Mose talked to Gus in this way for an hour or two, and during that time the boy learned a good deal concerning the people, the country, the raiders, both Indians and Mexicans, and the life he was likely to lead as long as he remained at Mr. Ackerman’s rancho. He learned also, to his great surprise, that his father’s old book-keeper and clerk were not looked upon by the natives of the country with any degree of respect; but this was a matter upon which Mose had very little to say, and Gus did not find out why it was that Uncle John and his son were so unpopular. Before Gus had learned all he wanted to know, the landlord came up to pilot him in to supper. The tables were loaded with frontier delicacies, and although there were no table-cloths or napkins, and the guests sat on long benches, instead of chairs, and used their fingers and formidable-looking bowies, instead of the knives and forks that had been provided for them, everything was as neat as it could be, and Gus made a hearty meal. Soon after they arose from the table, Mose went out to attend to some business for his employer, first telling Gus that he had better go to bed at an early hour, for they would be miles on their way toward the rancho by the time the sun arose the next morning. The boy was only too glad to follow this advice, for he was almost tired out. He made his way to the office and found the landlord there. “Where did you say my room was?” he inquired. “Room!” roared the landlord. “The bar-room. Best room in the house, ‘kase it’s the biggest. A good many folk sleep thar, though.” “Couldn’t you give me a room to myself?” asked Gus. “I can pay for it.” “Can’t possibly crowd ye into ary bed-room in this rancho to-night,” was the reply. “They’re all full cl’ar up to the ceiling. Every square inch of my tables is occupied, an’ some of the boarders are glad to hang up on the hooks in the office. The bench is the best I kin do for ye, an’ ye’ll find a good bed thar. It’ll make ye that sleepy to look at it that ye’ll want to tumble right into it. Come on an’ I’ll show it to ye!”