He had neither seen nor had news of them since the chance meeting at the ford; but now, as he could survey his canal line on the mesa only during the early hours, he planned to make frequent visits to the girls.
That they already had a caller this afternoon he discovered on arriving at the two little cabins built of boards, peeping forth from among the trees in the mouth of the canon.

The place was indeed charming, with its grass and shade, with its brook flowing close by the dwellings, with walls of rock rising behind.

Just now an automobile rested before the trees; and the engineer saw a man sitting on the grass with Ruth Gardner and Imogene Martin, the three chatting and laughing gaily.

When Bryant got a good look at the other visitor he gave vent to an ejaculation in which was blended surprise and contempt.

"That magpie! Of all damn impudence!" For the cavalier so debonairly entertaining the young ladies was none other than the olive-skinned Charlie Menocal.
A sense of pique was Bryant's succeeding feeling.