sen late and been
remiss in his room-cleaning. He hoped old Lem would forget to mention
who was the occupant of that cell-like place, and, for once, he did.

There was dust on the chest of drawers which held Peter's belongings,
the cot was just as he had crawled out of it at daybreak, a horsewhip
and blankets littered the floor, and the "Martinet" was so ashamed of
the whole appearance of things that, after one hasty test with the
handkerchief, he withdrew carrying the company with him. Yet, before
leaving, he had drawn a piece of chalk from the band of his sombrero
and made a big cross upon the dusty chest. Silent Pete would know what
that meant: mounting guard for three nights to come! and a grim smile
twisted Lemuel's lips, reflecting what that meant to one of his "Squad."

The visitors had smiled, too, but with amusement at this odd old
ranchman's discipline; and Monty had whispered:

"What makes 'em put up with it? What right has he to order them around?"

But Leslie, the young master of San Leon, was as much in the dark as any
other stranger, and could only answer:

"Suppose it's because he's a leader. Born that way, just as my father
was, though it's a different way, of course. Otherwise, I can't guess.
But I'm wild to get at the shooting lessons. I hope the rest of you are,
too. The first step to becoming a real 'wild westerner' is to know how
to handle the 'irons.' He's rippin', Lem is. But come on. He's getting
away from us. I wish poor old Jim was here. It's a pity anybody has to
be sick in such a place as this. I tell you, boys, I was never so proud
of Dad as I am now, when I look around and see what a ranch he's
got--earned--right out of his own head-piece! I don't see where he is! I
wish he was here. I'd ask him about those uniforms and I'd get him to
let old Lem off every other duty, just to teach us. Dad's a sort of
sharpshooter himself. Once he--No matter. That story'll keep. Lady Gray
is calling us."

They had lingered to inspect some of the ranchmen's belongings, as they
passed from room to room, Lady Gray and the girls going forward in
Lemuel's company. She was beckoning her son and asked, as he came
running up:

"Please go across the lawn and ask Miss Milliken to join us. She went to
her room to write letters, immediately after breakfast, but I see she's
come out now and I don't want her to feel lonely nor neglected."

Leslie darted away, but returned again to say:

"She doesn't want to co