d to be
the son of Mr. Morris. In introducing him the father accorded the
Spanish pronunciation to his name, "Felipe," which he had not used with
his own.

Later it developed that Felipe's mother had been Spanish and the old
ranch the property of her family from the days when California was a
province of Spain. But as she was dead it was true that at present no
woman was a member of their household.

The other young fellow, Merton Anderson, was the son of a neighbor and a
guest. As he had ridden over to the Morris ranch on horseback he offered
to take back any message Sally and Gerry might care to send their
friends, for Mr. Morris insisted that Sally must not be moved again
until she had seen a physician.

At last Gerry wrote a note to Mrs. Burton explaining what had occurred
and asking advice. If it were possible would she not drive over to the
ranch in her automobile and bear Sally safely back to camp?

CHAPTER VII

The Sacrifice of Youth

About ten o'clock on the evening of the same day Mrs. Burton and Mr.
Morris were sitting before the open door of the old Spanish house
looking out over the countryside.

In the neighborhood of the California coast the moonlight has a rare
brilliancy. The mists of the early morning and late afternoons usually
disappear and seem to float overhead in white and silver clouds.

"You are very kind to allow us to impose upon your hospitality in this
fashion, Mr. Morris," Mrs. Burton declared, in the voice whose rare
quality gave even to her ordinary statements a charm beyond other
persons. "I don't believe I have ever seen so beautiful a view in
California as I am having from your house tonight, and yet a few hours
ago I would not have believed this possible."

Immediately upon receipt of Gerry Williams' note Mrs. Burton had motored
over to the Morris ranch, using Merton Anderson as her guide. She was
anxious, of course, in regard to Sally's injuries, but anxious also to
learn the character of her rescuers. Naturally the girls could not be
allowed to remain alone over night with strangers. Unless Sally were in
a really critical condition, she could certainly be moved without
danger.

Within a few minutes after Mrs. Burton's arrival at the ranch, the
physician who had been telephoned for some time before, appeared in
answer to the summons.

After seeing Sally he announced that she was not seriously hurt, only
bruised and shaken, and could be moved without difficulty.