As he reached the door it was opened in his face, and a young man, who showed signs of hard riding, came in and caught Merle's eye.
"Oh, it's you, is it, Tom?" cried the villain.
"Yes. I've a letter from Logan. He told me to spare no time, but to get it to you at once. It came to the post office this afternoon, and he gave it to me for prompt delivery."
Merle, with a face full of eagerness, took the letter which the youth extended and withdrew with a hurried glance at Belle.
"You fight like a prince," said she, looking at Old Broadbrim, who had taken in the messenger and the letter. "It's a pleasure to know that one's fortunes are in such good hands at Round Robin Ranch. Some time you will tell me about your career, for Merle says you have traveled a great deal."
Old Broadbrim bowed.
"At any time you care to hear my story it is at your disposal," he answered. "Mine has not been a very exciting life. I learned to shoot in the States when we used to have brushes with both bear and Indian."
"Accept the thanks of Belle Demona," said the ranch queen. "Consider yourself engaged for life here. Round Robin Ranch is proud to have such a protector."
The detective looked out of the window at that moment and caught a glimpse of a face on the porch among the vines.