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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dorothy on a Ranch
+
+Author: Evelyn Raymond
+
+Release Date: August 22, 2008 [EBook #26389]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY ON A RANCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ DOROTHY
+ ON A RANCH
+
+ By EVELYN RAYMOND
+
+ AUTHOR OF
+
+ "Dorothy," "Dorothy at Skyrie," "Dorothy's Schooling,"
+ "Dorothy's Travels," "Dorothy's House Boat,"
+ "Dorothy at Oak Knowe," "Dorothy's Triumph,"
+ "Dorothy's Tour."
+
+ A. L. BURT COMPANY
+ Publishers       New York
+ Printed in U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+ DOROTHY BOOKS
+ By EVELYN RAYMOND
+
+ These stories of an American girl by an American author have made
+ "Dorothy" a household synonym for all that is fascinating. Truth and
+ realism are stamped on every page. The interest never flags, and is
+ ofttimes intense. No more happy choice can be made for gift books, so
+ sure are they to win approval and please not only the young in years,
+ but also "grown-ups" who are young in heart and spirit.
+
+ Dorothy
+ Dorothy at Skyrie
+ Dorothy's Schooling
+ Dorothy's Travels
+ Dorothy's House Party
+ Dorothy in California
+ Dorothy on a Ranch
+ Dorothy's House Boat
+ Dorothy at Oak Knowe
+ Dorothy's Triumph
+ Dorothy's Tour
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY
+ THE PLATT & PECK CO.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The great animal had now dropped from its upright
+position at Dolly's window and was crawling on all fours back along
+the wide porch. (_Frontis_) (_Dorothy on a Ranch_)]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                                     PAGE
+
+
+    I. THE TRIP IN THE ERMINIE                                9
+
+   II. A SPILL BY THE WAY                                    25
+
+  III. THE MIDNIGHT SEARCHING PARTY                          45
+
+   IV. THE WATCHERS AT RODERICK'S                            62
+
+    V. THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS                             75
+
+   VI. A MARTINET OF THE ROCKIES                             93
+
+  VII. A RIFLE PRACTICE                                     110
+
+ VIII. A CONCERT IN THE MOONLIGHT                           127
+
+   IX. A MODERN HORSE FAIR                                  142
+
+    X. AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE                              157
+
+   XI. THE SHEEP HERDER'S CABIN                             172
+
+  XII. PLAY THAT WAS WORK AND WORK
+       THAT WAS PLAY                                        187
+
+ XIII. THE HEN OF WUN SING                                  205
+
+  XIV. THE GRIZZLY AND THE INDIANS                          220
+
+   XV. A TRIP TO BALD EAGLE ROCK                            235
+
+  XVI. PROSPERITY AND PARTING                               250
+
+
+
+
+DOROTHY ON A RANCH
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE TRIP IN THE ERMINIE
+
+
+The "Erminie," private car of "Railway Boss, Dan Ford," stood
+side-tracked at Denver, and his guests within it were the happy people
+whom, some readers may remember, we left keeping a belated Christmas in
+the old adobe on the mesa, in southern California.
+
+To Dorothy, the trip thus far had been like a wonderful dream.
+
+"Just think, Alfy Babcock, of owning a real car, going and stopping
+just as you please, same's riding in a carriage with horses! Even
+darling Aunt Betty, who's been 'most everywhere and seen 'most
+everything, in her long life, never travelled 'private coaching' this
+way before. I hate to think it's over, that I'll have to say good-by
+to her so soon. Seems if I ought not. Seems if she'll be dreadful
+lonesome without me all summer. I'm her own folks and I--I believe I
+shall go home with her after all, 'stead of into the mountains to that
+ranch with the Gray Lady."
+
+Alfaretta gave a vigorous tug to the shawl-strap she was fastening
+about a curious assortment of her personal belongings and answered:
+
+"That's enough of your 'seems-if-ing,' Dolly Doodles! It's all
+settled, isn't it? And when a thing's fixed--it ought to stay fixed.
+Mrs. Calvert don't want either of us. She said so, more 'n once, too.
+She's tickled to death to think there's such a good time comin' for
+us. She's got all that prop'ty that got itself into trouble to look
+after, and she's got them ladies, her old friends, that's been in San
+Diego all winter, to go home to New York with her. You better stop
+frettin' and lookin' out o' winder, and pick up your things. You've
+lots more 'n I have and that's sayin' consid'able. The way that Mr.
+Ford moves makes other folks hustle, too! Hurry up, do! He said we
+was all to go to a big hotel for our dinners and I'm real ready for
+mine. I am so! Car-cookin's well enough, but for me--give me a table
+that won't go wobblety-wobble all the time."
+
+Dorothy roused from her idleness and began to collect her own
+"treasures." They had accumulated to a surprising degree during this
+journey from San Diego to Denver; for their genial host had indulged
+his young guests in all their whims and, at the various stops along
+the way, they had purchased all sorts of things, from baskets to
+blankets, horned toads on cards, centipedes in vials of alcohol,
+Indian dolls and pottery, and other "trash," as Aunt Betty considered
+it. In the roomy private car these had given but little trouble; now
+Alfaretta expressed the thought of both girls as well as of the lad,
+Leslie, when after a vain effort to pack an especially ugly red-clay
+"image," she exclaimed:
+
+"A fool and his money! That's what I was. Felt as rich as a queen,
+startin' out with all them earnin's and presents in my pocket-book. Now
+I haven't got a cent, hardly, and I'd ha' been better off if I hadn't a
+had them! There! that paper's busted again! Does beat the Dutch the way
+things act! Just plain _things_! If they was folks you could box their
+ears, but you can't do a thing to things, not a thing! Only--"
+
+"Throw them away! That's what I'm going to do with my stuff!" cried
+Leslie, from a far corner, standing up and wiping his face, after his
+own bit of packing. "This old musket that that man in uniform assured
+me had belonged to General Custer--Dad says never saw a soldier's
+hands, let alone Custer's. Says he knew that all the time, even when
+I was dickering for it. Says--"
+
+Dorothy looked up from her own task to ask:
+
+"Why should he let you buy it then?"
+
+"For experience, likely. That's the way he likes to have us learn, he
+claims."
+
+"Humph! But Aunt Betty says it's wicked to waste money. One ought only
+to use it for some good purpose."
+
+A shout of derision came from both Alfy and Leslie, at this remark, and
+they pointed in high glee at a basketful of things Dorothy was vainly
+trying to make look a tidy bundle. She had to join in the laughter
+against herself and Mr. Ford came forward to lend a hand or offer
+advice, as need be.
+
+"So you're up against a tough proposition, are you, youngsters? How
+much of all that stuff do you really want?"
+
+"Not a scrap!" said Alfaretta, frankly.
+
+"Good enough! Well, let me tell you. There's a poor old fellow hangs
+out just beyond this station who makes his scanty living selling just
+such 'trash.' I'll give you just five minutes to select whatever you
+really wish to keep, five minutes more to stow them compactly for our
+long buckboard-drive, and about as much longer to make the acquaintance
+of my lame peddler and give him your leavings. Five seconds wasted
+already, taring at me! Begin, begin!"
+
+The gentleman's face was aglow with happiness and mischief, but there
+was a tone in his voice which compelled instant obedience; and long
+before the first five minutes had passed all three young folks had
+heaped the most of their "things" in a pile in the center of the car.
+The rest was quickly strapped in the beautiful Navajo blankets which
+Mrs. Ford, or the "Gray Lady"--as they best loved to call her, had
+purchased and given them as souvenirs of this wonderful trip. Blankets
+that were almost priceless, as only Dorothy knew from Aunt Betty's
+explanation, but that Alfaretta considered far less attractive than a
+plain white wool one.
+
+A porter, laden with baskets, appeared at that moment, as if by
+previous instruction; and into the baskets were tossed or tumbled the
+odd collection, everybody working swiftly yet already half-regretfully
+that they hadn't kept more.
+
+"That horned toad'll get a rush of blood to his head!" cried Leslie, as
+Alfaretta threw her recent "treasure" into the mess.
+
+"Take care, boy! Don't break that alcohol bottle. That centipede mayn't
+be as dead as he looks! The horrid leg-gy thing! How in the world did I
+ever fancy it? Take care!" warned Dorothy, as Leslie dropped an uncouth
+Indian "image" upon the vial.
+
+"Hi, dere! Massa Leslie! Jed'll do de res'!" cried Mr. Ford's own
+especial servant, coolly pushing the lad aside and rapidly making a
+better arrangement of the articles. Then he shouldered his baskets and
+left the car, Mr. Ford following, with the three young people trailing
+after him. At the door Alfaretta turned and rapidly surveyed the
+luxurious coach in which she had spent the past few days. To her it
+had been a veritable fairyland, and quick tears sprang to her eyes
+as she exclaimed:
+
+"I never had such a good time in all my life as I've had in this
+'Erminie,' and I never expect to again! It 'most breaks my heart to say
+good-by to it!"
+
+"Don't say it then! I shan't, though I feel as bad as you do. But our
+worst good-by is to come when Aunt Betty starts east and we west. I
+can't--how can I?--let her go alone?"
+
+This was sufficient to arouse all Alfy's sympathy. She promptly forgot
+her own regret in soothing her friend, for Dorothy's grief was most
+sincere. Ever since that day when she had learned that Mrs. Calvert was
+her own kin she had loved the lady with all her heart and had, during
+the past winter of Aunt Betty's lameness, felt that she must now take
+care of her. She did not realize that the one-time invalid was now quite
+well and as independent of aid as ever. Indeed, the Gray Lady had
+laughingly declared:
+
+"Dear Mrs. Betty is the youngest-hearted of us all!"
