desire for
human companionship of any sort.
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