n told."

"That is so, father," said Charles. "I have not stated what I have seen
and heard half strongly enough."

The father said: "When I bought this ranch, the first thing I did was to
build solid fences, raise lots of feed and hang gates on hinges so that
a child could open them with its finger. I always make my plans so that
I have more feed than stock. I did not set out an orchard till the
fences were finished, so that nothing could get in. I made it a point
to avoid losing a lot of work through bad management. My hired men have
always had a good house to sleep in, each man having a room to himself.
The house is cool in the summer through having double porches all round
it, and warm in winter because it is well furnished. Men and teams never
go out to work in the winter till the sun is up. Every man sits down to
supper at six, during the summer months, and they have two hours'
nooning. What is the result? I have always had the best men to work for
me, and they never want to leave. Each man is put upon his honor, and
takes as much interest in doing his best for me as if the place belonged
to him. Everything goes on the same at the ranch when I am away as when
I am there. No man has used anything but the most respectful language to
me. I have heard no swearing at teams. In fact, I have heard no swearing
or low stories at all. I never would allow it. Every day the work is
done well and without friction."

"Yes," said his son, "I used to think your place was heaven while I was
away."

Two years from the time this conversation took place, the father died,
leaving the property and some money to his son, Charles, and seven
thousand dollars to his daughter Lena.

Charles Herne was not a student of political economy nor a reader of
sociology, but what he did was done through an innate sense of justice,
with a spirit of generosity, and the munificent treatment of his men was
the manifestation of his noble, free spirit. To-morrow will be the
greatest event so far in the life of Charles Herne, for he brings to his
home his bride.

CHAPTER III.

THE MARRIAGE OF CHARLES HERNE.

Two miles from the Herne ranch, toward Roseland, lived the Holbrooke
family.

On the afternoon of the day which was of such importance in the lives of
two of our characters, Mr. Holbrooke returned from a survey of his
orchard, to be met by his wife with a face full of mysterious
importance.

"I've got some news, James," she said. "