+
+After that happy day when Dorothy had helped to bring about the reunion
+of the long parted Fords, the "Railroad Boss" had taken his wife and
+son away for a little time; but they had soon returned to _El Paraiso_,
+that charming home in the southwestern city and had remained as members
+of Mrs. Calvert's household till the spring days came. Then Mr. Ford had
+announced his summer plans:
+
+"I'm going to give myself a long vacation. I own a ranch in the Colorado
+mountains and I'm going to take you all, each and everyone, to enjoy it
+with me. My wife, Erminie, claims it her turn to play hostess, so we'll
+all become cowboys and cowgirls, and have a wild-west show of our own,
+with a continuous performance for three jolly months. All in favor, say
+Aye!"
+
+"Aye! Aye! Aye!" the youngsters had it, so heartily that, for a moment,
+nobody noticed that Aunt Betty was silent. Then, when Dorothy observed
+this, with a down-sinking of her own spirits, the lady made haste to
+explain:
+
+"Nothing could please me better for Dorothy, and for myself if I were
+able to accept. But I can't. As you know, my business affairs have
+become tangled in some way and I must go home to really understand what
+is amiss. Indeed, I don't know yet where I may have to be during the
+warm weather and I'm delighted for my little girl, and for Alfaretta, to
+have such a fine chance. I fancy you'll all come east in the autumn, as
+brown as the Indians who'll be your neighbors, and in fine health. How
+soon do you leave, Mr. Ford? That I may make some arrangement about this
+dear old house, for I shan't want to stay in it after you're gone."
+
+Then it was his turn to explain:
+
+"I have felt all along, ever since I found Erminie here with our boy,
+that the place should never become again just 'a house to rent.' So I've
+bought it. I've found Padre Nicolas, the old priest whom the Indians
+love and trust, and deeded it to him in trust for them as a Home. Here
+Lazaro Gomez and the other ancients of his race shall dwell in comfort
+for the rest of their days. The only proviso is that Father Nicholas
+shall admit none who hasn't reached the age of discretion--say,
+eighty-odd years, or so! Nor shall any of his charges be compelled to
+tame wild beasts and sell them for a livelihood. The good old priest is
+ready to take possession as soon as we vacate and will put everything
+into what Alfy calls 'apple-pie order,' according to a red man's fancy.
+So, when everybody is ready--Don't hurry, please!--we'll board my car,
+the 'Erminie,' and take our leisurely way northward. It isn't as if we
+had to say good-by, you see, for we'll be all together still. As for
+Mrs. Calvert's plan--maybe we can persuade her to postpone business
+awhile for a taste of real ranch life. Eh?"
+
+But Mistress Elisabeth Cecil-Somerset-Calvert was a matron who never
+said "No" when she meant "Yes;" and she smilingly kept to her own
+purpose, yet took good care that no shadow of a coming separation should
+darken her beloved Dorothy's wonderful trip in a private car. Just here
+we may recall to the readers' attention that this young girl's earlier
+experiences have been told in "Dorothy's Schooling," her "Travels" and
+"House Party" and best of all "In California."
+
+Now those happy days of travel and sightseeing had ended in the city of
+Denver. The "Erminie" was to be stripped and renovated and put aside to
+await its owner's further orders. From this point the ranchers were to
+proceed by a coaching tour over the long and delightful road to the
+distant Rockies: while Mrs. Calvert, her black "boy," Ephraim, and some
+women friends were to speed eastward by the fleetest "limited" express.
+One more short hour together, in a hotel dining-room, and the parting
+was due. Aunt Betty and Mrs. Ford had already been driven away to this
+hotel as Leslie and his girl guests followed his father from the
+"Erminie," and seeing the downward droop of Dorothy's lip he tried to
+divert her by exclaiming:
+
+"There was never such a man as Dad! He never forgets. Never. I believe
+he knows every cripple between New York and San Francisco. I do, indeed.
+This fellow we're going to give that 'trash' to is one of his pets. I
+remember him now. Got hurt in a railway smash but is as independent as
+they make 'em. Wouldn't sue the company and wouldn't take money from it
+when offered. Claimed he was stealing a ride and only got what he calls
+his 'come-uppance' when he got hurt. Dad was so astonished when he heard
+about that, he said the man ought to be 'framed and put on exhibition,
+as the only case of his kind on record.' Then he suggested this way of
+earning his living. He has the 'boys' keep him fixed up in a little sort
+of stand just yonder and they see to it that his stock never fails. The
+cripple's as proud as Punch. Boasts that any honest man can do well in
+America if he tries. He hasn't any legs left and his arms aren't worth
+much but his spirit is the bravest ever. It would break his heart if he
+guessed that most of the stuff he sells is bought for my father by some
+of his employees, all on the sly. But he'll never know it. That's the
+best of Dad! His 'boys' love him. They think he's just rippin'! And he
+is. Look now. See how that man's face lights up when he hears that
+'Halloo'!"
+
+Dorothy stopped short to exclaim:
+
+"Bought the stuff and gave us most of it, and now will buy it over again
+just to throw away! I never heard anything like that!"
+
+"Reckon you didn't, for there is only one Dan Ford! But he doesn't have
+it thrown away. He has it burned. He says, 'Burned toads tell no tales,'
+and the worst trouble the boys have is to get folks enough to buy the
+things for them. When they see a likely lookin' tourist edging around
+the stand they use him, if they can. If they can't it's a 'short day'
+for Cripple Andy, but that doesn't worry him. 'The fat and the lean,' he
+calls it. Oh! I say, he's almost as rippin' as Dad himself, he's so
+plucky!"
+
+The cripple's face did indeed light up as Mr. Ford appeared before him
+and shouted that gay "Halloo!"
+
+"Well, well, well! If you ain't the best sight I've had since I saw you
+last. Halloo, yourself and see how you like it!" With this attempt at
+facetiousness, the seller of notions leaned forward over his stand and
+extended his best hand toward his benefactor.
+
+"How's business, Andy?"
+
+"Tollable, sir, fairly tollable. Been sellin' a lot o' truck, lately, to
+some Cookies, and there was a reduction-school-ma'am-racket that nigh
+cleaned me out. See that your man Jed here has got a heap more things.
+How'd he come by them? Must ha' cleared the country of rep_tiles_,
+judgin' by them samples."
+
+"Oh, he came by them fairly enough, Andy. These youngsters couldn't live
+without the things when they first saw them, but now they'll be grateful
+if you'll take them off their hands. Maybe you can make something from
+them, maybe not. In any case they're not going to _San Leon_ on a
+buckboard with me! Take them off our hands, lad, and do a good deed once
+in your life!"
+
+By this time Mr. Ford had placed his own two strong hands over the
+shrivelled one of the peddler and was pressing it warmly, while the two
+looked into one another's eyes with mutual respect and liking. Then when
+the hands unclasped there was left on Andy's palm a glittering double
+eagle.
+
+Dorothy, watching, wondered at this, after hearing Leslie's boast of the
+cripple's independence; and there did a flush rise in his face for a
+moment, till Mr. Ford said:
+
+"For Laddie, you know. If you can't use it--pass it on!"
+
+The flush died out of the vender's cheek and a soft look came over it.
+"So I will, man, so I will. Thank God there's always somebody poorer
+than me! Good-by, and good luck, Boss! By that token I never seen you
+look that happy as you do this day, man alive, never!"
+
+"I never had such reason to be glad, Andy boy! Good-by, good-by!"
+
+Mr. Ford started off at a brisk pace, the young folks trying to equal
+his long strides, and Alfaretta asking:
+
+"Is that cripple crazy? What'd he mean by sellin' things to 'Cookies'
+and what's a 'school-ma'am-racket'?"
+
+Leslie laughed and answered:
+
+"A 'racket' of that sort has nothing to do with tennis, Miss Babcock, at
+your service; and 'Cookies' are just Cook's tourists. All railroaders
+call them that; and I suppose the 'racket' was a cheap excursion the
+school-ma'ams were taking. Odd, isn't it? That though all Andy's trouble
+came from the railroad he claims to belong to it as one of its 'boys.'
+He's rippin', Andy is. He told father 't he 'teached school' himself,
+once! But he got so tired of it that the sight of a spelling-book made
+him sick."
+
+"It does me, too," said Alfy, with sympathy.
+
+"So he 'cut and run,' and rode on trains in every direction as long as
+his money held out. Then he stole the ride that ended his travels right
+here in Denver. Hello! where's Dad?"
+
+They had loitered along the way and he had simply outstripped them. So
+without even a quarter in his purse but in his most lordly air, Leslie
+hailed a cab to carry them to the hotel he knew was that habitually
+patronized by his father; and a few minutes later they rode up to the
+entrance in state.
+
+An attendant hastened to the curb to assist the "young ladies" out of
+the cab, but the hackman laid a detaining hand upon Leslie's shoulder
+with the remark:
+
+"Fares, please."
+
+"Eh? Just settle that with Mr. Daniel Ford, inside. Here, Buttons, you
+find Mr. Ford and ask him to step here. It'll be all right, Jehu, and
+let's hurry, girls, else we'll be late for dinner."
+
+He started to enter the building but the cabman retained his hold on the
+lad's shoulder and remarked:
+
+"No, you don't! You may be all right and so may your Mr. Ford but, as
+for me, I never heard tell of him and money talks. Fares, please."
+
+Dorothy and Alfaretta clung together, really afraid of the cabman who
+was now growing decidedly angry. He was a stranger to that city and had
+just embarked in a rather losing business, his outfit of horse and cab
+being a second-hand one and too shabby for most patrons.
+
+Also, "Buttons," as Leslie had called the bell-boy, now returned to say
+that "no name of Ford was on the register and the clerk wouldn't
+bother."
+
+Here was a dilemma. The trio who had ridden in state now felt very
+small, indeed, and glanced at one another in dismay. Then Leslie
+surveyed the name over the hotel entrance and exclaimed:
+
+"Pshaw! This isn't the place at all. That donkey of a driver has brought
+us to the Metropole and not the Metropolitan. I might have known Dad
+wouldn't put up at such a third-rate tavern as this! Now, you idiot,
+we'll get in again and you take us where you were bid! and there, it's
+likely, you'll make the acquaintance of Mr. Daniel Ford in a way you
+don't like! Get in, Dorothy--Alfy! We can't stand foolin' here!"
