e ranch-house became visible. Two or three
smaller buildings stood near it and a fence marked the corral.

CHAPTER XI

CASA GRANDE

There was a great stillness about the place; the whole panorama suggested
a picture rather than an actuality, except for the white clouds sailing
slowly about in the blue sky, and an occasional bird flying from one tree
or bush to another.

"I don't like things being so still," said Scott. "Let's push on." Riding
around to the front of the house--a long, narrow, adobe building, they
came upon the first real sign of habitation; a brown hen, who, accompanied
by her family, was scratching around the walk with an immense show of
industry; while on the veranda sat two men. One was a white man; the
other, a Chinese, dressed in the dark blue shirt and trousers of his
people. As the newcomers dismounted, the white man came forward.

"Humph, it's you!" he remarked, with evident relief. "Well, here is what
is left of a once prosperous household."

He was a little man, thin and wiry, with bushy brown hair and beard, and
keen dark eyes. His hands, slender and with long white fingers, played
nervously with a quirt which he held, apparently for no purpose than that
those nervous members might have occupation.

"What's happened?" demanded Scott. "How do, Li Yow?" as the Chinaman came
forward smilingly to take the horses.

"All gone," he said, blandly. "Laided. One hen, some shickens--notting
else left."

"Raided! Did that young rascal----" began Hard, when Herrick interrupted
impatiently.

"Oh, he has been to you, too? He makes a clean sweep of it! He comes here
at noon with a score, perhaps, of men; and if there is anything they do
not take, it is because it is broken--like my wagon. Men, money, and
stock--our neighbor is thorough and no mistake!"

"I was afraid of it," said Scott. "He's cleaning up the community.
Herrick, I want you to know Bob Street's sister, Miss Polly Street." He
added a few words of explanation of the girl's presence. Herrick surveyed
her with interest.

"You are unlucky to strike this country at such a time," he said. "Unless
you like experiences?"

"I do," said Polly, promptly. "That's why they're sending me home."

The little man smiled. "After all, most experience is worth while," he
said. "Sit down and rest--you will stay, all of you, won't you? For the
night? There is some food left."

Scott and Li Yow walked away with the horses to the barn which s