Mrs. Cobb's gaze was diverted down the dirt path leading to the barn and house.  My gaze naturally followed hers as I turned my head to look behind me.  There I saw the lone figure of a man walking toward the house.  "Would you look at that" she said in a soft voice.  Getting the attention of Mr. Cob and Jed, they too looked and saw the man.  As he drew nearer both men moved to stand between the traveler and the women folk.  Tom had a mind to act as a protector.  However, as he was provided by his Father, I felt his protection was now under my authority.  Tom took two steps forward but was halted by my hand on his collar.  He looked at my with a frown and I drew him back to my side with a stern but silent gaze.  Annabelle stood at my other side, she too was interested in what this man was about.<br/><br/>By now all of the ranch hands, approximately 10, had their gaze on the man as they walked toward the road.  They said nothing to the man.  They sized the stranger up as he passed them and the cold glint in their eyes warned him not to make any trouble.  Finally the man stopped in front of Mr. Cob and Jed, both formidable, muscular men.  Mr. Cobb tipped his hat.  "Greetings.  We don't often get strangers stopping by.  Something I can help you with?"  Mr. Cobb observed everything about the man.  How his dress was plain but newly made and he realized that he had never laid eyes on the man before.<br/><br/>During the stranger's stroll up the road, Mrs. Cobb had left the porch and returned with a wooden cup.  She walked past her husband and son, reaching her hand out to offer the cup.  "Don't know where you came from sir but we are a mighty long walk from pretty much everywhere.  Here is some water.  You must be thirsty."  Her plain features were softened by a smile that made all visitors comfortable at her home.  I had nay seen the man before and awaited his answer to Mr. Cobb with interest.  I whispered in Annabelle's ear "Is this man from the village?"  She shook her head with a light shrug of her shoulders as she studied him carefully.  "No, I've never seen the man before."