+
+But the cabman closed the door of his vehicle with a bang and calmly
+folded his arms to wait. Dolly pulled out her little purse. It contained
+one nickel and two cents. She had carefully cherished these because
+coins smaller than a nickel are not plentiful in California; but she
+tendered them to Leslie who smiled and shook his head. Alfaretta
+discovered a dime, but it was her "luck piece," wrapped in pink tissue
+paper and carried thus in order that she "might always have money in her
+pocket," and she hated to give it up. Both she and Dolly thought
+regretfully of the little pocket-hoard they had begged the Gray Lady to
+keep for them, lest they spend it on the trip. However, neither the
+cabman nor Leslie accepted their offering, and the latter exclaimed:
+
+"Ain't this rippin'? Lost in a strange city, in the middle of the day,
+and not a soul willing to help us out! What in the world will Dad say!"
+
+"What, indeed! But look here, Leslie Ford, we've got enough to pay for
+telephoning that other hotel, if the man in here will let us use his
+'phone! Then your father will send somebody after us or do something.
+Please try. I feel so queer with so many folks staring at us as if we'd
+done something bad!"
+
+By this time the hotel clerk had become more amiable. The name of Ford
+had impressed him if it hadn't the hackman, and though he, too, was new
+to the town he bade Leslie:
+
+"Go ahead! Call him up, if there is such a man."
+
+With a glance of angry contempt Leslie put the receiver to his ear and
+rang up "Dad;" only to hang it up again in disgust, as the answer came
+back: "Line's busy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A SPILL BY THE WAY
+
+
+The "line" remained busy for so long that the loungers in the hotel
+lobby grew amused at Leslie's impatience while the two girls became very
+anxious.
+
+"It was only an hour or so, Mr. Ford said, before Aunt Betty's train
+would leave and I shall be too late to see her--to bid her good-by--and
+it's for all summer--a whole long summer! I must go, I must find her, I
+shall--I will!" cried poor Dorothy, her own words increasing her fear of
+this calamity, and with a sudden burst of tears. For an instant she
+tried to keep them back, then careless who might see her crying, darted
+outward to the curbstone and to the hackman waiting there.
+
+In so doing she collided with a gentleman entering, who staggered
+backward from the impact, then quietly put his hands upon the girl's
+shoulders, to steady her also.
+
+"Beg pardon, little miss! and hello! What's wrong? Did I hurt you? Beg
+pardon twice, in that case!"
+
+The tone was kindly and to Dorothy it was a case of "any port in a
+storm."
+
+"No, no, sir, you didn't! But I'm--we're--in dreadful trouble. Do you
+know--do you?--where that other hotel is, that Metropolitan?"
+
+"Surely, I know. Why?"
+
+"Is it far? Can I run there quick? The cabman--we haven't any money--it
+was a mistake--and I must go, I must!"
+
+Leslie laid a soothing hand on Dorothy's, which she had clasped
+imploringly before the stranger, and told their story.
+
+The effect was surprising. This gentleman was the proprietor of this
+establishment and he well knew Mr. Ford, by reputation at least. With
+one angry glance around the lobby and at the now obsequious clerk, he
+wheeled about, strode to the cab, opened the door and lifted Dorothy
+within. Then he as promptly settled Alfaretta beside her, himself took
+the forward seat and motioned Leslie to follow. Then he ordered:
+
+"Now, cabby, drive like lightning! It'll be worth your while. Straight
+ahead, five blocks--east two--north three! Drive, I tell you."
+
+And "drive" the man did, as fast as his slow horse could be urged, while
+within the carriage the three young folks sat in anxiety, Dorothy
+leaning far forward, as if by that means she could reach her destination
+sooner.
+
+Their new friend beamed upon her, asking a few questions which drew out
+a brief history of their trip and the plans for their coming summer.
+Then almost before the cab was halted before a big hotel he had opened
+its door again and taking the hands of the two girls piloted them
+straight into it and through some great halls to the dining room. There
+he halted and gave the name:
+
+"Mr. Daniel Ford and party."
+
+"At dinner, sir, private dining room. May not wish to be disturbed. I'll
+send to inquire--step into the reception room please," bowed and
+explained the employee the gentleman had summoned.
+
+"That's all right. Direct us. I'm Darby of the Metropole. These young
+people belong to Mr. Ford's party."
+
+A moment later they had met Mr. Ford himself, issuing from his private
+room, vexed and anxious at their delay and starting out in their
+pursuit.
+
+"Well, laggards! What does this mean? Wasting the time when there's so
+little of it? Mrs. Calvert's fretting so she can't eat her dinner
+and--in with you! In with you! There's but fifteen minutes before her
+train starts east!"
+
+When a good natured man is angry he seems another person and Dorothy
+drew back in fear. But Alfaretta's own temper rose and she exclaimed:
+
+"Don't scold us, please, Mr. Ford, it wasn't our fault!" while Leslie
+vainly tried to explain: "A gentleman, a stranger, brought us here and
+paid our cab fare. I want a dollar, Dad, to refund him."
+
+But, for once, the doting father was deaf to his son's words. He did not
+even pause in his rapid stride along the corridor, fairly dragging
+Dorothy off her feet in his unconscious haste, and finally depositing
+her in an empty chair beside Aunt Betty's, with the remark:
+
+"Here's your 'bad penny' again! She--they all--will learn some lessons
+up at San Leon, this summer, or I'm a mistaken man. The one thing nobody
+should dare lose is--time!"
+
+Mrs. Calvert gave him a surprised look but she had also been hurt by
+Dorothy's absence during the brief space that remained to them together,
+and she hastened to deliver the many last charges and bits of advice
+that seemed needful before their parting.
+
+A waiter placed their dinner before the three young folks and Alfy and
+Leslie fell to work upon it with hungry zeal, but Dorothy could not eat.
+Her eye had discovered a clock on the wall, with the hands pointing five
+minutes to three. At ten minutes past that hour the "Eastern Limited"
+would roll out of the station and she be left behind. In a sudden
+impulse, she threw her arms about Aunt Betty's neck, begging:
+
+"Take me with you! Please take me with you! I--I love you best of all
+the world, so why shouldn't we keep together?"
+
+If there were tears in Mrs. Calvert's bright, dark eyes, she did not
+allow them to fall. Unclasping her darling's arms and gently laying them
+down, she silently signalled to Mrs. Ford and almost as silently left
+the room.
+
+The "Gray Lady" followed and Aunt Betty whispered:
+
+"I'm getting too old for good-bys. I'm going to slip away in the hotel
+stage and don't let Dolly follow me, please, till it's too late. She'll
+be all right again, directly, and--and so shall I. Good-by to you,
+though, and--that's all."
+
+Dolly dropped her head on the edge of the table, as Aunt Betty loosened
+her arms. She was bravely trying to overcome the sudden loneliness which
+possessed her and in this was helped by Alfy's warning:
+
+"Dolly Doodles! Take your head out of your soup plate! Are you crazy?
+There goes your ribbon right into the mess!"
+
+The head was lifted so suddenly that the ribbon flew off and fell into
+the dish and its owner's tears ended in a giggle. Then her face flushed
+at thought of her own awkwardness and she looked down expecting a
+reprimand from Mrs. Calvert. When none came she lifted her eyes and
+found the next chair empty. This was a relief. She'd hide the ribbon
+before her aunt discovered it! But already the waiter had whisked that
+plate away and was supplying her with another.
+
+Funny! Where Aunt Betty had gone! But, of course she'd merely left the
+room for a minute and would be back to say good-by. Then she picked at
+her food for a moment, wondering why Mr. Ford had also disappeared, and
+at the eagerness with which Leslie and Alfaretta enjoyed the good things
+served to them.
+
+Gray Lady slipped back to her own place between the other two young
+people and began to ask them about the adventure which had delayed them.
+Presently they were all talking together, even Dorothy adding her
+comments and forgetting to look again at that warning clock.
+
+Besides, she was listening to the grumbles of Leslie who, for once, was
+angry against his father and was explaining to his mother:
+
+"I never felt so ashamed of myself. The idea of letting that stranger,
+and the proprietor of a rival hotel, pay our cab fare! I wish you'd hand
+me the cash and I'll send a boy to hunt him up and settle. I--"
+
+Mrs. Ford stopped his further complaints by a nod of her head and the
+odd remark:
+
+"They must have arrived by this time and the others must be gone. Yes,
+they ought to be here. I hope they'll not delay us, too, as you did.
+Money? No, dear, I can't give you that. Not in this case when your
+father has denied it. Ah! Fifteen minutes after three! Then our friends
+must be well out of the city by now."
+
+Lady Gray, as her son still loved to call her, now took her eyes from
+the clock she had been studying and cast a tender look upon the face of
+Dorothy. The girl had sprung up from her chair and had fixed her own
+gaze upon the time-piece while the color left her cheeks and she
+trembled violently. But Mrs. Ford's arm was about the slender waist and
+her voice was comforting:
+
+"Your Aunt Betty thought it was the best. She shrank from the good-bys
+for both your sakes. She's a wonderful woman and thinks of everything
+that will make people happier. She said she'd just postpone the
+farewells till you meet again. She went away as cheerfully as possible
+and you must follow her example. Ah! hark!"
+
+Dorothy's bent head lifted slightly. There was a sound of merry,
+youthful voices in the corridor, the genial tones of Mr. Ford mingling
+with them, and presently the portieres were parted and the opening was
+filled by a group of faces matching the voices and belonging to--Could
+it be? Could it!
+
+"Molly Breckenridge! Helena! Oh! Oh! Jim--you dears!" cried the
+astonished Dolly, rubbing her eyes that had been so dimmed by tears, and
+gazing at the faces in the doorway as if she couldn't believe her own
+sight.
+
+There, too, was Alfaretta, clasping the hands of all the newcomers,
+fairly dancing up and down in her excitement, "hail-fellow-well-met"
+with them all, forgetful for once of the difference in their social
+positions which had used to make her shy and restrained.
