Do you know the Rancho de los Cuervos ?" "I do." "It's almost the only bit of real property your husband hasn't sold, mortgaged, or pledged.

Why it was exempt, or whether only forgotten, I can't say." "I'll tell you why," said Mrs.Tucker, with a slight return of color.
"It was the first land we ever bought, and Spencer always said it should be mine and he would build a new house on it." Captain Poindexter smiled and nodded at the picture.

"Oh, he did say that, did he?
Well, THAT'S evidence.

But you see he never gave you the deed, and by sunrise to-morrow his creditors will attach it--unless--" "Unless--" repeated Mrs.Tucker, with kindling eyes.
"Unless," continued Captain Poindexter, "they happen to find YOU in possession." "I'll go," said Mrs.Tucker.
"Of course you will," returned Poindexter, pleasantly; "only, as it's a big contract to take, suppose we see how you can fill it.

It's forty miles to Los Cuervos, and you can't trust yourself to steamboat or stage-coach.