silent when there was nothing to say, and that was a blessing, for
Mrs. Austin herself was not talkative, and idle chatter distressed
her.

On the whole, when Alaire had finished her analysis she rather
resented the good impression Law had made upon her, for on general
principles she chose to dislike and distrust men. Rising, she
walked painfully to the pond and made a leisurely toilet.

Breakfast was ready when she returned, and once more the man sat
upon his heels and smoked while she ate. Alaire could not catch
his eyes upon her, except when he spoke, at which time his gaze
was direct and open; yet never did she feel free from his
intensest observation.

After a while she remarked: "I'm glad to see a Ranger in this
county. There has been a lot of stealing down our way, and the
Association men can't seem to stop it. Perhaps you can."

"The Rangers have a reputation in that line," he admitted. "But
there is stealing all up and down the border, since the war. You
lost any stuff?"

"Yes. Mostly horses."

"Sure! They need horses in Mexico."

"The ranchers have organized. They have formed a sort of vigilance
committee in each town, and talk of using bloodhounds."