+
+"Be I awake or asleep? How in my senses have you all got away out here
+to this jumpin' off place of all creation? Jim Barlow, you darlin' old
+Jim! How's Ma Babcock? How's Pa? How's every single one the precious
+folks up-mounting? Oh! I could just squeeze the life out of you, I'm so
+terrible glad to see you!" almost screamed the girl, as she now for a
+moment forsook the "'ristocratics" of the party to hug and kiss James
+Barlow.
+
+He, poor fellow, rid himself of her clasping arms as soon as possible,
+reddening yet laughing, and casting an appealing look upon the lady who
+had risen from the table and stood smiling her welcome to them all.
+
+"Don't mind Alfy, ma'am; she always did have to be the middle of
+things," begged the lad, overcoming his own shyness rather than have
+that beautiful lady think he was a "softie" who liked kissing girls.
+Also, he was thankful that Dorothy had contented herself with merely
+holding tight to his hand and simply looking her affection.
+
+"Oh! that's all right. We love Alfy; and this, I see, is that wonderful
+'Jim' of whom I've been told so much. I--we--are delighted that you were
+able to take your holiday with us; and though we are not there yet, I
+bid you hearty welcome to San Leon," said Lady Gray, now moving forward
+and warmly shaking the hand of the "work boy" as Dorothy released it.
+
+"Isn't it splendid? Is it a surprise? Didn't you know a thing about it,
+Dolly Doodles?" demanded pretty Molly, hugging her friend, then standing
+back to hold her at arm's length and study the changes which a few
+months' separation had made in the beloved face.
+
+Helena Montaigne, too, was trying to clasp her in equally tender arms,
+and Molly reluctantly released Dorothy, while she let Mr. Ford lead her
+to his wife, introducing her as:
+
+"The daughter of my old friend, Judge Breckenridge. He and I were
+classmates once, and come here, Leslie boy! I've heard this little lady
+spoken of as 'Jolly Molly,' and you must make it your business that not
+one day of her coming summer with us shall be anything save 'jolly.' Ah!
+Erminie, young people on a ranch!"
+
+Evidently, Leslie was as much in the dark as Dorothy and Alfy had been,
+this visitation of so many young strangers a complete surprise to him;
+but he was trained to good manners and at once captivated Molly's
+admiration by his cordial greeting. So that, a moment later, she
+whispered to Dorothy:
+
+"Isn't he a dear! I declare he's just a heavenly handsome boy, with his
+blue eyes and--and his _air_! He really is too sweet for words, that
+boy!"
+
+Whereat Dolly laughed and answered:
+
+"Oh! you funny Molly! You don't change a bit! Still 'doting on boys' as
+much as ever! How's Melvin?"
+
+"Melvin's a poke. The invitation included him, too, but he sets himself
+up stiff as stiff and said he had no time to waste visiting. He'd got to
+learn the business soon as he could, for his mother--Oh! a lot of bosh
+about his mother, and her trusting him. Even my father--"
+
+"Never mind him, then, but tell me how in the world you happened to come
+just here and now?"
+
+The two had retreated to the window and stood with arms about each other
+and Dorothy's eyes now free from tears. Indeed, so surprising was this
+whole affair that she had, for a moment, forgotten Aunt Betty's
+departure.
+
+"Why, it's this way. Mr. Ford is an old friend of Papa's and when he
+found out that you knew us, too, he just planned the whole thing for a
+grand treat to you! He wrote Papa that he was under 'lifelong
+obligation to you' because--well, of something or other. I wasn't told
+what, but it doesn't matter. The thing that does matter is that we're to
+be together all summer long, at least for three whole months. Think of
+that, girlie, just think of that! He wrote Papa, too, that he'd have
+liked to gather the whole 'House Party' together if it had been
+practical, but his wife didn't think it would. I reckon she knew she'd
+have her hands full enough, chaperoning eight youngsters, without asking
+more. We came pretty near not getting Helena and Herbert, though! Mr.
+Montaigne fancied it was too much like an imposition to let them come,
+because he didn't know the Fords. Helena wrote me that, so I got Dad to
+send him a letter to make him stop and think! Besides, Jim--that boy is
+just grand! He--"
+
+"Of course, honey. He's a boy, you know."
+
+"Laugh away! I'm too happy to care. I do like boys best. Why shouldn't
+I? They're heaps more fun than girls--except you. And to think! Helena
+and Jim were the real chaperons of our trip, though Helena's governess,
+Miss Milliken, was called such. But she's a stick! I had the time of my
+life, keeping her scared all the way on. Oh! I'm glad to be off that
+train. Mr. Ford says we're to finish our journey in wagons. I like
+that."
+
+"But I don't see Miss Milliken, Molly."
+
+"No. She knows some people here in Denver and they met her at the
+station and carried her off to dine with them. I wish she'd get belated
+and left behind. She was a regular kill-joy all the way out."
+
+"Poor, meek, timid woman! She used to have so little snap that Herbert
+nicknamed her 'The Worm.' It was horrid--"
+
+"Well, she's 'turned,' then. Of course, we were pretty full of fun and
+scared her with some of our pranks. But--Ah! there she is now! You can't
+lose that woman! Mrs. Montaigne told her that 'the lives of her precious
+children were entrusted to her hands,' and the governess feels her
+responsibility to the full, I tell you. Even Helena--"
+
+"Dinner for the newcomers!" called Mr. Ford, interrupting, as a fresh
+meal was placed upon the table and they were invited to their seats. The
+zeal with which they accepted and the fine appetites they displayed sent
+a satisfied smile to their host's lips, and he nodded merrily to his
+wife:
+
+"No invalids among them! Glad of that! But youngsters, eat first,
+chatter afterwards! The wagons will be at the door very soon and I want
+to get in a good thirty miles before bedtime!"
+
+They tried to check their eager talk but they were all too excited for
+quiet, and presently rose from the table, ready for the ride, while Mr.
+Ford said:
+
+"Now, Erminie, wife, you do the pairing off of the youngsters, and
+arrange how we shall divide. First, count noses! Eight youngsters, three
+oldsters, two 'boys'--thirteen passengers in all! Miss Milliken, did you
+ever 'cross the plains' before?"
+
+The prim little lady, who had been standing beside Mrs. Ford, appeared
+not to hear the gentleman's question, but turned with an air of anxiety
+to ask in turn:
+
+"Madam, did I hear there were 'thirteen,' THIRTEEN?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Milliken. Why?"
+
+"Then I think you'll have to excuse me. I might follow you later if
+there were some way but I positively decline to make the thirteenth of
+any party."
+
+There certainly was nothing wormlike, or undecided, about the governess,
+whose lips had closed in such a thin line of obstinacy as changed her
+whole appearance, while her would-be hostess inquired with amusement:
+
+"Are you superstitious, Miss Milliken? Surely, with your culture and--"
+
+Helena advanced with an air of authority:
+
+"Milliken, this is absurd! Please get back your common sense. Remember
+we are guests and have no right to object to anything."
+
+The chaperon bridled, but kept silence, till Mr. Ford explained:
+
+"Thirteen doesn't mean the whole party. There'll be three drivers,
+besides. Possibly more men picked up along the road. Moreover, thirteen
+is my 'lucky number,' if 'luck' is anything. Well, Mrs. Ford, have you
+arranged the company?"
+
+"No, I cannot. I know them so slightly, as yet, and the best way is to
+draw lots. How many will the first buckboard carry?"
+
+"Eight, all told. A dozen, if need be. Well, time's precious! Here's a
+lot of matches. The whole ones go in number one, the next lengths in
+wagon two, and the little ones in the last. See, I've snapped them off,
+and Miss Milliken, as head of the expedition, please draw first!"
+
+The lady flushed and drew. Her lot was in the last and smallest
+buckboard which would carry but two more beside the driver; and it fell
+out that her companions would be Alfaretta and Monty Stark. The driver
+was known as Silent Pete, and it certainly was an odd combination which
+had resulted from the first "drawing."
+
+To the leading wagon the "lots" assigned the three Fords and Jedediah,
+their colored "boy," with Molly, Helena and Herbert--their driver, Lem
+Hunt, the most talkative man at San Leon but, also, the crack whip of
+the ranch.
+
+The driver of the second team was "Tenderfoot Sorrel," so called because
+of his red hair and his comparatively recent arrival from the east. He
+was less familiar with the country than the other two teamsters and had
+been assigned to the place in the middle of the little cavalcade, so
+that "he can't lose hisself afore or ahind, ary way," as Lemuel
+explained it.
+
+Naturally, everybody was disappointed at the result of the lots, Mrs.
+Ford protesting that it was inhospitable to put all her family in one
+vehicle, and that the best, but that "a Ford should have been in each."
+
+"Let's change, then," begged Monty, "and let one of the girls settle it
+as she knows we'd like it."
+
+But Alfy gave him such a frown that he ducked his head, avoiding an
+imaginary blow, while Miss Milliken as vigorously declared:
+
+"You mustn't do that. Oh! don't do that! 'Twould be the very worst luck
+of all. Something would surely happen!"
+
+"Well, if there doesn't I shall be disappointed! We're all eager for
+adventures, and that's why I took this long, roundabout way to the
+ranch. We could have gone there in next to no time, by rail, but that's
+too humdrum a thing. Anyhow, I bow to Miss Milliken's prejudices for the
+time being. We shall be in sight of each other all the time, I expect,
+and meet at Roderick's for our suppers and beds! All off for San Leon
+that's going!" cried Mr. Ford, in imitation of a steamboat steward, and
+taking his wife's arm led her and her guests out of the hotel.
+
+The trunks and heavier luggage had already gone ahead in other wagons
+and only suit-cases and hand-bags were on hand. These were hastily
+bestowed in the boxes of the two less crowded buckboards, and no
+attention paid to their ownership, since it was expected that all would
+meet at "Roderick's," where every traveller could find his own.
