in your body. And be quick about it too!"

Jim hurried into the kitchen with so much of a departure from his
oriental poise that the first pan he picked up fell to the floor with
a clatter. That was the most eloquent testimonial he could have given,
unless it was the supper that was ready for Haig in an hour--and no
"velle lil" supper at that--to his participation in the general
rejoicing.

Haig, meanwhile, opened the inner door, stepped into the library-bedroom,
and halted dead still on the threshold. At his entrance, a tall, thin
young man, with a very pale face, rose like an automaton and stared at
him. It was a question which of the two was the more amazed.

"Thursby!" cried Haig, recovering the more quickly.

"Haig!"

"Where did you come from?"

"From the other side of the world. And you?"

"From the very bowels of the earth, man!"

They walked slowly toward each other until they met, and clasped
hands.

"You found him?" asked Haig, searching the other's face.

"In Singapore."

"And then?"

"He's dead."

"And she?"

"I've sent her back to her people in Devonshire."

Haig gripped hard the hand that was still clasped in his own, and
there was a moment of silence.

"Well," said Haig, "we'll have a nip of whisky, and then--You've come
back to take your ranch, of course."

"I _came_ back for that, but I can't figure out that it's mine now."

"How's that?" asked Haig, pouring out the drinks.

"I left three hundred head of cattle, and now I learn there are
thirteen hundred head, almost."

"Don't let that worry you. I've sold enough of the increase to bring
back all the money they cost me. So we're quits."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Be sensible, Haig. First thing, why did you do it?"

"For the fun of it, partly."

"And after that?"

"Well, your fine ranch here wasn't making much money, and I thought
you'd need a good deal, perhaps, before you got through with
your--affair."

"And yet you say we're quits!"

"I'm satisfied."

"But I'm not. You'll take a half interest, and we'll go partners."

"No."

"I say yes," persisted Thursby. "But I'm forgetting to ask questions.
How the devil did you get back?"

"I will a tale unfold will harrow up thy bones--and the rest of it,"
replied Haig, laughing. "But first: when did you arrive?"

"By the last stage in."

"And what have you told them--my pleasant neighbors?"

"Nothing. But they have the impression that I came for the final
payment on