"I surrender. I'm a pretty fair soldier at long range, but this"—and his arm went round her affectionately—"this is utter defeat. I strike my colors. Then, you always give in so gracefully."
"To you, perhaps, Uncle Walter. But I haven't given in this time. I'm just as interested as ever."
"And you think they are the men we saw out on the Mojave by the water-tank?"
"Oh, I know it! They remembered the rose. They spoke of it right away, before I did."
"Yes, Louise. And you remember, too, that they were arrested at Barstow—for murder, the conductor said?"
"That's just it! The boy Collie says the tramp Overland Red didn't kill the man. He was trying to save him and gave him water. If you could only hear what the boy says about it—"
"I don't suppose it would do any harm," said the rancher. "I dislike to use my influence. You know, I practically control Dick Tenlow's place at the elections."
"That's just why he should be willing to let the boy go," said Louise quickly.
"No, sweetheart. That's just why I shouldn't ask Dick to do anything of the kind. But I see I'm in for it. You have already interested your Aunt Eleanor. She spoke to me about the boy last night."
"Aunty Eleanor is a dear. I didn't really ask her to speak to you."