The child threw her arms around Roger's neck and they both looked off to the ranch house, where the windows glowed red in the sunset. There was something infinitely soothing to Roger in Felicia's embrace and he held her until she wriggled impatiently and announced that she was hungry.
"We'll head for supper," he said, and putting her down he took her hand and they started through the sand for the ranch and Charley. Gustav was waiting for them at the edge of the corral.
"Felicia, you run on up to the house and tell Charley I'll be there in a minute," said Roger.
CHAPTER X
DEATH IN THE DESERT
"Don't scold Gustav," cried Felicia.
"I won't," replied Roger, grimly, and the child sped up the path to the porch.
"Roger! I did not mean nodings to hurt you! Vy, you ver like my own son. I vas having a plan to help you. Please, Roger, listen—Bitte sehr!"