After dinner they went out on the porch for a smoke, leaving Nellie inside. They could hear her singing as she washed the dishes. Hazelton smiled as a particularly happy note reached his ears. "I don't know what's got into Sis," he said, flashing a swift glance at Hollis. "I don't know as I ever heard her sing that well before." Hollis made no reply and the conversation turned to the drought--as all conversations did during that period. Word had come to Hazelton of Dunlavey's warning to the cattle owners. He had heard also of Hollis's announced intention of taking sides with the small owners. "Dunlavey's ten days is up the day after tomorrow," said Hazelton. "If Dunlavey starts anything what are you going to do?" "That will depend on what Dunlavey starts," smiled Hollis. "H'm!" inexpressively grunted Hazelton. He flashed a glance at the face of the young man beside him, noting the firm mouth, the steady eyes, and the faint, grim smile. "H'm!" he said again. "I suppose you know who you're going to give your water to?" he questioned. Hollis nodded. "To men who refused to help my father when he needed help," he returned. Hazelton smiled oddly. "I've heard about that," he said. He laughed. "It strikes me that I wouldn't give such men any water," he added. Hollis turned and looked at him, meeting his gaze fairly, and holding it. "Yes, you would, Hazelton," he said, a broad smile on his face. "How do you know that?" queried the latter, slightly defiant. Hollis motioned toward the kitchen door. "I know," he said; "you're her brother." "Well," began Hazelton hesitatingly,--"I----" The screen door opened--slammed, and Nellie Hazelton came out upon the porch. She had found time to change her morning dress for a soft, fluffy creation of some sort, and she stood before them, flushing slightly as both looked at her, a picture that smote Hollis's heart with a sudden longing. Only one glance did she give him and then she was over near Ed's chair, leaning over him, stroking his hair. For a long time Hollis sat, watching them with sympathetic, appreciative eyes. Then he thought of the letter in his pocket, the one postmarked "Chicago," which he had discovered at the _Kicker_ office on returning from the court house. He drew it from his pocket and read the legend in the upper left hand corner: "Dr. J. J. Hammond, ---- Hospital, Chicago, Ill."