nearly four o'clock
And over all the coulee and the buildings nestled against the bluff at its upper end was spread that atmosphere of homey comfort and sheltered calm which surrounds always a home that is happy . Lite Avery , riding toward home just when the shadows were beginning to grow long behind him , wondered if Jean would be back by the time he reached the ranch . He hoped so , with a vague distaste at finding the place empty of her cheerful presence . Be looked at his watch ; it was nearly four o'clock . She ought to be home by half-past four or five , anyway . He glanced sidelong at Jim and quietly slackened his pace a little . Jim was telling one of those long , rambling tales of the little happenings of a narrow life , and Lite was supposed to be listening instead of thinking about when Jean would return home .