advisable."

Then they rode down into the valley, through oatfields, and between the
tall fir-stumps that rose amidst the fern, under the boughs of an
orchard, and up to the square log-house. Nobody came out to receive
them, or answered their call, and Deringham, dismounting, helped his
daughter down, and tethering the horses passed through the verandah
into the house. The long table in the big log-walled room they entered
was littered with unwashed plates. Torn over-alls and old knee-boots
lay amidst the axes and big saws in one corner, the dust was heavy
everywhere, and rifles and salmon-spears hung upon the walls. There
was no sign of taste or comfort. Everything suggested grim utility,
and the house was very still. The girl, who was tired, sat down with a
little gesture of dismay.

"This is worse and worse," she said.

Deringham, who was fond of his daughter, laid a hand upon her shoulder
reassuringly. "You can go on to Vancouver when you wish," said he.
"Sit still and rest, while I see if there is anybody about."

He strolled round the homestead, and noticed that log barns and stables
were all well built, while presently he found a man plucking fowls in a
galvanized shed. There was a row of them before him, all without
heads, while an ensanguined axe close by indicated the fashion of their
execution. He glanced at Deringham a moment, and then fell to work
again.

"Oh, yes, this is Somasco, and the finest ranch this side of the
Fraser," he said. "Can you see Mr. Alton? Well, I figure he's busy,