The interminable miles that separated Stafford from the nearest, did not prevent him from referring to that particular owner as "neighbor", for distances were thus determined--and distances thus determined were nearly always inaccurate.

The traveler inquiring for his destination was expected to discover it somewhere in the unknown distance.
The Two Diamond ranch had the enviable reputation of being "slick"-- which meant that Stafford was industrious and thrifty and that his ranch bore an appearance of unusual neatness.

For example, Stafford believed in the science of irrigation.

A fence skirted his buildings, another ran around a large area of good grass, forming a pasture for his horses.

His buildings were attractive, even though rough, for they revealed evidence of continued care.