It was a long ride for the pair, for in a short time they passed beyond the line of human habitation and found themselves in an open country under the broad expanse of the starlit heavens.
Midnight overtook them in the same desolate land, but all at once the scene changed.
The country began to grow diversified with grass and timber, and pasture lands appeared on either side.
They had reached a grazing district, and the long wire fences met them as they rode along.
Presently the barking of dogs was heard, and in a few moments the riders threw their lines over the steeds' necks and dismounted.
A light appeared in the courtyard of a large ranch house in front of them, and the voice of a woman was heard.
"Back again!" exclaimed the woman, who stood in the court with a light in her hand.
"Yes," cried Merle Macray, as he sprang forward and pressed something into her hand.
She looked at it and smiled.
She was a person of five-and-twenty, regal in appearance and splendidly handsome.