[CHAPTER I.--SILLY SENTIMENT]
[CAPTER II.--NUMBER THREE]
[CHAPTER III.--FLETCHER HILL]
[CHAPTER IV.--THE COAT OF MAIL]
[CHAPTER V.--THE LOST ROMANCE]
[CHAPTER VI.--THE WAY TO HAPPINESS]
[CHAPTER VII.--THE CONQUEROR]
[CHAPTER VIII.--THE MEETING]
[CHAPTER IX.--THE MINE]
[CHAPTER X.--THE GREATER LOVE]
[CHAPTER XI.--WITHOUT CONDITIONS]
[CHAPTER XII.--THE BOSS OF BARREN VALLEY]
[CHAPTER XIII.--THE OFFICIAL SEAL]
CHAPTER I
SILLY SENTIMENT
"It's time I set about making my own living," said Dot Burton.
She spoke resolutely, and her face was resolute also; its young lines were for the moment almost grim. She stood in the doorway of the stable, watching her brother rub down the animal he had just been riding. Behind her the rays of the Australian sun smote almost level, making of her fair hair a dazzling aureole of gold. The lashes of her blue eyes were tipped with gold also, but the brows above them were delicately dark. They were slightly drawn just then, as if she were considering a problem of considerable difficulty.
Jack Burton was frankly frowning over his task. It was quite evident that his sister's announcement was not a welcome one.
She continued after a moment, as he did not respond in words: "I am sure I could make a living, Jack. I'm not the 'new chum' I used to be, thanks to you. You've taught me a whole heap of things."
Jack glanced up for a second. "Aren't you happy here?" he said.
She eluded the question. "You've been awfully good to me, dear old boy. But really, you know, I think you've got burdens enough without me. In any case, it isn't fair that I should add to them."