Didn't the major tell you ?" "No," said the girl.

"He was away; I haven't seen him yet." "Well, the flow of water has ceased completely.

That's what I'm here for.

The major sent for me, and I've been to examine it." "And is that stoppage so very important ?" she said dubiously.
It was his turn to look at her wonderingly.
"If it's LOST entirely, it means ruin for the ranch," he said sharply.
He wheeled his horse, nodded gravely, and trotted off.
Major Randolph's figure of the "life-blood of the ranch" flashed across her suddenly.

She knew nothing of irrigation or the costly appliances by which the Californian agriculturist opposed the long summer droughts.
She only vaguely guessed that the dreadful earthquake had struck at the prosperity of those people whom only a few hours ago she had been proud to call her friends.