Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/77

 That he considered himself all-powerful, omnipotent almost, in this sparsely settled country was obvious from the tone of his conversation. And with some reason, Nan opined, judging from the obsequious salutations of the sullen Mexicans and half-breeds whom they passed, and the unwilling, yet half fearful nods of impecunious homesteaders who pulled to the side of the road to let him go by.

But why, even as manager of the largest ranch in the county, he should receive such consideration, grudging as it evidently was, Nan could not exactly understand.

His manner toward her was respect itself, yet she was conscious that he eyed her covertly when he thought himself unobserved—that not a change of expression escaped him, and that her lightest word had his entire attention.

This interest might have been considered flattering from a man like Spisier, yet Nan did not regard it so. Rather, she felt a growing uneasiness as the miles lengthened between herself and Hopedale, and there was