moment, his lips compressed, his eyes inscrutable. 

 Then, "I've met her at last," he said.  "It makes me believe in Fate." 

 Katherine's pretty lips parted in amazement. 

 "Goodness! Are you often taken this way!" she gasped. 

 "Never before!" replied Cartwell serenely.  "Jack said she'd broken her engagement to DeWitt because of her illness, so it's a fair war!" 

 "Kut-le!" exclaimed Katherine.  "Don't talk like a yellow-backed novel! It's not a life or death affair." 

 "You can't tell as to that," answered Cartwell with a curious little smile.  "You mustn't forget that I'm an Indian." 

 And he turned to greet the two men who were mounting the steps. 

 

 

 CHAPTER II 

 THE CAUCASIAN WAY 

 When Rhoda entered the dining-room some of her pallor seemed to have left her. She was dressed in a gown of an elusive pink that gave a rose flush to the marble fineness of her face. 

 Katherine was chatting with a wiry, middle-aged man whom she introduced to Rhoda as Mr. Porter, an Arizona mining man. Porter stood as if stunned for a moment by Rhoda's delicate loveliness. Then, as was the custom of every man who met Rhoda, he looked vaguely about for something to do for her. Jack Newman forestalled him by taking Rhoda's hand and leading her to the table. Jack's curly blond hair looked almost white in contrast with his tanned face. He was not as tall as either Cartwell or DeWitt but he was strong and clean-cut and had a boyish look despite the heavy responsibilities of his five-thousand-acre ranch. 

 "There," he said, placing Rhoda beside Porter; "just attach Porter's scalp to your belt with the rest of your collection. It'll be a new experience to him. Don't be afraid, Porter." 

 Billy Porter was not in the least embarrassed. 

 "I've come too near to 

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