The sleepiness had wholly vanished from his countenance.

"Come into the bank," he said, finally; and moved toward the front
door.

The engineer accompanied him. In a space railed off from the cashier's
grille in the little building next door they sat down. The teller was
visible in the cage, where now he appeared very busy though he had
undoubtedly been drowsing when they entered.

"So you've bought the Stevenson ranch," Menocal said.

"Yes. I've just had the deed recorded."

"The mortgage is due in a few days; I told him it wouldn't be renewed
by me."

"Perhaps now that I have the place----"

"No; I've carried that loan long enough. If it isn't paid when due,
I'll start foreclosure proceedings immediately."

Bryant nodded.

"Well, I merely asked out of curiosity," said he. "It's your right to
demand payment--and I'm on hand with the money. Make out a release so
that I can clear the record. Here's a Denver draft for six thousand
dollars--I figure principal and interest at five thousand four hundred
and you can have the balance placed to my credit in the bank. I
shouldn't continue the loan at its present rate of interest in any