il, evidently picked up
in the stable or workroom; and to the reporter's inquiries, put to the
first ranchman he met, there seemed no satisfactory answer. The man in
question had not seen Jessica since service, and the men's quarters to
which Ninian hurried, were almost deserted. Sunday was their own, so
the "boys" spent much of it afield, hunting or visiting on neighboring
ranches. Yet a further search revealed John Benton, in his own room,
reading; and to him the visitor again put the question of Jessica's
probable whereabouts, and showed the letter.

The carpenter was on his feet instantly, a look of apprehension
deepening the lines of his earnest face; and running to the door he
shouted to a stable boy who was crossing the space before the old
adobes:

"Natan! Natan!"

The youth paused, hesitated, yet came no nearer; and John repeated his
summons, with an imperative "Here!" Then muttered an explanation to
the reporter: "Another of those no-account Greasers; same kind as the
Bernals and hired by top-lofty when, he was in charge. Works well
enough but----"

By this time Natan had slouched forward and stood stolidly awaiting an
expected as well as merited reproof, because of stalls imperfectly
cleaned and harnesses left in other than their own places; for John
was orderly to the last degree and a very martinet in disciplining his
subordinates. However, it was no neglect of duty that was now to be
scored, but a question was fairly hurled at the young groom and in a
voice sharp with anxiety:

"Natan, did you saddle Buster just now?"

"But yes," answered the lad, greatly relieved.

"Where is he? And Nimrod?"

"Nimrod is at the 'house' horse block, is it not? Si. Groomed to the
highest, and a beauty we're all glad to see back where he belongs."

"Your opinion wasn't asked. Where is Buster?"

"Where the captain wills. I know not, I," with a shrug of his lean
shoulders.

"Did she mount him?"

"Why else should he be saddled, no?" returned the groom, with an
insolent laugh.

John's temper flamed and he turned away with a disgusted snort,
meaning to seek information elsewhere on a case he felt permitted no
delay. But Ninian was cooler, if equally suspicious that Natan was
concealing something that should be known; so, laying his hand not
unkindly upon the youth's shoulder, he said:

"If you know anything of this, where Miss Jessica has gone and with
whom, or if alone, it will be worth your while to tell me a