like a lion escaped from a circus."

"Those lions never do much harm," observed Scott, cheerfully. "Of course,
if he hitches up with Villa----"

"I seem to have heard that he and Villa had a row. I should say he was
more likely to try to organize a crowd of his own and get in on the
fireworks."

"If he does it's good-bye to our fellows," said Scott. "It would be a case
of the Pied Piper and the rats; and Johnny's a mighty good piper."

Hard glanced at his companion in some amusement. Scott, who was a man of
little education, had periodic spells of promiscuous reading, and
frequently surprised his friend with his references.

"It wouldn't be only our men, either," he said, a moment later.

"I was thinking of that," replied Scott. "Old Herrick's would go, too. I
wish you could persuade him to go back to England, Hard; that ranch of his
is no place for an artist."

Hard nodded. "I doubt if I could," he said. "Herrick's obstinate."

They had reached the cabin where they were to sleep and were hailed
drowsily but inquisitively by Adams.

"Hullo, you guys! Did you find the lady?"

"We did, and she asked warmly after you," replied Scott. Then, in a low
tone to Hard: "No use saying anything about Pachuca to the boys."

Hard nodded. "Better not," he agreed.

"Did she? I think you lie," replied Adams, sleepily. "Don't be any noisier
than you can help, you two, getting to bed. I've lost two hours of my
beauty sleep now waitin' up for you and I need my rest."

* * * * *

"I'm going over to my place to give the men their breakfast," said Mrs.
Van Zandt, looking into Polly's bedroom the next morning. "Just you lay in
bed until you're rested."

"I'm rested now," said the girl, sitting up. "Is there--no, of course
there isn't a bathtub on the place?" she laughed.

"Bathtub? Well, I should say not, but your pitcher's full, I guess. You'll
get used to being without bathtubs after a while. They ain't half as
important as folks think."

"I don't mind. I've camped," said Polly, heroically. "What I really wanted
to ask you was how soon you thought I could get away?"

"Get away? Why, ain't you just come?"

"Yes, but I thought Bob was here. I never would have dumped myself down
upon a lot of strangers like this."

"If that's all that bothers you, turn over and get another nap. If the
Superintendent's own sister ain't got a right to a few weeks' board and
lodging, I don't know