When they arrived at Stacey, Lorry learned that his father had recently gone to the ranch. After supper that evening, Mrs. Adams mentioned the strike. The papers printed columns of the awful details; outrages and killings beyond the thought of possibility. And Mrs. Adams spoke of the curious circumstance that the men who put down the lawlessness were unnamed; that all that could be learned of them was that there were ranchers and cowmen who were known by number alone. "And I'm glad that you didn't go riding off down there," she said to Lorry. "The paper says men from all over the State volunteered." "So am I," said Shoop promptly. "I was readin' about that strike when we was over to The Junction. Lorry and me been over that way on business. I seen that that young fella, number thirty-eight, was one of the men who went after that machine gun." "How do you know that he was a young man?" queried Mrs. Adams. "Why--er--only a young fella would act that foolish, I reckon. You say Jim is feelin' spry ag'in?" "Oh, much better! He's lame yet. But he can ride." "That's good." "And did you see that the paper says men are volunteering to go to France? I wonder what will happen next?" "I dunno," said Shoop gravely. "I been thinkin' about that." "Well, I hope Lorry won't think that he has to go. Some of the boys in town are talking about it." "It's in the air," said Shoop. "And his father will need him now. Could you spare him, if Jim finds he can't get along alone?" "I don't know," laughed Bud. "I reckon I need somebody to look after them campers up to my old place." "Oh, I forgot to tell you; the folks that were here last summer stopped by on their way to Jason. Mrs. Weston and her girl. They said they were going to visit Mr. Bronson." "H'm! Then I reckon I got to keep Lorry. Don't know what three females would do with just Bronson for comp'ny. He's a-tickin' at that writin' machine of his most all day, and sometimes nights. It must be like livin' in a cave." "But Dorothy hasn't," said Lorry. "That's right! My, but that little gal has built up wonderful since she's been up there! Did you see my watch?" "Why, no!" "Some style to that!" And Shoop displayed the new watch with pride. "And here's the name of the lady what give it to me." Lorry's mother examined the watch, and handed it to Lorry, to whom the news of the gift was a surprise. "But she didn't give him a watch," said Shoop, chuckling. * * * * * Up in their room that night, Lorry helped Bud out of his coat. Shoop's arm was stiff and sore. "And your mother would think it was a mighty queer business, if she knowed this," said Bud, "or who that number thirty-eight was down there." "You sure made a good bluff, Bud."