compliments and darts of poignant facts right in
her face. And both the flowers and darts were coming from an
unexpected source. With the delicate matrimonial problem swept
completely aside, she felt that this new-found friend, in his
nation-wide travels and a million contacts, was really sincere in some
of his estimates and was trying to be helpful in his blunt, abrupt
appraisals. Anyhow, she was reconciled to that view.

"Well, I never had so many compliments in all my life! I didn't know
that you were a student of sociology--could estimate capabilities and
get everyone in their right groove. I should have been conferring with
you, for I have an unsolved problem, bigger than any you've
mentioned." Adine had ceased her scorning tones; now she was asking
for an answer. She motioned Davy to a footstool.

"Why, I didn't know that you had a care in the world. As Polo Garrett
used to say, 'What's eatin' ya?'"

"My problem is my family. I'm the only one left that is able to do
things. There is little I can do to aid the ones that are sick and I
am making no progress in keeping these two big, clumsy ranches out of
bankruptcy.

"Father, as you know, is in the hospital in Omaha and mother was
called there three weeks ago. The trivial ulcers have developed into
something worse. Daddy went to Omaha to be near the market that was
tumbling, crashing, and bringing on bankruptcy to stock raisers. He
hoped to find a solution, hoped to learn that the end of the disaster
was in sight. He had been cutting production for four years; surely a
period of scarcity was at hand, he wanted to be ready.

"Meanwhile he consulted a specialist on a matter of stomach ulcers,
only to encounter a more serious condition. A dozen years ago, in one
season, he had sold eighty thousand dollars worth of livestock from
these two ranches. Just now, he has sold breeding stock until there's
little left. Now these recent sales were made not to get money, but to
reduce the supply, to meet conditions. Money needs were not serious
until both banks failed two years ago, and then it became a calamity.
And now, my young counselor, adviser, flatterer, and friend, do you
think I should seek a job in the congested areas?"

"Well, it does appear that you are involved in a lot of
responsibility, and surely have a big problem on your hands. You speak
of two ranches. Where's the other one?"

"Really, it's all one," the girl explained, "but Grandaddy keeps up
the pret