"In case you have any doubt about it," Angus said, "I may tell you that French gave the deeds to my wife before he died."
But Mr. Braden merely grinned. "Well, read them," he said. "And keep off my property after this."
"You seem fairly anxious about that," Angus retorted. "You're trying to put something over, Braden, and I give you notice to be careful. I've had my satisfy of your dirty work."
"And I give you notice to keep off my property," Mr. Braden snarled. "You get off now, or I'll have my men throw you off!"
Angus laughed, his temper beginning to stir.
"Tell 'em to go to it!" he challenged. "You old crook, you've been trying to get me ever since I was a kid. You thought you'd get my ranch, and you came mighty near it. I'll play even with you some day, and with the bunch you hired last summer to blow my ditch. Do you get that, Garland, and you, Poole?"
"I don't know what you mean?" Garland returned.
"I never done nothing to you," Mr. Poole declared nervously.
Angus eyed them grimly. "It's lucky for both of you I'm not sure," he said.
But the dispute had attracted the attention of the workmen. They rested on their tools, watching, listening curiously. The presence of these reserves gave Mr. Braden heart.