"
"The law? Say, on this southwest border we haven't any law except
a man's word and a gun."
"Then you'll find United States law has come along with Ben Chase,"
replied the other, snapping his fingers. He was still smooth,
outspoken, but his mask had fallen.
"You're not a Westerner?" queried Belding.
"No, I'm from Illinois."
"I thought the West hadn't bred you. I know your kind. You'd last
a long time on the Texas border; now, wouldn't you? You're one
of the land and water hogs that has come to root in the West.
You're like the timber sharks--take it all and leave none for those
who follow. Mr. Chase, the West would fare better and last longer
if men like you were driven out."
"You can't drive me out."
"I'm not so sure of that. Wait till my rangers come back. I
wouldn't be in your boots. Don't mistake me. I don't suppose
you could be accused of stealing another man's ideas or plan,
but sure you've stolen these four claims. Maybe the law might
uphold you. But the spirit, not the letter, counts with us
bordermen."
"See here, Belding, I think you're taking the wrong view of the
matter. I'm going to develop this valley. You'd do better to get
in with me. I've a proposition to make you about that strip of
land of yours facing the river."
"You can't make any deals with me. I won't have anything to do
with you."
Belding abruptly left the camp and went home. Nell met him,
probably intended to question him, but one look into his face
confirmed her fears.
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