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Before Austin could make his exit the voices of women were heard outside the door and an instant later two ladies entered. The farmer attempted to turn them back, but the younger, taller, and slighter of the newcomers cried:

“I just couldn’t go without another look at the horses, Bob.”

Crosby, on the beam, did not fail to observe the rich, tender tone of the voice, and it would have required almost total darkness to obscure the beauty of her face. Her companion was older and coarser, and he found delight in the belief that she was the better half of the disagreeable Mr. Austin.

“Good-afternoon, Mrs. Delancy!” came a fine masculine voice from nowhere. The ladies started in amazement, Mr. Austin ground his teeth, the dog took another tired leap upward; Mr. Crosby took off his hat gallantly, and waited patiently for the lady to discover his whereabouts.

“Who is it, Bob?” cried the tall one, and Crosby patted his bump of shrewdness happily. “Who have you in hiding here?”

“I’m not in hiding, Mrs. Delancy. I’m a prisoner, that’s all. I’m right near the top of the ladder directly in front of you. You know me only through the mails, but my partner, Mr. Rolfe, is known to you personally. My name is Crosby.”

“How very strange,” she cried in wonder. “Why don’t you come down, Mr. Crosby?”

“I hate to admit it, but I’m afraid. There’s the dog, you know. Have you any influence over him?”

“None whatever. He hates me. Perhaps Mr. Austin can manage him. Oh, isn’t it ludicrous?” and she burst into hearty laughter. It was a very musical laugh, but Crosby considered it a disagreeable croak.

“But Mr. Austin declines to interfere. I came to see you on private business and am not permitted to do so.”

“We don’t know this fellow, Louise, and I can’t allow you to talk to him,” said Austin brusquely. “I found him where he is and there he stays until the marshal comes out from town. His actions have been very suspicious and must be investigated. I can’t take chances on letting a horse thief escape. Swallow will watch him until I can secure assistance.”

“I implore you, Mrs. Delancy, to give me a moment or two in which to explain,” cried Crosby. “He knows I’m not here to steal his horses, and he knows I intend to punch his head the minute I get the chance.” Mrs. Austin’s little shriek of dismay and her husband’s fierce glare did not check the flow of language from the beam. “I AM Crosby of Rolfe & Crosby, your counsel. I have the papers here for you to sign and–“

“Louise, I insist that you come away from here. This fellow is a fraud– “

“He’s refreshing, at any rate,” said Mrs. Delancy gaily. “There can be no harm in hearing what he has to say, Bob.”

“You are very kind, and I won’t detain you long.”

“I’ve a mind to kick you out of this barn,” cried Austin angrily.

“I don’t believe you’re tall enough, my good fellow.” Mr. Crosby was more than amiable. He was positively genial. Mrs. Delancy’s pretty face was the picture of eager, excited mirth, and he saw that she was determined to see the comedy to the end.

“Louise!” exclaimed Mrs. Austin, speaking for the first time. “You are not fool enough to credit this fellow’s story, I’m sure. Come to the house at once. I will not stay here.” Mrs. Austin’s voice was hard and biting, and Crosby also caught the quick glance that passed between husband and wife.

“I am sure Mrs. Delancy will not be so unkind as to leave me after I’ve had so much trouble in getting an audience. Here is my card, Mrs. Delancy.” Crosby tossed a card from his perch, but Swallow gobbled it up instantly. Mrs. Delancy gave a little cry of disappointment, and Crosby promptly apologized for the dog’s greediness. “Mr. Austin knows I’m Crosby,” he concluded.