At one time, the ranch of the Three Pines had been noted for the great hospitality of its owner, but that time was long past, and with the flight of years, the place came to have a sinister reputation. Fear kept natives of the region from approaching its low sprawling buildings, and strangers seemed to avoid them by instinct. Whenever there was a tragedy in the neighborhood, the influence of the ranch of the Three Pines, was certain to be held at fault - and whenever men spoke of it, they did so in whispers...