Jean was quick to see the shadow in the eyes of the women in that household and to sense a strange reliance which his presence brought.
"Son, this heah Tonto is a land of milk an' honey," said his father, as Jean gazed spellbound at the bounteous supper.
Jean certainly performed gastronomic feats on this occasion, to the delight of Aunt Mary and the wonder of the children.

"Oh, he's starv-ved to death," whispered one of the little boys to his sister.
They had begun to warm to this stranger uncle.

Jean had no chance to talk, even had he been able to, for the meal-time showed a relaxation of restraint and they all tried to tell him things at once.

In the bright lamplight his father looked easier and happier as he beamed upon Jean.
After supper the men went into an adjoining room that appeared most comfortable and attractive.

It was long, and the width of the house, with a huge stone fireplace, low ceiling of hewn timbers and walls of the same, small windows with inside shutters of wood, and home-made table and chairs and rugs.
"Wal, Jean, do you recollect them shootin'-irons ?" inquired the rancher, pointing above the fireplace.