+
+With a blast on his coach horn, a crack of his long whip over his
+four-in-hand, proud Lemuel led the way along the city street, out of the
+town, and into the open country beyond.
+
+All the horses attached to the blackboards were the picked ones of the
+San Leon stables, with a record known as well in the far east as in that
+wide western land. As one spectator of this gallant start remarked:
+
+"It goes without saying that Dan Ford will drive no second-rate
+horseflesh, any more 'n he will a second-class railroad. My! See 'em
+travel! At that gait they'll pick up the stretch 'twixt here and
+'Roderick's' long before nightfall, or I'm no judge."
+
+"Likely enough, likely enough. Only I don't like the looks of that
+second span--I mean the one to the middle buckboard. Them blacks. The
+boys up to S' Leon hadn't no right to trust a tenderfoot to drive them
+critters!" remarked another observer, as the fretful animals passed out
+of sight, following their leaders.
+
+Even Lem Hunt looked back once or twice, as they left the city limits,
+and waved a warning hand toward "T. Sorrel," who merely tossed his red
+head and continued to draw upon the reins he should have loosened. Also,
+Silent Pete opened his lips for once and hallooed to the man ahead:
+
+"Let 'em out, you fool! Give 'em their heads, I say!"
+
+Then he relapsed into his normal condition, attending strictly to his
+own business and making himself deaf to the timid shrieks of Miss
+Milliken, from the rear seat. He was known to "hate silly women" and
+felt his fate a hard one in having to escort such a one as the
+governess. She, accustomed only to the sedate pace of the fat Montaigne
+steeds, felt that the spirited animals before that wagon were simply on
+the road to destruction and nowhere short of it! She clung to her
+seat-arm with one hand and clutched Pete's coat collar with the other,
+frantically beseeching him:
+
+"Do stop! Oh! you--man--just stop--and let me get my breath! I--I bump
+so--I--I can't even think!"
+
+But this western jehu merely flicked her fingers off as he would a
+troublesome fly, while Monty coolly advised:
+
+"Don't try, Miss Milliken. Fast? Why, they call this mere walkin' out
+here. I'm going to take a nap."
+
+He settled himself sidewise on his seat, folded his arms upon its back,
+dropped his face upon them and tried to sleep. He was cross. He had
+wanted to ride in the foremost vehicle with the fine four-in-hand. He
+hated being put at the tail end of the procession with stupid Alfaretta
+Babcock, a speechless man, and a nervous, half-hysterical woman for
+companions. But the chuckle that escaped him a moment later proved that
+his slumber was only a pretended one. At a particularly rough spot in
+the road and a particularly shrill scream from Miss Milliken, the angry
+ranchman faced about and rudely ordered: "Shut up!" Then his lips closed
+with a click and nothing further escaped them during all that drive.
+
+Alfaretta giggled; then strained her eyes again to pierce the distance
+which she had been studying for some time. Then she laid a hand on
+Monty's head and shook it vigorously:
+
+"Wake up, boy! Look ahead and see if either wagon is in sight! 'Tisn't
+so awful dark yet but I wish--I wish I could get a glimpse of Dolly and
+Jim. That fool driver might have taken the wrong road where it branched
+off a ways back."
+
+Silent Pete heard and guessed this was the truth, but he ventured no
+reply. His business was to drive his own horses and let the tenderfoot
+look out for himself. But Monty roused himself enough to assure Alfy:
+
+"He wouldn't do that! Why, that road is nothing but a trail through the
+woods. Dark as midnight. Don't worry." Then he settled himself to sleep
+again.
+
+Now the fact was that "T. Sorrel," as his fellow ranchmen called him,
+had more conceit than common sense. He had heard that the branch road
+was a short cut to "Roderick's," but not that it was impassable for a
+team. A man on horseback might pass safely over it, by daylight and with
+a trustworthy mount. Not otherwise; and though the opening was fairly
+clear the trail entered a hopeless tangle of underbrush and fallen
+timber but a short way further on. To go forward then became impossible,
+and equally so the turning back. The lively blacks resented the
+scratching of briers and broken branches upon their tender limbs and
+pranced and fretted wildly. A molly cottontail scurried across the track
+before them and with a mutual, frenzied impulse they shied and sprang
+into the air.
+
+The buckboard flew upward, turned turtle, scattered its load in all
+directions, then settled into a broken heap, while the light traces
+yielded to the strength of the horses, and they rushed madly forward out
+of sight.
+
+At that very moment it had been, that Silent Pete and his wagon had
+passed the entrance of that trail; and even in that dusk his trained
+eye had noted fresh wheel and hoof prints. But it was not his business
+to stop and investigate. He had been set to bring his party to
+"Roderick's", not to take care of a tenderfoot who ought to have a
+nurse, the fool!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE MIDNIGHT SEARCHING PARTY
+
+
+The night was growing late and there were anxious hearts at
+"Roderick's." The four-in-hand had arrived hours before, and Silent Pete
+had also brought his party safely in--to the mutual relief of himself
+and Miss Milliken, the latter really surprised to find she had arrived
+sound in body and limb. She had promptly retired to the little chamber
+assigned herself and Helena, only to reappear in fresh distress.
+
+"My suit-case with my night-things! I can't find it anywhere. The one
+they gave me has a lot of boys' things in it-all jumbled together. I'd
+like my suit-case, please. I'm worn out with that awful ride and if I've
+got to repeat it to-morrow, I must get to rest;" but as the buxom maid
+to whom she appealed paid her scant attention, she turned to Helena with
+her wail: "Oh, Miss Helena! _Won't_ you make them give me the right
+case?"
+
+The emphasis put on the "won't" suggested a desperate need, but merely
+annoyed her young mistress, who requested:
+
+"Don't make a nuisance of yourself, Milly. The loss of a suit-case is
+nothing compared to--Oh! if Dolly were only safely here!"
+
+"She will be, of course. Haven't I, with my nerves, lived through that
+ride? But, you don't understand, dear, I _want my things_. I can't wear
+a boy's pajamas--all mussed up, at that. I want, I want to go to bed."
+
+"Then, for goodness' sake--go!" cried Monty Stark, who had come up to
+the pair. "That'll give us a rest, too."
+
+"I shall have to sit up all night, then," still moaned the lady, "for
+your case isn't to be found either, Miss Helena."
+
+Then finding no greater sympathy from her mistress than from that saucy
+boy, the governess betook herself out of the way. She was the only one
+of the party which had so gaily left Denver that now cared for anything
+except the appearance down the road of the missing buckboard.
+
+Molly and Leslie, congenial spirits, had tried to laugh off their
+anxiety and to convince the others that everything was "all right, of
+course."
+
+"Likely Dolly Doodles has discovered some new sort of flowers somewhere
+and has wandered off to get them. She's always doing that kind of
+thing," Molly assured her hostess, who had gently answered:
+
+"We'll hope it's only that. But she'd scarcely look for wild flowers at
+night, nor do anything to make us anxious by her delay. Our Dorothy is
+a very considerate girl and I wish--they would come."
+
+Linking her arm within Helena's, the lady set her steps to suit the
+girl's and resumed the pacing up and down the long piazza. The house was
+a one-storied building, stretching along the roadway to a size that was
+unusual for such a locality. It had been added to at different periods,
+as need arose; each addition being either a little lower or higher than
+its neighbor, according to the cash in hand, but invariably with the
+continuance of the comfortable piazza. This now afforded a long
+promenade, and all the people gathered at the wayside inn that night,
+were using it to walk off their impatience at the delay of "Tenderfoot
+Sorrel" to bring in his team.
+
+Supper had been put back till it was spoiled, and having been
+telegraphed for beforehand, good Mrs. Roderick had wasted her best
+efforts upon it. But, at last, seeing Monty and Molly peering through
+the kitchen windows in a hungry sort of way, Mr. Ford ordered it served
+and all repaired to the dining room, feeling that the meal would be a
+farce, yet something with which to kill time.
+
+However, the long ride in the keen air had given all a fine appetite and
+despite the landlady's laments over the "dried-up stuff," the table was
+nearly cleared of its food when they left it. Moreover, everyone felt
+better and brighter for the refreshment and so hopeful now for the
+speedy arrival of the laggards, that Mr. Ford suggested to the waitress:
+
+"Just have a few things kept warm for the others. There'll be four of
+them. If they aren't here within a half-hour, now, I'll go back in
+search of them. Something may have happened to the wagon and they left
+to come on a-foot."
+
+"Dear, did you ask the man you call Silent Pete if he passed them
+anywhere along the road?"
+
+"Surely, I did that the first thing. He had neither passed nor seen
+them, he said."
+
+"Well, I'm going to interview him again. Come on, Miss Molly, to the
+stable with me," cried Leslie.
+
+"'Molly,' without the 'Miss,' please, and I'm ready enough! It seems as
+if I must be doing something, for everybody is looking so worried," she
+answered, catching his outstretched hand and racing with him down the
+long porch and around to the stables in the rear.
+
+Silent Pete had not gone to the loft where the workmen slept. He had
+wrapped himself in a blanket and, with another for a pillow, had settled
+himself in a corner of the loose box next the stalls where his team
+stood. He was so devoted to them that he couldn't leave them alone in a
+strange stable, though from the snores which already came from him he
+didn't seem a great protection to anything.
+
+But Silent Pete was wily. He had heard the voices of the pair without
+the building, asking a groom to tell where Pete could be found, and had
+resented being disturbed. He had done his day's work, he had no
+intention of joining in any search that might be made for the
+delinquents, and he promptly pretended slumber. But he hadn't reckoned
+upon Leslie's persistence nor his own uneasy conscience.
+
+"Wake up there, Peter, if that's your name! I'm your boss's son, and I
+want a word with you. Wake up, man!"
+
+The snores deepened. Rarely had the nose of mortal man emitted such
+ear-splitting sounds as now issued from the nostrils of the ranchman, as
+Leslie shoved aside the sliding door of the loose box and stepped
+within.
