him an' me will get on." He urged Pickett forward
and introduced him, and Pickett gave Masten one quick, appraising glance.
Then he, too, grinned.

Ruth was gratified. These men were rough, but they had been quick to
recognize and appreciate Masten's good qualities. They had gone more than
half way in welcoming him. Of course, there was Chavis' bold allusion to
a "pretty woman," but the very uncouthness of the men must be the
explanation for that breach of etiquette. She was much relieved.

Masten was suave and solicitous. He jumped out of the buckboard and
helped her down, performing a like service for Aunt Martha. Uncle Jepson
got out himself. Then, as Ruth hesitated an instant, Masten bent over
her.

"You must be tired, dear. Go in and explore the house. Get some
refreshment and take a rest. I'll attend to the baggage and the horses."

He gave her a gentle pressure of the hand, and, followed by Uncle Jepson
and Aunt Martha, she went indoors.

CHAPTER IV

A MEMORY OF THE RIDER

A quiet satisfaction shone from Ruth's eyes when, accompanied by Aunt
Martha and Uncle Jepson, she completed her inspection of the ranchhouse.

"It isn't all that could be desired," she told Aunt Martha, "but it is
better than I expected."

"It's comfortable, dearie," mildly smiled Aunt Martha.

"An' big enough for a feller to stretch his legs in," added Uncle Jepson.
He was sitting in a big chair at one of the front windows of the
sitting-room, having already adjusted himself to his new surroundings,
and was smoking a short briar pipe and looking out of the window at the
bunkhouse, in front of which stood Pickett, Chavis, and Masten, talking
and laughing.

While Ruth and her relatives had been inspecting one of the upstairs
rooms, she had heard the men bringing the baggage in, had heard them
clumping up the stairs and setting the trunks down. Then they went out,
and a little later, peering from one of the windows upstairs, Ruth had
seen Masten and the other two walking toward the stable. They were
talking pleasantly; their liking for each other seemed to be mutual. Ruth
was delighted, but Uncle Jepson had frowned several times when looking at
them.

"I cal'late them two critters'll bear a heap of watchin'," he said now.
"They don't look honest."

"Jep," said Aunt Martha before Ruth could speak, "you're always
criticising folks."

"It's in their faces drat 'em,"