Edward gave her a long look, and her eyes dropped under it. He looked then at Baird, who had been silently observant. "Perhaps you'll watch over this reckless young person until Mr. Penniman comes," he said more lightly. "Having scolded, I'll depart.... Good-by, Ann." But there was nothing chiding in the parting look he gave her, Baird noticed. There was good reason for his somewhat hasty departure, for the man who had just separated from the group on the station platform was Coats Penniman. When he started toward them, Edward had ridden on. As he approached, Coats eyed Baird quite as gravely and observantly as Edward had done. He had a stern face, heavy black brows that lowered easily over blue-gray eyes. Baird gave him look for look, coolly, returning his nod in like fashion, and Coats transferred his attention to Ann. "Well, Ann?" "I stopped up here on account of the horse," Ann explained. "He was ugly when the train came--if I'd been nearer, I reckon he'd have run away.... This is Mr. Baird, father--he wanted to meet you--he wants to sell you an automobile." Ann was very certain that her father would promptly dispose of Baird. He knew who Baird was, the whole Ridge knew Baird now--an enterprising young fellow who had been put forward by the Westmores. Both to her surprise and Baird's, Coats offered his hand. "I'm glad to meet you. I've heard about you--you're a western man, aren't you?" "Chicago.... Some one was telling me you'd lived out there--long enough to be interested in automobiles, I hope." Baird had rather a taking smile, particularly when it was whimsical. To Ann's greater surprise, Coats said, "I have been thinking of getting one--if for no other reason than to get some decent roads about here. From what I know of your Dempsters they can be guaranteed to furnish an accident or two that would stir up our county supervisors. The roads they give us are an outrage." Coats' face softened pleasantly under amusement, and Baird laughed. "Tell me who they are, and I'll go for them--sell each one of them a machine. That's a revenge that ought to satisfy you." "All right--if you want to ride on with us, I'll tell you. I'm partial to automobiles anyway--even a Dempster's more satisfactory than a brute like this.... Ann, you knew he wasn't safe--why didn't you bring Jinny?" "Jinny went lame this morning, an' the other horses were working." Coats frowned. "There's always something wrong with them. The horse is certainly an obsolete way of getting about--I'll be glad when he becomes merely a pet."