"Or else were trying to stir up something," replied the other. "Obregon's never going to stand for Carranza's candidate for the election. His own chances are too good. It might be a wise plan for the Government to stir up a little revolution on its own hook and get in the first hits." "Might be. Anything might be down here; that's why it's such an interesting place to live. Still, I don't altogether like the idea of Pachuca roaming the country like a lion escaped from a circus." "Those lions never do much harm," observed Scott, cheerfully. "Of course, if he hitches up with Villa----" "I seem to have heard that he and Villa had a row. I should say he was more likely to try to organize a crowd of his own and get in on the fireworks." "If he does it's good-bye to our fellows," said Scott. "It would be a case of the Pied Piper and the rats; and Johnny's a mighty good piper." Hard glanced at his companion in some amusement. Scott, who was a man of little education, had periodic spells of promiscuous reading, and frequently surprised his friend with his references. "It wouldn't be only our men, either," he said, a moment later. "I was thinking of that," replied Scott. "Old Herrick's would go, too. I wish you could persuade him to go back to England, Hard; that ranch of his is no place for an artist." Hard nodded. "I doubt if I could," he said. "Herrick's obstinate." They had reached the cabin where they were to sleep and were hailed drowsily but inquisitively by Adams. "Hullo, you guys! Did you find the lady?" "We did, and she asked warmly after you," replied Scott. Then, in a low tone to Hard: "No use saying anything about Pachuca to the boys." Hard nodded. "Better not," he agreed. "Did she? I think you lie," replied Adams, sleepily. "Don't be any noisier than you can help, you two, getting to bed. I've lost two hours of my beauty sleep now waitin' up for you and I need my rest." * * * * * "I'm going over to my place to give the men their breakfast," said Mrs. Van Zandt, looking into Polly's bedroom the next morning. "Just you lay in bed until you're rested." "I'm rested now," said the girl, sitting up. "Is there--no, of course there isn't a bathtub on the place?" she laughed. "Bathtub? Well, I should say not, but your pitcher's full, I guess. You'll get used to being without bathtubs after a while. They ain't half as important as folks think." "I don't mind. I've camped," said Polly, heroically. "What I really wanted to ask you was how soon you thought I could get away?" "Get away? Why, ain't you just come?" "Yes, but I thought Bob was here. I never would have dumped myself down upon a lot of strangers like this."