+
+"Here, Molly-without-the-Miss, take the lantern and hold it so I can
+find the head inside that roll of blankets! Feet are big enough. Can't
+miss them," said the lad, stumbling over the protruding boots of the
+sleeper. "I'll take this pitchfork and prod him up a bit. Hello, Pete! I
+say, Pete, you've earned your name one way--but you hardly deserve it
+another. 'Silent!' You'll certainly keep the horses awake and--Wake up,
+I say! You shall!"
+
+Leslie thrust the pitchfork into the boards of the floor so
+uncomfortably near that snoring nose that Pete hitched aside and so
+admitted himself awake. Molly ran into the box and held the lantern low,
+while the boy squatted at the teamster's head and thumped it soundly.
+Both were giggling, which incensed their victim still further, and he
+suddenly tossed off his blanket with such force that it hit Molly's face
+and made her jump away, while Leslie ordered:
+
+"Quit that! Don't you know how to treat a lady?"
+
+There was no answer, save a frown directed toward the laughing girl, and
+the lad demanded:
+
+"You're to open your lips and tell us what you think has happened to
+that tenderfoot driver and his team. Why doesn't he come in? They say
+you're the oldest driver round, know the most about the roads, or
+trails, and your opinion's wanted. Give it quick, because--Well,
+there'll be some thing doin' if you do know anything and don't tell it.
+I don't understand why I suspect you're hiding things but I do; unless
+it's that grudge I heard some men say you had against the 'Sorrel'
+fellow. Now, you talk. Where do you think that buckboard is?"
+
+"Gone to smash."
+
+Molly screamed at this cool answer, and Leslie threatened his pitchfork.
+But it was neither of these things which moved Pete to tersely disclose
+his private opinion:
+
+"I know nothin'. I guess shortcut and destruction. Lem knows the trail.
+T. Sorrel ain't wuth huntin', nor them boys. Little gal--might--Talk to
+Lem. Clear out."
+
+Having relieved his conscience of this much information the man buried
+his face again in his blanket and resumed his interrupted repose. Leslie
+wasted one moment of indignation upon him, as a heartless human being,
+then hurried out of the place and to his father.
+
+When consulted, Lem Hunt hesitated for an instant only, then advised:
+
+"Best get right a-doin' things! No wagons, but fresh hosses and as many
+of 'em as want to go. Jiminy cricket! If T. Sorrel branched off where
+Pete thinks he did he's done for hisself an' all consarned. Let's be
+steppin'!"
+
+Fortunately, there were plenty of fresh horses at "Roderick's" that
+night. A drove of them were corralled behind the inn, _en route_ from a
+distant ranch to Denver, and thence eastward to market. All of them were
+well broken, to the saddle at least, and the best were promptly led out
+for Mr. Ford's selection, leaving his own beasts to rest for the next
+day's travel. Also, the drivers eagerly offered their own company,
+mounting without their saddles, which they insisted upon lending to the
+less experienced riders.
+
+Excitement followed Lemuel's advice to "Be steppin'," and a very few
+minutes' of bustling activity saw the cavalcade lined up before the inn
+with him for leader. It numbered Mr. Ford, Herbert and Monty, of that
+party; with Noll Roderick himself and three drovers. That Leslie had not
+joined the riders was due to his mother's anxiety for his health, though
+his father had rather favored his going. The lad had been indignant at
+the "molly-coddling" and had hurt the tender heart of the Gray Lady by
+some angry words. Then he had walked away to the extreme end of the long
+piazza, whence he watched the disappearance of the rescuers down the
+moonlight road. As the horses' footfalls died in the distance, his
+grumblings were interrupted by a light touch on his arm.
+
+"Come around this corner, boy! Hurry up!"
+
+He turned to find Molly Breckenridge beside him, her finger on her lip,
+and a wild light in her eyes. She was trembling with excitement and
+could scarcely wait to whisper:
+
+"I'm going, too!"
+
+"Girl, how can you?"
+
+"Horseback, course. Roderick's daughter's lending me her own pony.
+Mattie, her name is, and she was all for going with the others but her
+mother can't spare her. I told her I was just crazy, thinking of my
+Dorothy; hurt maybe, lost anyway, and nobody but a lot of men to speak
+to, even if they find her. Do you s'pose I'll desert her? That I love
+best of all the world? I guess not. I'm a Breckenridge! Good-by!"
+
+There was mischief in her eyes as she turned to leave him and Leslie
+laughed:
+
+"Course! You're thoroughbred--I saw that right away. And you're my
+guest! Could I, as a gentleman, let you ride off alone on a lonely road
+at night? Hurray! You're A 1! You're rippin'!"
+
+Molly sped around the house. She wasn't familiar, as yet, with Leslie's
+"rippin'" but she knew he'd approved of her wild prank and would join
+her in it. She was a far better rider than he, for in her own southern
+home she had been reared to the saddle and was never happier than when
+she had a good horse at command. Mattie's pony was swift and easy, and
+Molly sprang to its back with the feeling that now she was "really doing
+something," and that very speedily she would have her arms about her
+missing friend and all would be well. She had also begged Mattie to get
+a mount for Leslie, forseeing that he would follow her--exactly as he
+did. Another instant, and the pair were off along a little by-path,
+toward the main road and the pursuit of the searching party. As they
+struck into the smoother going Molly touched the calico pony with her
+whip and called to Leslie:
+
+"Come on! Hurry up! We'll have to ride like the wind to catch up with
+the rest!"
+
+"All right--I'll do my best but--but this--old nag--wait a little bit!"
+
+Molly wheeled about and did so, but the delay made her extremely
+impatient, and with some contempt she remarked, as the lad came
+alongside:
+
+"Why, I supposed you could ride! You looked like a boy who knew how!"
+
+"So I do! But this thing I'm on--Call this a horse? I'd rather have a
+mule! How dared they give me such a thing?"
+
+In her hurry Molly had not observed the animal which had stood saddled
+at the stable door, and that now seemed as ugly and tiresome a beast as
+her own little pony was fine. Pity then banished vexation and she
+exclaimed:
+
+"You poor fellow! I don't believe Matty meant you to have that beast.
+But, come on, anyway. Maybe he'll warm up after a bit, and I'll take
+that back--that I said about your riding. I reckon you're all right.
+Anybody must be who can stick on the rack-o'-bones you've got. Touch him
+up a little--I'll set the pace."
+
+Away she sped while the gaunt creature which Leslie bestrode planted his
+forefeet firmly on the ground and refused to lift them thence. Molly was
+fast passing around a curve in the road and would then be out of sight,
+and Leslie's temper rose to its height. He forgot everything except his
+own awkward position and the fact that his lively young guest could have
+the laugh on him when that night's tale was told.
+
+"Oh! you hateful beast! You won't go, eh? Well, go you shall! Hear me?
+Take that--and that--and--THAT!"
+
+Blows rained hard and fast, till the lash of the whip gave out, and the
+butt took its place. Then, as if the astonished horse had just aroused
+to the state of things, it bolted! and the way its old heels picked up
+that road was the most amazing thing of all that evening's happenings.
+
+Then, indeed, did Leslie prove himself a better horseman than he looked,
+and, for all time to come, his full ability to "stick." Riding ahead at
+a smart pace, but not her pony's best, Molly heard the footfalls behind
+her and swerved out of the way--not a minute too soon! Evidently, the
+maligned "rack-o'-bones" would otherwise have ridden her down. He passed
+her like a whirlwind and then--she after him. Followed, a race to be
+remembered! The big horse keeping the lead, the little "calico"
+pit-pattering along behind in a hopeless effort to get even.
+
+Thus for what seemed an endless time, the long dusty road was desolate
+of any travellers except this pair of runaways. Sometimes a coyote
+yelped in the distance; occasionally some creeping thing barred the
+track before them; and a screech owl sent its blood-curdling cries into
+their ears. Otherwise they were alone in the wilderness and the night,
+and beyond speaking distance even of one another.
+
+The effect was to set each culprit thinking. How wild a thing they had
+done! How thoughtless, how selfish! What fresh anxiety they had added to
+the troubled hearts back there at "Roderick's," as soon as their absence
+was discovered! How flat their jolly adventure had fallen!
+
+Molly had bound Mattie to secrecy, and there was that about the western
+girl that convinced the other that the secret would be kept. If Mrs.
+Roderick did guess what had become of them, and said so, it would be no
+comfort to Lady Gray and Helena; and the longer Molly pondered the
+matter, the more ashamed and terrified she felt. What would Aunt
+Lucretia say? And what her father--could he see his madcap at that
+moment?
+
+In a bitter reaction of feeling the girl dropped her head upon the
+pony's neck, though still mechanically urging the willing creature to
+her utmost speed. Her thoughts were far away when, suddenly, she felt a
+check upon the rein and lifted her startled face.
+
+"Why, Leslie! You scared me!"
+
+"Were you asleep?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What then? Your head was down. The 'calico' was taking her own way.
+What's the matter?"
+
+"It's none--I mean, if you must know, I was crying."
+
+"Oh! horrors! Why?"
+
+"Because I've done such a dreadful thing. It was wicked. I had no right
+and--and--"
+
+"Yes, I know. You were frightened. Well, I was, too."
+
+Molly straightened her shoulders and pretended contempt, saying:
+
+"I didn't know as gentlemen--'thoroughbreds,' you know--western
+thoroughbreds ever were fr-fri-ghtened. What--was--that?"
+
+A curious cry had reached them and Molly finished her speech in a
+whisper. The horses, also, had heard it and had thrust back their ears
+in fear.
+
+Just there the road skirted the edge of a forest and the cry had come
+from its depths. They peered into the shadows but could see nothing, and
+edging the pony close to Beelzebub, as Leslie's mount was named, Molly
+repeated her question.
+
+"Likely a wild cat, puma, or wolf. I don't know," he answered.
+
+"Have you heard it before? Was it that scared you?"
+
+"No, I was afraid something would happen to you, left behind, alone. I
+fancy we're in no danger that way--" pointing forestward. "But--"
+
+"'But'--what? If you thought about me why didn't you come back to look
+for me?"
