hill, dipped into the hollow which gave passageway
between this hill and its twin neighbour, mounted briefly, and within
twenty minutes came to the pool about which legends flocked. From
their vantage point they looked down upon it. The sun searched it out
almost at the instant that their eyes caught the glint of it. Fed by
many hidden springs it was a still, smooth body of water in the bowl of
the hills; it looked cool and deep and had its own air of mystery; in
its ancient bosom it may have hidden bones or gold. Some devotee had
planted a weeping willow here long ago; the great tree now flourished
and cast its reflection across its own fallen leaves.

Helen's eyes dreamed and sought visions; the spot touched her with its
romance, and she, after the true style of youth, lent aid to the still
influences. Alan Howard, to whom this was scarcely other than an
everyday matter, turned naturally to the new and was content to watch
the girl. As for Longstreet, his regard was busied with the stones at
his feet, and thereafter with a washout upon a hill-side where the
formation of the hills themselves was laid bare to a scientific eye.

'There's gold everywhere about here,' he announced placidly. 'But not
in the quantities I have promised you, Helen. We'll go on to the Last
Ridge country before we stop.'

Howard turned from the daughter to consider the father long and
searchingly, after the way of one man seeking another's measure.

'As a rule I go kind of slow when it comes to cutting in on another
fellow's play,' he said bluntly. 'But I'm going to chip in now with
this: I know that Last Ridge country from horn to tail, and all the
gold that's in it or has ever been in it wouldn't buy a drink of bad
whisky in Poco Poco.'

The light of forensic battle leaped up bright and eager in Longstreet's
eyes. But Howard saw it, and before the professor's unshaken
positiveness could pour itself forth in a forensic flood the rancher
cut the whole matter short by saying crisply:

'I know. And it's up to you. I've shot my volley to give you the
right slant and you can play out your string your own way. Right now
we'd better be moseying on; the sun's climbing, partner.'

He passed by them, leading his mare toward a crease in the hills which
gave ready passage out of the bowl and again to the sweep of the
desert. Longstreet dropped in behind him, driving his two horses,
while Helen stood a little alone by the pool, looking