CHAPTER XXX. PACKARD'S HOME AT RED GULCH.
Mr. Packard's cattle ranch was located in one of the extensive parks for which Colorado is noted. It included several square miles of territory. The cattleman had erected a dwelling, covering a good deal of ground, but only one story high. While it was comfortable, it was easy to see that it was the home of a bachelor.
He had as housekeeper the widow of a herdsman, or perhaps I may say, cowboy, who had died a year before. She cooked and took care of the house.
"Well, Rupert," he said, "this is my home. Mrs. Jones, get ready two rooms for my friends here. Uncle John, you are the oldest and shall have the choice."
"Any room will do for me, Giles," said the old man modestly.
"You shall have as good a one as the house affords."
"You treat me differently from Eben Jackson. He gave me a small room in the attic."