Nevertheless, he was relieved to notice that the three or four Mexicans of the party did not seem to be old retainers of the rancho.

There was no evidence of the internal treachery he had feared.
"Your TENANTS!" echoed the man, with an uneasy glance at the faces of the others.
"Yes," said Clarence, with business brevity; "and, for the matter of that, although I have no reason to be particularly proud of it, SO ARE YOU ALL.

You ask my business here.

It seems to be the same as yours,--to hold possession of this house! With this difference, however," he continued, taking a document from his pocket.

"Here is the certificate, signed by the County Clerk, of the bill of sale of the entire Sisters' title to ME.