The atmosphere of the place, with its disorderly surroundings and ill kept buildings, indicated that Hades Ranch was bachelor quarters exclusively.

Half a dozen Mexicans and one or two Chinamen were in the background, curious onlookers.
Mr.Merrick noted the fact that the remittance men were an unkempt, dissipated looking crew, but that their faces betokened reckless good humor rather than desperate evil.

There was no doubt but most of them were considering this episode in the light of a joke, and were determined to enjoy the experience at the expense of their enforced guests.
Uncle John had lived many years in the West and knew something of these peculiar English exiles.

Therefore he was neither frightened nor unduly angry, but rather annoyed by the provoking audacity of the fellows.

He had three young girls to protect and knew these men could not be fit acquaintances for them.