Sundown as arbiter of peace felt that he had, in truth, "spoken right out." He was not a little surprised at himself and a bit fearful. Yet he felt justified in his suggestion. Theoretically he had made a fair offer. Practically his offer was of no value. Sheep and cattle could not occupy the same range. Loring grumbled something and shoved back his chair. They rose and stepped to the veranda. "If you can get Corliss to agree to what you say--and quit runnin' cattle on the water-hole side--I'll quit runnin' sheep there." And Loring waved his hand toward the north. "But the Concho is on the west side--" began Sundown. "And cattle are grazin' on the east side," said Loring. Sundown scratched his head. "I reckon I got to see Jack," he said. "And you'll waste time, at that," said Loring. "Look here! Are you ranchin' to hold down the water-hole for Corliss or to make a livin'?" Sundown hesitated. He gazed across the yard to the distant mesa. Suddenly a figure crossed the pathway to the gate. He jerked up his head and stood with mouth open. It couldn't be--but, yes, it was Anita--Linda Rosa! Gee Gosh! He turned to Loring. "I been tellin' you the truth," he said simply. "'Course I got to see me boss, now. But it makes no difference what he says, after this. I'm ranchin' for meself, because I'm--er--thinkin' of gettin' married." Without further explanation, Sundown stalked to the stable and got his horse. He came to the hacienda and made his adieux. Then he mounted and rode slowly down the roadway toward the gate. Anita's curiosity had overcome her timidity. Quite accidentally she stood toying with a bud that she had picked from the flower-bordered roadway. She turned as Sundown jingled up and met him with a murmur of surprise and pleasure. He swung from his horse hat in hand and advanced, bowing. Anita flushed and gazed at the ground. "'Mornin', Senorita! I sure am jest hoppin' glad to see you ag'in. If I'd 'a' knowed you was here . . . But I come on business--important. Reckon you're visitin' friends, eh?" "Si, Senor!" "Do you come here reg'lar?" "Only to see the good aunt sometimes." "Uhuh. I kind of wish your aunt was hangin' out at the Concho, though. This here ain't a reg'lar stoppin'-place for me." "You go away?" queried Anita. "I reckon I got to after what I said up there to the house. Yes, I'm goin' back to feed me pigs and Chance and the hens. I set up housekeepin' since I seen you. Got a ranch of me own--that I was tellin' you about. You ought to see it! Some class! But it's mighty lonely, evenin's." Anita sighed and glanced at Sundown. Then her gaze dwelt on the bud she held. "Si, Senor--it is lonely in the evenings," she said, and although she spoke in Spanish, Sundown did not misunderstand.