was astonished at the quiet refinement of his voice. He had
grown so accustomed to the high, raucous twang of the men of these
wilds that it came as a surprise to him.

"I hope I didn't disturb you," he answered cheerily. "Miss Marbolt
told me you were sleeping, and----"

"You didn't disturb me--at least, not in the way you mean. You see,
I have developed a strange sensitiveness--a sort of second sight,"
he laughed a little bitterly. "I awoke by instinct the moment you
approached the house, and heard you come in. The loss of one sense,
you see, has made others more acute. Well, well, so you have
come to learn ranching? Diane"--the blind man turned to his
daughter--"describe Mr. Tresler to me. What does he look like? Forgive
me, my dear sir," he went on, turning with unerring instinct to the
other. "I glean a perfect knowledge of those about me in this way."

"Certainly." The object of the blind man's interest smiled over at the
girl.

Diane hesitated in some confusion.

"Go on, child," her father said, with a touch of impatience in his
manner.

Thus urged she began. "Mr. Tresler is tall. Six feet.
Broad-shouldered."

The man's red, staring eyes were bent on his pupil with a steady
persistency.

"Yes, yes," he urged, as the girl paused.

"Dressed in--er fashionable riding costume."

"His face?"

"Black hair, steel-blue eyes, black eyelashes and brows. Broad
forehead----"

"Any lines?" questioned the blind man.

"Only two strong marks between the brows."

"Go on."

"Broad-bridged, rather large nose; well-shaped mouth, with inclination
to droop at the corners; broad, split chin; well-rounded cheeks and
jaw."

"Ha! clean-shaven, of course--yes."

The rancher sat silent for some moments after Diane had finished her
description. His lips moved, as though he were talking to himself; but
no words came to those waiting. At last he stirred, and roused from
his reverie.

"You come from Springfield, Mr. Tresler, I understand?" he said
pleasantly.

"Yes."

"Um. New England. A good country that breeds good men," he nodded,
with an expression that was almost a smile. "I'm glad to be able to
welcome you; I only wish I could see. However," he went on kindly,
"you will be able to learn ranching in all its branches here. We breed
horses and cattle. You'll find it rough. My foreman is not exactly
gentle, but, believe me, he knows his business. He is the finest
ranchman in the country, and I owe much of my su