Mrs. Van Rensselaer gathered her skirts closely about her, as if in fear they would brush against some of the rough-looking men that moved back from the path as McCullen led her to the house. A couple of pigs chased by a yellow pup ran past her, then an Indian woman opened wide the main entrance of the abode and shooed out some squawking chickens, which flew straight at the visitor. Mrs. Van Rensselaer hesitated in dismay, and turned a white, startled face to McCullen. "This ain't nothin' at all," he assured her. "Go right on in. I reckon we'll find Miss Hope to home." She drew back still farther. "You go first," she implored fearfully. McCullen smiled, and picked his way into the house, followed closely by his companion, who clung to his coat. Reaching the interior he seated Mrs. Van Rensselaer upon a bench, and went in search of the Indian woman, who had disappeared at the first sight of the visitors. "She's out," he announced, returning after a moment. "They say she and the little German girl went out on their horses some time ago. I suppose you'll have to wait here till she gets back. You ain't afraid, be you?" "Do you mean that I'll have to wait here _alone_?" she inquired, frightened. "I'll stay around fer a spell," said McCullen kindly. "There ain't nothing to get nervous about." He opened the door of an adjoining room and beckoned to a breed girl, who was lulling a child to sleep in an Indian hammock. "Come in and keep this lady company. She's come to see Miss Hathaway," he said. The girl entered the room shyly--reluctantly. Jim McCullen pulled his hat over his eyes and turned to the door. "I'll look about a bit an' see if she's comin'," he said, then went out of the house. The girl was shy, and stood awkwardly in the doorway with downcast eyes, not daring to look up at the visitor. Clarice fancied herself too tired to talk, so sat on the bench and leaned back against the white-washed logs. Quiet pervaded until a pig poked open the door and looked inquisitively into the room. "Oh, drive that animal out!" exclaimed Clarice, "he's coming straight at me!" The girl gave the pig a poke that sent it grunting away, then closed the door and placed a box before it to keep it shut. "Will you kindly take me to Miss Hathaway's apartment?" asked Mrs. Van Rensselaer. The breed girl looked bewildered. "_To where?_" she asked. "To her room," requested the lady, less politely. "I suppose she has a room in this place, has she not? I should like to rest for a few moments." "It's right there," said the girl shortly, pointing at a door. "Right there!" exclaimed Mrs. Van Rensselaer crossly. "Why didn't you tell me so before?"