He followed.

When they reached the lower room they found it as they had expected--deserted.
"I hope I didn't drive them away," said Hale, with an uneasy look at the troubled face of the girl.

"For I really had an idea of going myself a moment ago." She remained silent, gazing out of the window.

Then, turning with a slight shrug of her shoulders, said half defiantly: "What's the use now?
Oh, Maw! the Stanner crowd has vamosed the ranch, and this yer stranger kalkilates to stay!".