He lifted his hat as he perceived the occupant of the wagon to be a lady.
"I beg your pardon, but I fear I've lost my way in trying to make a short cut to the Excelsior Company's Ranch." "You are in it now," said Mrs.Randolph, quickly.
"Thank you, but where can I find the farmhouse ?" "There is none," she returned, with her old superciliousness, "unless you choose to give that name to the shanties and sheds where the laborers and servants live, near the road." The stranger looked puzzled.

"I'm looking for a Mr.Dawson," he said reflectively, "but I may have made some mistake.

Do you know Major Randolph's house hereabouts ?" "I do.

I am Mrs.Randolph," she said stiffly.
The stranger's brow cleared, and he smiled pleasantly.

"Then this is a fortunate meeting," he said, raising his hat again as he reined in his horse beside the wagon, "for I am Mr.Mallory, and I was looking forward to the pleasure of presenting myself to you an hour or two later.