BAD NEWS They found rest for the night at the ranch house.

The place was wide and hospitable.

The girl looked about her with wonder on the comfortable arrangements for work.

If only her mother had had such a kitchen to work in, and such a pleasant, happy home, she might have been living yet.

There was a pleasant-faced, sweet-voiced woman with gray hair whom the men called "mother." She gave the girl a kindly welcome, and made her sit down to a nice warm supper, and, when it was over, led her to a little room where her own bed was, and told her she might sleep with her.