Nash crowded in front of Jake as she was about to step out, and assisted her.  He gave her arm a hard squeeze and fiercely whispered in her ear, “To-morrow!”

The whisper was trenchant with meaning and thoroughly aroused Lenore.  But she gave no sign and moved away.

“I seen strangers sneakin’ off in the dark,” Jake was whispering to Anderson.

“Keep your eyes peeled,” replied Anderson.  “I’ll take Lenore up to the house an’ come back.”

It was pitch black up the path through the grove and Lenore had to cling to her father.

“Is there—­any danger?” she whispered.

“We’re lookin’ for anythin’,” replied Anderson, slowly.

“Will you be careful?”

“Sure, lass.  I’ll take no foolish risks.  I’ve got men watchin’ the house an’ ranch.  But I’d better have the cowboys down.  There’s Jake—­he spots some prowlin’ coyotes the minute we reach home.”

Anderson unlocked and opened the door.  The hall was dark and quiet.  He turned on the electric light.  Lenore was detaching her veil.

“You look pale,” he said, solicitously.  “No wonder.  That was a ride.  But I’m glad we went.  I saved Dorn’s wheat.”

“I’m glad, too, father.  Good-night!”

He bade her good-night, and went out, locking the door.  Then his rapid footsteps died away.  Wearily Lenore climbed the stairs and went to her room.

* * * * *

She was awakened from deep slumber by Kathleen, who pulled and tugged at her.

“Lenorry, I thought you was dead, your eyes were shut so tight,” declared the child.  “Breakfast is waiting.  Did you fetch me anything?”

“Yes, a new sister,” replied Lenore, dreamily.

Kathleen’s eyes opened wide.  “Where?”

Lenore place a hand over her heart.

“Here.”

“Oh, you do look funny....  Get up, Lenorry.  Did you hear the shooting last night?”

Instantly Lenore sat up and stared.

“No.  Was there any?”

“You bet.  But I don’t know what it was all about.”

Lenore dispelled her dreamy state, and, hurriedly dressing, she went down to breakfast.  Her father and Rose were still at the table.

“Hello, big eyes!” was his greeting.

And Rose, not to be outdone, chirped, “Hello, old sleepy-head!”

Lenore’s reply lacked her usual spontaneity.  And she felt, if she did not explain, the wideness of her eyes.  Her father did not look as if anything worried him.  It was a way of his, however, not to show stress or worry.  Lenore ate in silence until Rose left the dining-room, and then she asked her father if there had been shooting.

“Sure,” he replied, with a broad smile.  “Jake turned his guns loose on them prowlin’ men last night.  By George! you ought to have heard them run.  One plumped into the gate an’ went clear over it, to fall like a log.  Another fell into the brook an’ made more racket than a drownin’ horse.  But it was so dark we couldn’t catch them.”