He had determined to discover something of the mystery that surrounded her and her brother, and so he was off his pony quickly and seating himself in a chair that she drew out of the cabin for him. By the time her brother had reached the porch Hollis was stretched comfortably out in the chair and was answering several timid questions concerning his opinion of the country and his new responsibilities. She was glad he liked the country, she said. It was wonderful. In the five years they had been here they had enjoyed it thoroughly--that was, of course, barring the trouble they had had with Dunlavey. Of their trouble with Dunlavey Hollis would hear much later, he told himself. At present he was more interested in discovering something about her and her brother, though he did not wish to appear inquisitive. Therefore his voice was politely casual. "Then you are not a Westerner?" he said. She smiled mournfully. "No," she returned; "we--Ed and I--were raised in Illinois, near Springfield. We came out here five years ago after--after mother died." Her voice caught. "Sometimes it seems terribly lonesome out here," she added; "when I get to thinking of--of our other home. But"--she smiled bravely through the sudden moisture that had come into her eyes--"since Ed got hurt I don't have much time to think of myself. Poor fellow." Hollis was silent. He had never had a sister but he could imagine how she must feel over the misfortune that had come to her brother. It must be a sacrifice for her to remain in this country, to care for a brother who must be a great burden to her at times, to fight the solitude, the hardships, to bear with patience the many inconveniences which are inevitable in a new, unsettled country. He felt a new admiration for her and a profound sympathy. "I think that you must be a very brave young woman," he said earnestly. "Oh!" she returned with a sudden, illuminating smile. "It isn't hard to be brave. But at times I find it hard to be patient." "Patience is one of the cardinal virtues," declared Hollis, "but it takes bravery of a rare sort to remain in this country, surrounded with the care----" Her fingers were suddenly over her lips warningly, and he saw Ed Hazelton nearing the porch. "I wouldn't have him know for the world," she said rapidly. "It isn't a care to look after someone you love." Hollis smiled grimly at the reproach in her voice and rose to greet her brother. The latter seemed to be quite recovered from the attack he had suffered in Devil's Hollow and talked freely and intelligently of affairs in the country. Hollis found that on the whole he was a well informed young man--quiet, modest, and apparently well able to give a good account of himself in spite of his affliction. He was bitter against Dunlavey and thanked Hollis warmly for his defense of his sister.