h is
to be found on a Western ranch on a fine summer evening. Life at
such a time and in such a place is at its smoothest, its almost
Utopian perfection. The whole atmosphere is laden with a sense of
good-fellowship between men and between beasts. The day's work is
over, and men idle and smoke, awaiting the pleasures of an ample
fare with appetites healthily sharp-set, and lounge contentedly,
contemplating their coming evening's amusement with untroubled minds.

And the beasts which are their care. Fed to repletion on the succulent
prairie grasses they know nothing but contentment. The shadow of the
butcher's knife has no terrors for them. They live only for their day.
And the evening, when their stomachs are full and repose is in sight,
is the height of their contentment.

Then, too, Nature herself is at her gentlest. The fierce passion of
heat has passed, the harsher winds have died down, the worrying
insects are already seeking repose. There is nothing left to harry the
human mind and temper. It is peace--perfect peace.

It was such an evening on the ranch of the "AZ's." All these
conditions were prevailing, except that the mind of Dan McLagan, the
owner, was disturbed. Six of his boys were out on the special duty of
searching for stolen cattle. This was bad enough, but Dan was fretting
and chafing at the unpleasant knowledge that the epidemic of cattle
stealing was spreading all too quickly.

He was never a patient man. His Celtic nature still retained all its
native irritability, and his foreman, Jim Thorpe, had ample
demonstration of it. He had spent several uncomfortable half hours
that day with his employer. He was responsible for the working of the
ranch. It was his to see that everything ran smoothly, and though the
depredations of cattle-thieves could hardly come under the heading of
his responsibilities, yet no employer can resist the temptation of
visiting his chagrin on the head of his most trusted servant.

The hue and cry had been in progress for several weeks, and as yet no
result of a hopeful nature had been obtained. And, in consequence, at
every opportunity Dan McLagan cursed forcibly into the patient ears of
his foreman.

Now, Jim was enjoying a respite. Dan had retired to his house for
supper, and he was waiting for his to be served. He was down at the
corrals, leaning on the rails, watching the stolid milch cows nuzzling
and devouring their evening hay. His humor was interested. They had
e