“You are his deceased partner’s daughter; and everybody thinks you are in Europe,” I stated.

“How in the world did you know that?  But no matter; it is true.  I embarked three months ago on the Limited for New York intending, as you say, to go on a long trip to Europe.  My father and I had been alone in the world.  We were very fond of each other.  I took no companion, nor did I intend to.  I felt quite independent and able to take care of myself.  At the last moment Mr. Hooper boarded the train.  That was quite unexpected.  He was on his way to the ranch.  He persuaded me to stop over for a few days to decide some matters.  You know, since my father’s death I am half owner.”

“Whole owner,” I murmured.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.  Go ahead.  Sure you don’t mind my smoking?” I lit one of the tailor-mades and settled back.  Even my inexperienced youth recognized the necessity of relief this long-continued stubborn repression must feel.  My companion had as yet told me nothing I did not already know or guess; but I knew it would do her good to talk, and I might learn something valuable.

“We came out to the ranch, and talked matters over quite normally; but when it came time for my departure, I was not permitted to leave.  For some unexplained reason I was a prisoner, confined absolutely to the four walls of this enclosure.  I was guarded night and day; and I soon found I was to be permitted conversation with two men only, Mexicans named Ramon and Andreas.”

“They are his right and left hand,” I commented.

“So I found.  You may imagine I did not submit to this until I found I had to.  Then I made up my mind that the only possible thing to do was to acquiesce, to observe, and to wait my chance.”

“You were right enough there.  Why do you figure he did this?”

“I don’t know!” she cried with a flash of thwarted despair.  “I have racked my brains, but I can find no motive.  He has not asked me for a thing; he has not even asked me a question.  Unless he’s stark crazy, I cannot make it out!”

“He may be that,” I suggested.

“He may be; and yet I doubt it somehow.  I don’t know why; but I feel that he is sane enough.  He is inconceivably cruel and domineering.  He will not tolerate a living thing about the place that will not or cannot take orders from him.  He kills the flies, the bees, the birds, the frogs, because they are not his.  I believe he would kill a man as quickly who stood out even for a second against him here.  To that extent I believe he is crazy:  a sort of monomania.  But not otherwise.  That is why I say he will kill you; I really believe he would do it.”

“So do I,” I agreed, grimly.  “However, let’s drop that for right now.  Do you know a man named Brower, Artie Brower?”

“I don’t think I ever heard of him.  Why?”

“Never mind for a minute.  I’ve just had a great thought strike me.  Just let me alone a few moments while I work it out.”