"About the mortgage on the Stevenson place: I've bought the ranch. Stevenson moves off in a few days."
Menocal's brows lifted and remained so, as if fixed in their new elevation. He slowly rubbed the end of his nose with his forefinger. The sleepiness had wholly vanished from his countenance.
"Come into the bank," he said, finally; and moved toward the front door.
The engineer accompanied him. In a space railed off from the cashier's grille in the little building next door they sat down. The teller was visible in the cage, where now he appeared very busy though he had undoubtedly been drowsing when they entered.
"So you've bought the Stevenson ranch," Menocal said.
"Yes. I've just had the deed recorded."
"The mortgage is due in a few days; I told him it wouldn't be renewed by me."
"Perhaps now that I have the place——"
"No; I've carried that loan long enough. If it isn't paid when due, I'll start foreclosure proceedings immediately."
Bryant nodded.