above the irrigation limit. Mr. Ames had died before he could move his family; and they had been compelled to remain in their temporary hut these four long, hard years. Rupert had tried to farm without water. A little wheat and alfalfa had been raised, which helped the little family to live without actual suffering. * * * * * That evening, mother and son talked late into the night. Nina listened until her eyes closed in sleep. The rain had ceased altogether, and the moon, hurrying through the breaking clouds, shone in at the little curtained window. Prayers were said, and then they retired. Peaceful sleep reigned within. Without, the moonlight illumined the mountains, shining on the caps of pearly whiteness which they had donned for the night. II. "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding."--_Prov. 12:11._ Widow Ames had homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Dry Hollow. That was a subject for a two days' gossip in the town. There was speculation about what she wanted with a dry ravine in the hills, and many shook their heads in condemnation. However, it set some to thinking and moved one man, at least, to action. Jed Bolton, the same day that he heard of it, rode up into the hills above town. Sure enough, there was a rough shanty nearly finished; some furrows had been plowed, and every indication of settlement was present. Mr. Bolton bit his lip and used language which, if it did not grate on his own ears, could not on the only other listener, his horse. Rupert was on the roof of his shanty, and Mr. Bolton greeted him as he rode up. "Hello, Rupe, what're ye doin'?" "Just finishin' my house. It looks like more rain, an' I must have the roof good an' tight." "You're not goin' to live here?" "Oh, yes, part of the time." "What's that for?" "To secure our claim. Mother's homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres