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 It was a one-story adobe building built around a courtyard and around this ran a piazza onto which a door from each room opened. In front was a large central door, and opposite this was another leading to a corral in the rear. The windows were small and placed high.

They saw Mr. Nelson himself coming by a well-beaten path from the creek. He had evidently not heard their approach for his glance was fixed on some object up the stream but on turning an angle he saw them and a hearty "Howdy!" indicated that Elsie was no stranger. He shook hands warmly, scanning Jack's letter as a matter of secondary consideration.

Nine of Mr. Nelson's children were married and settled in homes of their own and Dora, his remaining one, now approached with her mother.

Texas hospitality again. The best they had was literally his while under the protection of their roof and Jack was made to feel that he conferred a favor in accepting it.