"This is a particularly audacious case, though--don't you think so, Aleck?" Curtis went on. "Here this man has been living for several years in Randall, a respected citizen, holding office, with influence in the community, when, behold, it is discovered that just before coming here he had skipped from some town in Missouri, where he was postmaster, with all the money in his office and another man's wife. But his sin has finally found him out." "It always does," observed Lucy coolly. Louise Dent was conscious of a fluttering in her throat and realized that her heart was beating loudly. The moment's pause that followed seemed to her so long that she rushed into speech, without thought of what she said: "I'm afraid it does." "Why do you say 'afraid,' Dearie?" asked Lucy, with surprise. "Isn't it right that it should?" Louise made brief and noncommittal reply and Bancroft hurriedly asked Curtis how the round-up was getting on. "Well, we've got the thing started, and are ready to move the cattle on the north part of the range toward Pelham. We'll begin shipping within two or three weeks. But something seems to have struck the cowboy market this year; I've been short of hands all the Spring." "Perhaps I can give you some help," said Bancroft. "A Mexican from up North has been to me looking for work. He came the day you had the chase after Melgares and was in again to-day. He has worked for Baxter, and Dell says he is an expert cowboy and sure to give satisfaction." "He must be an unusual sort of greaser if he's looking for work," laughed Conrad. "If he's that sort, I guess he'll strike my gait." They found the Mexican sitting on the steps of the front veranda when they finished dinner. "Why," exclaimed Curtis with hearty interest, "he's the same chap that told me my mare was stolen. I hope you can ride and throw a rope; I'm obliged to you already, and I'd like to do you a good turn. I'll meet you down town presently, and if you know anything about the business I'll take you behind me on my mare to the ranch to-night, and you can go to work in the morning." The moon had just risen, and its huge white disk seemed to be resting on the plain only a little way beyond the town. Its brilliant silvery light was already working weird transformations in the landscape. "Oh, are you going to ride home to-night, through this wonderful moonlight!" Lucy exclaimed. "How I envy you!"