ave been done kinder, maybe, but--her heart is sad, I know,
and her first thought is for you. She must save for you. Here, Lady,
take the key. Some time you--you might want to look in that safe for
yourself. Good-night."

Jessica went with him to the outer door, wondering much at this
oddly-timed visit. Yet the ranchman walked erect, still carrying his
lighted candle quite openly, as one who had done nothing of which to be
ashamed; and when he had departed the girl returned to her own bed
still more wakeful because of this queer incident.

Ten minutes later, it may have been, she heard the limping footfall of
a slowly-moving horse, the echoes growing fainter continually.

Again she sat up and listened.

"That's Mr. Marsh's 'Stiffleg!' What should send him off riding now?
Oh! I do wish mother was awake, things seem so queer. Yet I don't really
wish it. She has so many wakeful nights and just this one is more than
I want. Now, Jessica Trent, don't be foolish any longer. Go straight to
sleep or you'll be late in the morning."

Nature acted upon this good advice, and Our Lady knew no more till a pair
of chubby hands were pulling her curls and Ned's voice was screeching in
her ear:

"Wake up, Jessie Trent. We had our breakfast hours ago, and the 'boys'
is all out-doors, can't go to work 'ithout their captain. That's _me_,
Jessie Trent, 'cause I'm the 'heir.' Samson said so."

"I's the heir, Samson said so!" echoed Luis from the floor where
he was trying the fit of Jessica's new "buckskins"--the comfortable
moccasin-like footgear which Pedro made for her--upon his own stubby toes.

"He, he! What's the heir Samson said? You're a stupid, Luis Garcia."

"Stupid Garcia!" laughed the little mimic, not in the least offended.

"Well, run away then, laddies, and I'll be ready in a jiffy. Poor
mother. To think that I should have left her to do so much alone."

As she threw open the sash of the rear window, Jessica started back,
surprised; for there, reined close to the porch, was Nero's black form,
with the dark face of his master bending low over the saddle.

"Good-morning, senorita, and good fortune. Those who hid may find. I
kiss your hand in farewell, and may it rule in peace till I return, I
myself, the master. One month hence I come, bringing my servants with
me. _Adios._ Ah! but what did you and the old sharpshooter at the office
safe at midnight? _When the senora would seek her title, seek him._ It
is farewell."