mple life suits them, but we could not accept payment
for our hospitality. I am glad you like our home, and Jessica will show
you to the friend's room at once. Tell Pasqual, my dear, to attend Mr.
Hale and see that he has all which he requires. All that may be supplied
at this isolated spot, that is," she added, with a smile.

Mr. Hale thanked his hostess and withdrew, but he felt that he had
practically been dismissed from the ranch and that he had no past
friendship to urge as a plea for any but the briefest visit there.

Yet the cool chamber into which the traveler was shown proved so restful
that the "forty winks only" which he intended were prolonged till
sunset. Then he hastily descended to the lower floor to find that the
early supper of the household was over; though Mrs. Trent had kept his
own portion hot, and smilingly waved aside his apologies as she placed
before him a dish of delicately broiled quail, prepared by her own
skillful hands.

"Why, this is a luxury! and to be expected only at some great hotel.
By the way, where is the nearest one? I should have been on my way long
ago."

"I hope not. And you cannot well reach any hotel to-night. The nearest
is thirty miles away, and for a long distance the road is a mere track
across the plain. Even those who are used to it, would find it difficult
to keep it on a moonless night, as this will be."

"Oh! I'm so sorry."

The hostess' face grew anxious. "Is it so important? I thought----"

"Humph! That's another of my blunders. My regret is that I must force
myself upon your hospitality after----"

Mrs. Trent interrupted with a laugh.

"I imagine we're talking at cross-purposes. While I cannot make any
guest comfortable at Sobrante 'indefinitely,' as you proposed, I
should be disappointed to have you leave us hurriedly, I'd like you to
inspect the ranch, thoroughly, and that will require at least a week.
Besides, since I've learned from your card that you are a lawyer, I
would like to ask your advice. Of course, if you are willing to give it
in a business way."

"I shall be happy to serve you and more than happy to stay for the week
you propose, I came----"

But he did not finish his sentence. There rang through the quiet room the
echoes of rifle shots, repeated singly and in volleys, and accompanied by
shouts and shrieks, so fierce and unearthly that Mr. Hale sprang to his
feet while his hand sought his own pistol pocket.

"Horrible! In the midst of