’I mean you and that young scamp.  He’s bad, papa; bad all the way through.  And you, you dear old innocent——­’

Longstreet glanced hastily over his shoulder and then frowned at her.

’You mustn’t talk that way.  He is a remarkably fine young fellow.  We are in a new environment, you and I, Helen.  We are in Rome and must learn something of the Romans.  Now, Mr. Barbee——­’

‘Is Roman all the way through!’ sniffed Helen.  ’You just look out that he doesn’t lead you into mischief.’

In the stable Howard was saddling two horses, meaning to invite Helen to begin her serious study now.  He, too, was interested in the odd friendship which seemed to be growing up so swiftly between two men so utterly unlike.  He turned to Barbee to ask a question and saw the young fellow stoop and sweep up something that had fallen into the straw underfoot.  Howard’s eyes were quick and keen; it was only a flash, but he recognized a ten of spades.  He turned back to the latigo he was drawing tight.  But before they left the stable he offered carelessly: 

‘What do you think of the professor, Barbee?’

And Barbee answered joyously: 

‘He’s a reg’lar ring-tailed old he-devil, Al.’  He winked brightly.  ’One of these days him and me is going to drift down to Tres Pinos.  And, say, won’t the town know about us?’

‘What do you mean?’ demanded Howard sharply.

Barbee considered him a thoughtful moment.  Then he shrugged.

‘Oh, nothing,’ he said.

Chapter VI

The Youthful Heart

To both Helen and her father, tarrying at Desert Valley Ranch, the long, still, hot days were fraught with much new interest.  Life was new and golden, viewed from this fresh viewpoint.  Helen had come hitherward from her city haunts with trepidation; even Longstreet, serenely optimistic regarding the ultimate crown of success to his labour, was genuinely delighted.  The days passed all too swiftly.

As can in no way be held reprehensible in one of her age and maidenly beauty and charm, Helen’s interest had to do primarily with men, two men.  They, quite as should be in this land of novelty, were unlike the men she had known.  With each passing hour Helen came to see this more clearly.  She was a bright young woman, alert and with at least a modicum of scientific mental attitude inherited from the machinery of her father’s brain.  Like any other healthy young animal, she wanted to know whys and wherefores and the like.