The owner of the Quarter Circle KT was really shocked and worried.  He had surrendered quickly to his first impression concerning the widow.  The original meeting at Eagle Butte, when she and Carolyn June appeared as visions of feminine loveliness, as contrasted with the homely cook and her daughter whom he and Skinny had mistaken for, and feared were, the Quarter Circle KT’s prospective guests, had caused a psychic effect on his feelings toward Ophelia.  The sense of relief that came when he found that the cook was not Ophelia, together with the widow’s unexpected graciousness, had instantly disarmed his suspicions and, metaphorically speaking, hurled his heart into her lap.  He had found the widow charming, interesting, very feminine, and already dreams had shaped themselves in his mind.  The sudden revelation that Parker had made brought tremendous disappointment.  Ophelia had not shown the least indication of obnoxious strong-mindedness or that disagreeable intellectuality which Old Heck firmly believed was a necessary attribute of all women who participated in politics or “movements.”

Ophelia was an “Organizer”!  It was unbelievable!  The thought gave him a sickening feeling at the pit of his stomach and actually made his head ache.

Old Heck’s first impulse, when Parker made the startling announcement, was to assert his authority as boss of the outfit and annul the every-other-day arrangement whereby he and his foreman were to share and share alike in the widow’s society.  He would let Parker do it all—­have her all of the time!  He wouldn’t take any chances!  On second thought he decided to wait at least another day.  Besides, it was against his principles, contrary to the ethics of the range, to back up on a bargain and he never asked an employee to do a thing he hadn’t the courage to do himself.  He would stick it out, come what may, and see the thing through to a finish.  However, there was still a means of escape.  If Ophelia developed any really serious suffragette tendencies during the next day or two he would go on the beef hunt himself and let Parker remain at the ranch!

When finally he went to sleep Ophelia was still on his mind.  The first thought that came to him when he awakened the next morning was the sickening news Parker had brought.

Old Heck and the cowboys were silent and had about them an air of depression when they filed into the kitchen for breakfast.

Each cast furtive, curious glances at Ophelia.  The information that she was an “Organizer”—­presumably for a “Movement” involving woman’s political rights—­caused them to view her with a kind of reverential awe and fear.  The widow and Carolyn June, apparently, were wholly unconscious of the thoughts in the minds of the men.  Both women were as innocent-looking and attractive as ever—­matching with their early morning freshness the bowl of roses Carolyn June, before the call to breakfast, had gathered and placed on the table.