"Oh, he has been to you, too? He makes a clean sweep of it! He comes here at noon with a score, perhaps, of men; and if there is anything they do not take, it is because it is broken--like my wagon. Men, money, and stock--our neighbor is thorough and no mistake!" "I was afraid of it," said Scott. "He's cleaning up the community. Herrick, I want you to know Bob Street's sister, Miss Polly Street." He added a few words of explanation of the girl's presence. Herrick surveyed her with interest. "You are unlucky to strike this country at such a time," he said. "Unless you like experiences?" "I do," said Polly, promptly. "That's why they're sending me home." The little man smiled. "After all, most experience is worth while," he said. "Sit down and rest--you will stay, all of you, won't you? For the night? There is some food left." Scott and Li Yow walked away with the horses to the barn which stood not a great way from the house, surrounded by a good-sized corral. Polly sank into an easy chair which commanded through a window a view of a part of the living-room. She caught a glimpse of a grand piano, bright colored rugs, bookcases overflowing with books, and other evidences of comfort. Hard gave their host an account of the Athens hold-up, not forgetting the part Polly had played in it. "I remembered," he said, "that Li was a doctor, and thought perhaps you'd loan him to us for Jimmy. We don't think much of the Conejo medico." "Himmel, no!" responded Herrick, quickly. "You shall have Li, of course." Polly leaned back with a little sigh of content. Herrick smiled. "You are tired," he said, "and by and by you will be chilly. Henry, as Li is busy, suppose you build up a fire in the living-room?" Polly looked a bit surprised, but Hard laughed as he went into the house. "Herrick never does any rough work," he said, indulgently. "He has to take care of his hands." "So!" replied their host, "my fingers are my good friends, consequently I take good care of them. Why not? Some day I may need their services again." "I hope so," said Polly, frankly. "I think it's rather dreadful for an artist to bury himself in a place like this." "One does not bury oneself, my child, one rests and creates," said the musician, gently. "Ah, here is Scott! He has been looking at my wagon." Scott tossed Polly her long cloak which she had left on her saddle. "Yes, I took a look at the wagon, while Li turned the horses out," he said. "I think I can patch it up so that we can drive to Athens in it. You see, Herrick, we've only got three horses and I have to send Li back on one of them to-night." "Can he make it--the horse?" "With a little rest and a feed--if Li takes it easy. Of course, it's not the way I like to treat my horses, but Jimmy's leg is in a bad state." "Very well. You may have Li and also the wagon," replied Herrick. "The more willingly because I have a favor to ask of you." "Of course. What is it?"