Mason of Bar X Ranch

ly cleaning horses and polishing saddle accoutrements. The ranch-house was being vigorously cleaned and aired. The reason for all this extra work was a telegr

and stated that she was coming with his mother to pay him a visit and they were bringing along a friend of the family for company. The telegram had bee

l thoughts of MacNutt and his

een sent back to the Pos

folks. She had assumed command of the ranch, making the cook brighten up about the bunk-house and mess-room while giving orders to the cowboys about their general unclean ap

in his work that he didn't hear a light step near him until a subdued ripple of laughter caused him to look up in surpri

my work please the little Princess?"

eld him wi

more presentable," she retu

er sharp appraising lo

clean it, from the appearance of your f

nd with it the appearance of the

nning like a top and it is in fine shape. I will have these duds off and be cleaned up in about a m

already starte

she called back to him as he stood watching her

t of his powerful racer. She was in high spirits as usual, but seemed to be in a meditative mo

third party my sister is bringing with

no

hing. I hope your mother and sister

ghed o

about. Well, I will answer for mother, and as for

so?" there was a litt

e was a positive

e looked

ch a fine lady and wear such grand clothes that I would appear like a

ared. "Sis is athletic, and plays tennis and baseball just the same

pleased look on her face. They had been making fast time, and

e fresh for the long trip back to the ranch. His wagon would accommodate four people, and the plan was to have Mason's mother and the mysterious third party ride to the ranch with Scotty while Mason was to take his sister and Josephine in his car. Mason broke all speed limit

nstructions and haven't drunk anything,"

. "I reckon a man would be plumb cr

g as I want you to, Scotty. Oh,

the same talkative driver. Mason peered anxiously as the train came to a stop with a shrieking and grinding of brakes, and as the passengers

, as he nearly swu

e demanded, holding

say when she had got her breath back. "And

he introduction. Percy Vanderpool. Then his eyes tw

Mason had known of him through some of the New York clubs which he held membership in. He h

d had a decided feminine touch and Mason chuckled as he thought of the amusement he would provide f

and sis to a real Western girl,

have known you for a long time, dear," she said sweetly. "Jack has

n's mother and Percy Vanderpool. Mason took the situation in hand by rounding up Scotty and introduc

nderpool and Mason tried hard to keep back a smile when he notice

friendly way, and won his eternal friendship by praising up

arranged to have you ride to the ranch with Josephine and myself, while Percy and mother will ride with Scotty. I

will, son,"

ould get used to your reckless driving, but I'm willing to risk my n

ver as that," he protested, grinning broadly

Ethel to ride with him for h

e Mrs. Mason. Scotty won't get to the ranch before nightfa

ranch. You young folks go ahead in the car. I will sleep better to-night afte

sister and Josep

ch before dark, Scotty," he called back to the

more moderate speed, as Mason wanted hi

nfided to Ethel in an apologetic voice,

away from New York in a long time and this vacation

uriously at

grinning about, J

picked it up," he said, his

eried, her eyes wi

invite him out here? I have seen him at the clubs in New York, and he was

ns at the station, brother," she said reprovi

rcy is a regular freak, and I wish you would t

torted, "he was very kind and obliging to us on the trip an

o Nevada his father asked Dad if he could take the trip with us. Percy had just r

consent as it is a long trip for two women to take alone. Percy is r

but he thought it would be a bally good chance,

been an intere

ng total strangers," she said warmly, "there is plenty of room at

of resignation. "If you are satisfied to have him stay at the ranch I gue

sister cried, as the car gave a wide

the trail with a master hand a

ealous of Percy, the way you talk,"

ghed h

me of that; I want somethin

untains in glowing terms. Soon, they fell to talking of city society and the prevalent fashions in gowns, while Mason turned his attention to getting more speed out of his motor. A feeling of contentment seized him now that his sister was with him, and he was positive she would be able to explain more fully the enmity that existed between his father and Ricker. It was all a confused muddle to

ason said with a smile, "I trust you have e

right up to the house and I'll make your sister acqua

lt that a walk would do them good. It was still early in the afternoon and they would have time to show his sister about the ranch before Scotty arrived with his passengers. Josephine had asked Ethel as they were entering the house if she was tired, and

er own heart whom she could make a companion and chum of, an

for the house when he saw the girls coming out. He paused in his walk and stu

unconsciously to himself, "and fine girls

ded brunette while Josephine was more of the blonde type. For richness of color th

" Josephine challenged him, when both girls

returned their salute. "You both would have swelled h

. He laughingly compromised with them by offering to show them a

and as they were starting to leave the corral for an inspection of the bunk-house an

at the head of those cowboys?" hi

nch," he answered, trying to conceal a rising note of ve

. Bud was a fine fellow, he had to admit, but he felt a sharp pang of jealousy whenever he saw Josephine talking to Bud. Josephine

as Ethel's comment after sh

little tired after they had walked around a bit longer, and Josephine suggested that they go into the house and rest up for the next day. This plan was agreed to an

o took delight in showing his skill. Josephine soon excused herself, saying she had to see Pomp about a late dinner. Mason s

g before I left New York to caution you to be on your guard as Ricker is his bitter enemy a

d wrote me about it in his le

d gravely. "Dad says he has a man working on the case out here

is bit of news and star

since you left home that he is gravely concerned about, for he worries about you continually. You must promise me, Jack, to watch out for Ricker for I know he

man is that he has working for him out here. I can't figure out who it can be," he s

peaks of you and every time he receives a letter from Mr. Walters he chuckles, and once I heard him say you were a chip of the old

was making good for his father had always been lavish with him as far as money

rsation ran to lighter channels much to Mas

o arrive and Josephine kept lo

is to ride back and let me know about what time they will get h

ad brought with him from New York. Going to his room he bro

ke out any object

ses and carefully adjus

with them. "I can make out a rider heading this way and I think it is Tex. Yes, it is

in about an hour. Ethel carried the news to Josephine while Mason went to the corral with Tex to look at a vicious horse the latter w

omp's masterful cooking. After the meal the party sat on the porch until dusk, while Josephi

to break up for the night, when Josephine's sharp ears ca

ing to peer into the gloom. "All our cow

eared from out of the night

Spanish girl," Mason

is time of night?" Josephin

y placed a no

s for Mr. Mason," she answered

Josephine queried suspicious

ight, and after reading its cont

nch. He says it is important that the girl should stay here for a few weeks, and he will vouch for her honesty.

nswered, smiling a little anxiously at Mason. "Certainly, Wan