tood not a
great way from the house, surrounded by a good-sized corral. Polly sank
into an easy chair which commanded through a window a view of a part of
the living-room. She caught a glimpse of a grand piano, bright colored
rugs, bookcases overflowing with books, and other evidences of comfort.
Hard gave their host an account of the Athens hold-up, not forgetting the
part Polly had played in it.

"I remembered," he said, "that Li was a doctor, and thought perhaps you'd
loan him to us for Jimmy. We don't think much of the Conejo medico."

"Himmel, no!" responded Herrick, quickly. "You shall have Li, of course."

Polly leaned back with a little sigh of content. Herrick smiled.

"You are tired," he said, "and by and by you will be chilly. Henry, as Li
is busy, suppose you build up a fire in the living-room?"

Polly looked a bit surprised, but Hard laughed as he went into the house.

"Herrick never does any rough work," he said, indulgently. "He has to take
care of his hands."

"So!" replied their host, "my fingers are my good friends, consequently I
take good care of them. Why not? Some day I may need their services
again."

"I hope so," said Polly, frankly. "I think it's rather dreadful for an
artist to bury himself in a place like this."

"One does not bury oneself, my child, one rests and creates," said the
musician, gently. "Ah, here is Scott! He has been looking at my wagon."

Scott tossed Polly her long cloak which she had left on her saddle.

"Yes, I took a look at the wagon, while Li turned the horses out," he
said. "I think I can patch it up so that we can drive to Athens in it. You
see, Herrick, we've only got three horses and I have to send Li back on
one of them to-night."

"Can he make it--the horse?"

"With a little rest and a feed--if Li takes it easy. Of course, it's not
the way I like to treat my horses, but Jimmy's leg is in a bad state."

"Very well. You may have Li and also the wagon," replied Herrick. "The
more willingly because I have a favor to ask of you."

"Of course. What is it?"

"I have a guest," said the other, slowly. "A lady, from the South. She has
had to leave her plantation and is on her way back to the United States. I
had intended taking her to the border, but since you are sending this
young lady----" He stopped, and Polly thought she saw a look of
understanding pass between them.

"We'll see her through, of course," said Scott, readily. "Can she be ready
to go in