"You mentioned that you had some business with me. I suppose you're looking up orders for fruit trees?" The stranger smiled. "I'm a store clerk by profession. Out of a job at present. Name's T. Graham Watkins. Now you know me." He turned to Miss Oliver with a bow, but she made no comment, and he glanced toward the boys. "We've got to have a talk," he added, addressing Mr. Oliver. "I'm not sure you'd want these young men or your sister to hear." "You can tell it here," said Mr. Oliver dryly. "I can make a guess at your business, and if I'm right I've no objections to the others staying where they are." "Then it's just this. The folks I represent aren't pleased with you. They've a notion that you've been bucking against them for the last few months and trying to find out things they'd rather keep dark." "I presume you're referring to the dope runners. Why didn't they come themselves?" "That's easily answered," said Mr. Watkins. "I understand you haven't seen one of them yet, and they don't want to give you an opportunity of doing so." Harry grinned at Frank across the table unnoticed by the speaker. "In my case it doesn't matter," the latter added. "I've merely called to give you a message." "Aren't you rather hanging fire with it?" Mr. Oliver asked. "I feel kind of diffident. I don't want to say anything that might alarm your sister." Miss Oliver smiled. "You needn't hesitate. My brother generally takes me into his confidence, and I don't think either of us is very easily startled." "Won't you send the boys away, anyhow?" "No," said Mr. Oliver quietly, "I think I mentioned that I'd rather let them stay." "Well," said the other, "this is the position. The gentlemen you mentioned can land their stuff near here and get it away through the bush easily; that is, if you'll lie by and take no hand against them. There are other routes, but they're longer and more difficult, and my friends would rather stick to this one if it's possible. The question is how can they make it worth your while to shut your eyes and leave them alone?" Harry suddenly straightened himself and Frank noticed the quick flush of anger in his face, but Miss Oliver was smiling and the rancher's voice was as tranquil as usual. "The answer's very simple," he said. "It can't be done." Mr. Watkins appeared astonished. "I want you to consider your position," he repeated. "I may tell you that I considered it carefully some months ago, but there's a point I'd like to mention. Has it struck you that I might promise to fall in with your friends' views and all the same give them away?" "It was talked about," Mr. Watkins answered. "We decided it wouldn't be in keeping with what we knew about your character, and you'd certainly be sorry you had done it afterward." "Now we're coming to the second and more important half of the message," said Mr. Oliver.