land' and that he is doing the best thing for the world
in placing loyalty to Germany first."

"Then he should be shot as a traitor," said Roger. "I can't believe that
he thinks so crooked. Why, he's got a mind that's as pellucid as that
spring Peter found in Lost Canyon."

Charley smoothed his hair back from his forehead. "Poor old Roger! You
may have been selfish toward your friends, but you certainly loved them.
Try to go to sleep now, dearest. You'll need a clear head if you're
going to save Ernest and the Solar Plant. Aren't the stars beautiful? I
never lose my awe of their nearness in the desert."

"They were wonderful over in the River Canyon," said Roger, relaxing
with a long breath at Charley's touch on his forehead, while he clung
closely to her other hand. "Do you really love me, Charley, my
sweetheart?"

Suddenly the girl slipped to her knees beside the cot and buried her
face against his on the pillows. "Oh, Roger! Roger! Just as much and
more than Felicia did and for nearly as long."

"And I you," replied Roger, brokenly, "only I was such a self-centered
fool I didn't know it. Don't kneel there, Charley, you're tired and must
go to bed."

"Oh, Roger! Roger! I've wanted you so! And the years have been so hard!
Never leave me, dear! Don't make me go now! Let me watch here beside you
till you sleep, just as you did for me that night Felicia died."

"I'll never leave you, you darling! Even my work shall never drive me
from you. We'll put things through together from now on. Oh, Charley! I
don't deserve it!"

"I know you don't!" this with a chuckle that was half a sob, "but
somehow even old Peter can't bear to be separated from you."

"Bless his old gray head! Charley, let me tell you about Peter and the
river." Roger began eagerly but before his story was half finished his
sentences were broken and finally ended abruptly. Roger was fast asleep.
Charley, with a soft kiss on his hair, rose from the cramped position on
her knees and went into the house. In a short time the adobe was in
darkness and Peter, with a wisp of alfalfa on which he chewed
meditatively, hanging from his mouth, leaned his gray head on the corral
bars and eyed the stars unblinkingly.

CHAPTER XVII

THE BLACK BOX

Roger was awakened the next morning by the sound of Dick uncrating the
new pump. He rose at once feeling quite himself. He had his belated
breakfast alone, with Charley hovering in attendance.

"Ernest and G