"Gentlemen, I can only say to you that for myself I want to run!" declared Speed.
"Then you'll run."
"I refuse to allow it," Chapin declared, and instantly there was an angry murmur; but before it could take definite form, Speed spoke up with equal decisiveness.
"You can't refuse to let me run, Jack. There are reasons"—he searched Miss Blake's countenance—"why I must run—and win. And win I shall!" Turning, he stalked away into the darkness, and there followed him a shout of approbation from the ranchmen.
Jack Chapin threw up his hands.
"I've done my best."
"The man's mad!" cried Covington, but Fresno was nearer the truth. "Nothing of the sort," he remarked, and struck a match; "he's bluffing!"
As for Helen Blake, she shook her fair head and smiled into the night.
"You are all wrong," she said. "I know!"