I didn't even know it was an earthquake."
"Ah!" he reflected, "that was because you were a stranger. It's
odd--they're all like that. I suppose it's because nobody really expects
or believes in the unlooked-for thing, and yet that's the thing that
always happens. And then, of course, that other affair, which really is
serious, startled you the more."
She felt herself ridiculously and angrily blushing. "I don't know what
you mean," she said icily. "What other affair?"
"Why, the well."
"The well?" she repeated vacantly.
"Yes; the artesian well has stopped. Didn't the major tell you?"
"No," said the girl. "He was away; I haven't seen him yet."
"Well, the flow of water has ceased completely. That's what I'm here
for. The major sent for me, and I've been to examine it."
"And is that stoppage so very important?" she said dubiously.
It was his turn to look at her wonderingly.
"If it's LOST entirely, it means ruin for the ranch," he said sharply.
He wheeled his horse, nodded gravely, and trotted off.
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