The Shadowed Trail — Arthur Henry Gooden

Kirk Severn of the K7 Ranch shields Dick Chase, an archaeologist, and his wife, Esther, from the inexplicable pursuit of the ruffian crew who work for Warde Taylor, boss of the Bar T spread. When Hilda, Taylor's daughter, learns that her father is behind the efforts to kill them and Kirk too, she is both unhappy and mystified, for she loves Kirk and trusts him.