Sensation on sensation. The crowd fairly hummed with new excitement resulting from these disclosures. Ed Sorenson's ways were known to most and the revelations seemed true to his character; and from believing the statements of the son to accepting those concerning the father was but a step. Cattle--girls! It began to look as if this engineer was in the right. With half of his attention Weir was harkening for the sound of starting automobiles. He had heard the scuffle of feet when the party slipped away from the jail door into the shadows. He had almost measured their passage to the alley. Ah, and now! There was a quick grind of gears, the pop of exhausts, then a dying of the sounds as the cars left the grounds. "You wished to kill me when you came here, but I had not then and have not now any intention of dying," he stated. "For I have work to do--and work for you if you want it. Instead of stealing your cattle and daughters as the Sorensons did, I'll give you jobs. We are about to begin digging canals and ditches on the mesa; I want men and teams--you and yours at good pay for a good day's work. Our quarrel of the past need not be remembered. I have never been your enemy, only the enemy of the four men who deceived and oppressed you. And now they are gone, two dead and two off to be tried for their crimes." Weir stood for a moment silent, while they as silently stared at him. "Ha, bueno, we shall work!" Naharo exclaimed. "We shall work and build your ditches, señor," cried a score of voices. Then the cry swelled to a noisy chorus. The crowd began to stir and disintegrate and break into groups, gesticulating, talking, discussing all the astonishing items of news given by the engineer, from the particulars of the Sorensons' depravity to announcement of renewed hire. "Señor, we hold you in greatest respect," said a man to Weir, smiling in friendly fashion. "And also your pistol," said a companion, laughing. "No one will need to wear pistols here in San Mateo from now on," was the answer. And he politely bade them good-night. His belief was sincere. San Mateo had gained an end of violence, and henceforth his weapon would gather dust. He had triumphed. Not only had he subdued his enemies, but he had won the good will of the people. One thing more alone remained to be won to bring him utter happiness. CHAPTER XXXII THE RECLUSE As Weir drove his car homeward through the moonlight, he knew that at last the dark shadow upon his life had passed forever. Memories poignant and sad, memories bitter and stern, returned again and again to his mind; but these henceforth with time would soften and change. Of these his last visit to his father was most vivid, that day in spring that had proved their last together.... * * * * *