+
+"I couldn't. Once he got in motion this beast wouldn't stop till he--ran
+down like a clock."
+
+"Pooh! You should go to a riding school! Let's go on, now, or else back.
+I can't stop here with lions and panthers yelling at us! I--I--Oh! do
+come on! But keep tight hold of the pony's rein. Don't get away from me
+again."
+
+"I shan't. I can't."
+
+"Oh! come!"
+
+"I tell you I can't. We're planted."
+
+Molly's lip quivered, but she restrained her tears and tremulously
+entreated:
+
+"Oh, Leslie, don't! I can't stand teasing now. This isn't funny--not a
+bit. Shall we go back? Or try to overtake the others?"
+
+"We can't do either one. I tell you we're simply stuck. Settled down and
+gone to housekeeping. Beelzebub has finished. He won't take another
+step. Fact. We've got to make the best of it. If that pony of yours was
+as big as a decent calf we might ride double and leave this wretch to
+starve and think it over at his leisure. I don't see why that girl gave
+me such a creature. Let's get off and sit down on that rock and wait.
+Something's bound to happen--sometime--if we live long enough. The
+folks'll come back this same road, course."
+
+He jumped to the ground and held out his hand to her but, for a moment,
+she would not dismount; then as he coolly left her and walked to the
+rock he had pointed out, she slipped from her saddle and followed him.
+But she still held fast to her bridle rein and the pony offered no
+resistance to the leading, though the big brute of the profane name
+remained in the middle of the road, his forefeet pointed forward, his
+hind ones backward, his whole attitude one of stubborn ugliness.
+
+Leslie had reached a point where the ludicrous side of things appeared
+and he remarked:
+
+"Looks like the potato-horses I used to make when I was a kid, with
+matches stuck in for legs. I wonder how long he'll stand there!"
+
+Molly smiled faintly. At present there were no alarming sounds from the
+forest and the boy's apparent indifference to their lonely situation
+relieved her own fears.
+
+"Well, it's an 'ill wind that blows nobody good,' you know. That Beelzy
+thing is the toughest I ever rode. He's bumped me up and down till I
+ache all over and this rock is actually soft in comparison. Here. I'll
+put some of these big ferns for a cushion for you, and, after all, we'll
+meet our folks just as soon by waiting as by going on. They must come
+back, you know, sure as fate. This is the only road leads to
+'Roderick's', I heard them say. Hello! Why--Beelzebub, good boy!"
+
+A whim had seized the obstinate animal to approach his late rider and
+fawn about his feet, nibbling the scant grass which grew there, as the
+pony was already doing. In surprise at this change both Leslie and Molly
+laughed and forgot, for the time, that they were in such a desolate
+place at so late an hour.
+
+The horse's action reminded Molly of an animal her father had once owned
+and she began to tell stories about him; stories that the boy matched
+with marvelous ones of his own. That some of these were fiction made no
+difference. Molly disdained to believe them but they served to pass the
+time as well as any better ones might have done. Indeed, fear had now
+left them. The rest after their hard ride was pleasant and both felt
+that they were simply waiting for their friends' return.
+
+So they sat on, as composedly as if they were safe at home, till Molly's
+eyes, fixed upon the distant road, suddenly grew startled again.
+
+Leslie's latest yarn had been of an Indian outbreak, or uprising, of
+recent date and in this neighborhood. He had heard it that evening from
+the men at the inn and had not paused to consider how unlikely was such
+an incident so near to the city of Denver. In truth, the "boys" had
+invented the whole story, just for the sake of impressing the young
+"tenderfeet"--Monty, Herbert and Leslie; and it had satisfied the
+jokers that these youngsters "swallered it hull."
+
+But Leslie had a gift for dramatic recital and listening to him the
+affair seemed very real to the girl. The scene and the hour suggested a
+possible repetition of the occurrence; and as there now came to her ears
+the sound of distant hoofbeats on the road, and presently, to her eyes
+the sight of a company of horsemen approaching, she gave one terrified
+cry and darted into the forest behind her.
+
+"The Indians! The--Indians! They'll kill us!"
+
+Moved by his own eloquence and still believing the story he had been
+told, the boy followed her flight. He did not even turn to look where
+she had pointed but, with a headlong rush, dashed into the wood and into
+a mass of briars which threw him face downward in their midst. Also, at
+that same instant both the deserted horses set up a continued neighing,
+which confirmed the fears of their riders who, both now prone upon the
+ground, felt that their last hour had come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE WATCHERS AT RODERICK'S
+
+
+As soon as Molly and Leslie had ridden away, Mattie Roderick disappeared
+within her own room and became deaf to all the inquiries made outside
+her door. She was a high-spirited, "wild western" girl, accustomed to
+obeying little else than her own impulses. She had a fine record as a
+horsewoman and had been disappointed that she could not go with the
+searching party. This being the case, it was next better to lend her
+pony to that other lively girl who was so like herself.
+
+But Mrs. Roderick was certain that the missing Molly and Leslie had
+followed the first party and could give no comfort to anxious Mrs. Ford
+beyond the statement:
+
+"Things don't happen often, 'twixt here an' Denver. Been one or two
+hold-ups, of men known to carry money, but beyond a murder or so, ain't
+been no excitement this long spell."
+
+"Murder!" cried Helena aghast, and folding her arm a bit more tightly
+about Gray Lady's trembling body.
+
+"Oh! yes'm. A few has been. But nobody'd touch to harm them children.
+You needn't worry. They've thought it smart to take a hand in the
+business, that's all. Mattie won't say 'yes' nor 'no' to my askin', but
+the 'calico's' out of the corral and Long Jim's Belezebub ain't hitched
+no longer. Ha, ha, ha! If either them kids tries to ride Beelzy--Hmm.
+But Chiquita, now, she's little but she's great. Pa and Matt claim she's
+worth her weight in gold. She's likely, anyway. An' don't fret, lady.
+They'll all be home to breakfast, an' seein's I've got that to cook,
+I'll hump myself to bed and advisin' you to do the same. If not, make
+yourselves comfortable's you can, and good night."
+
+After the landlady's departure the house became strangely quiet. The men
+who had been talking outside sought their own rest, and the anxious
+watchers missed the murmur of voices and the sense of protection which
+the presence of even these strangers gave.
+
+While Mrs. Ford was still restlessly pacing the long piazza, Alfy
+slipped within. With her keen observation of details, she had seen where
+the woodpile was and that the fire on the hearth in the main room of the
+house had about died out. This had been lighted for the guests'
+enjoyment, the inn folks caring nothing for it and therefore easily
+forgetting to replenish it. When she had gathered an armful of wood,
+Alfy carried it to the fireplace and lustily blew upon the embers till a
+little blaze started. Then she heaped the sticks upon this and
+presently had a roaring flame. At once the room grew cheerful, its
+bareness furnished, as it were, by this open fire.
+
+"Now, dear Lady Gray, please come right inside. You'll get your death
+out here in this night air, with not even your cloak on. Come, Helena,
+you both come in," said Alfaretta, appearing on the porch.
+
+But her first words had started the mother's tears.
+
+"Lady Gray." That had been her son's pet name for her, its use still
+more frequent than "Mother," and with a little cry she murmured:
+
+"Ah! my boy! Shall I ever hear you say that again!"
+
+"I don't see why not," said practical Alfaretta, nodding to Helena to
+help persuade the woman to take a needed rest. "You heard that landlady
+tellin' how 't they'd all be home to breakfast. Well, then, she knows.
+She's lived here a power o' time and we've only just come. Say, Helena,
+let's make a pot of coffee and set the table. I can do it right on them
+coals, after the fire burns down a mite. If I can't there, 'twon't be
+the first cook stove I've tackled in my life, and I know one thing if I
+don't any more: that is, when those searchers and Dolly an' Jim do come
+they'll be so tearing hungry they could nigh eat ten-penny nails. Come
+on. Let's get supper for 'em. You boss the job, Mrs. Ford, and then
+it'll be done right. I saw a lot of chickens in a back room, as I come
+through, all fixed to fry. Well now, you both know I can fry chicken to
+the queen's taste, and I'll just lay myself out this time!"
+
+Her energy and cheerfulness were not to be resisted. Mrs. Ford
+followed the two girls inside and with a little shiver, from her
+exposure outside, drew a chair to the hearth and bent to its warmth.
+Then, as if she had been in her own home, Alfaretta whisked about,
+dragging small tables from the dining room into this larger one,
+ordering Helena to do this and that, and all with a haste that was
+almost as cheering as the fire.
+
+"Now, Helena, here's the dish-closet. You set the table. My! Ain't
+these the heaviest plates and cups you ever saw? Ma Babcock'd
+admire to get some like 'em; our children break such a lot of things.
+But Mis' Calvert wouldn't think she could drink tea out of such. She
+wants her 'n to be thin as thin! and she's got one set, 't belonged to
+her grandmother--great-grandma, I guess it was--come over from England
+or somewhere--that she won't let no hands except her own touch to wash.
+I wish you could see Aunt Betty wash dishes! 'Twould set you laughing,
+fit to split, first off. It did me till I begun to see the other side
+of it, seems if. First, she must have a little porcelain tub, like a
+baby's wash-tub, sort of--then a tiny mop, doll's mop, I called it, and
+towels--Why, her best table napkins aren't finer than them towels be.
+And dainty! My heart! 'Tis the prettiest picture in the world when that
+'ristocratic old lady washes her heirloom-china! But this--your hands'd
+get tired enough if you had to do much of this. Hurry up! Don't you know
+how to set a table yet, great girl like you? Well, do the best you can.
+I'm going into that kitchen to cook. I can't wait for this fire to get
+low. I surely can't, because, you see, they might be here any
+minute--any single minute--and nothing done yet, not even the table set.
+Mrs. Ford, you better cut the bread. Here's a lot of it in a tin box,
+and a knife with it, sharp enough to cut a feller's head off. You best
+not touch it, Helena, you're so sort of clumsy with things. Now I'm off
+to boil 'tatoes and fry chicken!"
