“What do you know about him, Joe?”
“Nothing; only he’s been a noted crook and jail-breaker.”
“Jean is to be our book-keeper. She’s been disappointed over that Green River affair. Do you know what became of Ashleigh?”
“I left him at my station in charge of my business. He’s as honest as the day. But, by the way, why didn’t Jean answer the letter he sent out in care of your Happy Jack?”
“She received no letter. But what about Le-Le? Did he marry her?”
“Did Ashleigh marry Le-Le? What a question! Who said he did?”
“Jackman.”
“Jean must know of all this. Will you break it to her, Joe?”
Night had come; and the autumn rains were gently enwrapping the Ranch of the Whispering Firs in a sheet of mist when Joseph Ranger sought Jean in her little schoolroom for a private conversation.