+
+It was impossible to retain gloomy forebodings while Alfy's cheerful
+tongue was running on at this rate, and as she left the living-room for
+the kitchen at the rear both Lady Gray and Helena were laughing, partly
+at their own awkwardness at the tasks assigned them as well as at her
+glib remarks.
+
+"I never set a table in my life!" cried Helena, in glee.
+
+"And I never sliced a loaf of bread!" said Gray Lady; "though I'll admit
+it is time I learned. Indeed, I've never had a home, you know, and I'm
+looking forward to my housekeeping as eagerly as a child to her
+playhouse."
+
+"I'm wondering what the landlady will say, when she finds how we've
+invaded her pantry," continued Helena, carefully arranging the coarse
+stone-china upon the oilcloth covered tables. She had begun very
+reluctantly but found that the labor was a delightful relief from worry,
+and, with the good sense she possessed, now went on with it as
+painstakingly as if she expected a fashionable and critical company.
+Indeed, her first table-setting, copied, as near as she could remember,
+from the careful appointments of her own mother's board, was to be an
+object lesson to others besides herself.
+
+For presently there was the sound of voices in the kitchen; Alfaretta's,
+of course, with another equally gay and girlish.
+
+Mattie Roderick had slept lightly. She had been excited over the arrival
+of the Ford party in the first place, and doubly so from the later
+events of the night. So as she lay sleepless and listening, she heard
+the rattle of cooking things in the kitchen below and soon the odor of
+frying. With a little grumble she got up and put on the few garments she
+had discarded.
+
+"It can't be near morning yet. I don't see what's set Ma to cooking,
+'less they're on the road back and nigh starved. One thing I know! I
+shan't marry no tavern-keeper! It's nothin' but fry, roast, bake, an'
+bile, the hull endurin' time. I'm goin' to quit and go east fur as
+Denver, anyhow, soon's I get my age. I'd like to look same's them girls
+do, and they ain't no prettier 'n me. It's only their clothes makes 'em
+look it, and as for that Molly, they call her, that's rid off on
+Chiquita, she's just as plain and folksy as get out! So's the red-headed
+one with the high-falutin' name, out of that song Pa sings about the
+'blue Juniata' and 'bright Alfaretta,' or some such trash. Them
+boys--Well, they hain't took no notice o' me yet--but I can show 'em a
+thing or two. I bet I can shoot better than any of 'em. I bet, if they
+don't hurry off too early to-morrow, I'll get up a match and teach 'em
+how a Colorado girl can hit the bull's-eye every time!"
+
+With these ambitious reflections the inn-keeper's daughter arrived at
+the kitchen and the presence of the red-headed girl in it, instead of
+the portly form of her mother.
+
+"What on earth does it mean?" demanded Mattie, scarcely believing her
+own eyes.
+
+It didn't take Alfy long to explain, and she added the warning:
+
+"You keep it up! Don't you let on to Mrs. Ford that there's the least
+misdoubt in your mind but what them searchers will be back, right to
+once, same's I'm pretending! Oh! I hope they do! I hope they do! I hope
+it so much I dassent hardly think and just have to keep talking to stop
+it. If I had hold that Molly Breckenridge I'd shake her well! The dear
+flighty little thing! To go addin' another scare to a big enough one
+before, and now about that Leslie. He's a real nice boy--Leslie is--if
+you let him do exactly what he wants and don't try to make him
+different. His ma just sets all her store by him. I never got the rights
+of it, exactly, Aunt Betty Calvert--she 't I've been hired out to--she
+never approved of gossip. She said that folks quarrellin' was just plain
+makin' fools of themselves, or words to that effect. The Fords had done
+it and now, course, they was thicker 'n blueberries again and didn't
+want to hear nothing about the time they wasn't. Don't leave them
+'tatoes in that water so long! Why, child o' grace, don't you know yet,
+and you keepin' tavern, that soon's a potato is cooked it ought to be
+snatched out the pot and set to steamin', to get dry? Soggy potatoes
+gives you the dyspepsy and that's a disease I ain't sufferin' to catch.
+It makes folks so cross."
+
+By this time Mattie had entered into the spirit of the thing and had
+never been happier in her life. This Alfaretta was so jolly, so
+friendly, so full of talk. So wholly satisfied in her conscience, too,
+now that "one of the family" was beside her to share the risk she had
+assumed of using other people's provisions so recklessly.
+
+But in that she had misjudged her genial hosts. Nothing was too good
+for their guests, these or any others, and if the chickens meant for
+breakfast were pre-empted for this midnight meal, why there were plenty
+more in the hennery.
+
+So, secure in her better knowledge of the elder Rodericks, Miss Mattie
+sped about, flew in and out of the sitting-room, to tend the fire or add
+some delicacy to Helena's daintily set table; the same that made her
+stare at its difference from ordinary. Didn't seem possible that the
+mere arrangement of cups and saucers, of knives and forks, could give
+such an "air" to the whole place.
+
+"Like brook trout, Mis' Ford?" asked the girl, upon one entrance. "You
+men-folks like 'em, too?"
+
+Assured that they were considered a great treat, Mattie advised:
+
+"Well, you just wait! I know where there's a lot, in a basket in the
+pool. Pa catched 'em to have 'em ready and I'll hike after 'em to onct.
+You like to go along, Helena?"
+
+Stately Helena smiled at the free masonry of the westerner and glanced
+at Mrs. Ford, in inquiry:
+
+"Yes, dear, go with her. I shan't be lonely, with Alfaretta left, flying
+in and out busily. I declare, those kitchen odors _are_ savory! I hope
+the wanderers will soon be here, that this new meal won't be kept till
+spoiled, as Mrs. Roderick complained of the other."
+
+Helena noticed that the lady expressed no further doubt about the safety
+of the absentees and thus encouraged she gladly accepted Mattie's
+invitation. Indeed, this whole trip was full of delightful novelty and
+all the affectations which had once made Helena Montaigne disagreeable
+to sensible people had been discarded, or outgrown.
+
+Mattie's first preparation was to take off her shoes and stockings and
+she advised the other girl to do the same. "Else you'll get 'em all dirt
+going through the swamp to the pool. We don't have none too much water
+hereabouts but what we have got is _wet_!"
+
+"I couldn't go barefooted. My feet would hurt so. I'll have to risk the
+shoes. I have others in my suit-case, wherever it is."
+
+"Well, come on then. You can step light through the ma'sh and 'twon't be
+so bad. Wait till I fetch a lantern."
+
+"A lantern, in this moonlight?"
+
+"Sure. 'Twon't shine into the woods. The trees are awful thick and
+though I could go straight there and back, without stumbling once,
+you're new to the way an' the light's for you. I don't want you to get
+hurt just goin' for a mess o' fish!"
+
+"Thank you, Mattie. That is very considerate of you. Shall I carry it?"
+
+Mattie was pleased by the other girl's "thank you." Such small
+courtesies were almost unknown to her, but she determined to remember
+how "good" it had made her feel and to experiment with it upon somebody
+else, sometime. Even as Helena's table-setting had also been a lesson in
+neatness; and with her eagerness to learn she felt that she had been
+amply repaid for giving up her sleep. Chattering as if she had always
+known the stranger she led the way safely to the pool, deep in the
+woods; and Helena never forgot that scene. Except for the slight
+illumination of the lantern the blackness of the forest was intense, and
+the rustling of wild things among the tree-tops startled her.
+
+Mattie looked up and saw her fear, then laughed hilariously:
+
+"Two 'fraid-cats together, you an' the birds! Likely, they never saw a
+lantern before and hate to be disturbed even more 'n I did, listenin' to
+Alfaretta in the kitchen. But don't you like it? Ain't it awful solemn
+in such woods in the night-time? Makes a body think of all the hateful
+things she's done and sort of wish she hadn't done 'em. But there ain't
+no livin' thing in these woods'll hurt you, nowadays, though onct they
+was chock full o' grizzlies an' such. Now I guess that's enough. Don't
+suppose your folks'd eat a bigger mess 'n that, do you? 'Cause I could
+take a few more if you say so."
+
+Helena looked at the big basket of trout and laughed, then shivered at
+the echo of her own laughter in that place, which seemed full as
+"solemn" to her as it did to the more accustomed Mattie.
+
+They were soon back at the inn, Mattie at once proceeding to show
+Alfaretta that she could do some fine cooking herself; and between them
+they made Mrs. Roderick's larder suffer, so eager was each to outdo the
+other and to suggest some further delicacy for that wonderful meal.
+
+Mrs. Ford paced in and out of the living-room, watchful and still
+anxious, though greatly amused at the doings of the three girls, and
+wondering, as well, how the landlady could sleep through all that din
+and chatter. For Helena, too, had gone into the kitchen and seizing a
+pitcher of cream Mattie was carrying to the table, demanded a chance to
+"whip" it.
+
+"It's such an improvement, or will be for that good coffee you've made,
+and Herbert likes it so much."
+
+Mattie put her arms akimbo and stared; then demanded, in turn:
+
+"Can't you do anything sensibler than 'whip' cream? As if it was bad.
+You make me laugh, though I don't know what you mean."
+
+Helena soon showed her, even with a two-tined steel fork beating the
+rich cream into a heaped-up, foamy mass, which Mattie declared was the
+"wonderfulest thing" she had ever seen. They were still discussing the
+matter, and each sampling the delicacy with relish, when Mrs. Ford's
+excited voice was heard, calling:
+
+"They're coming! Oh! they're coming at last! Away down the road! I can
+hear them--beyond the turn of the road. Only it seems that they come
+slowly. Is it so? Or is it my own impatience?"
+
+Only Alfaretta stopped to push the pans and pots to the cool, safe end
+of the great stove, now glowing red in front from the hot fire they had
+made. The other girls rushed outward to see for themselves, and Alfy
+reached the piazza just in time to hear Mattie remark:
+
+"Yes, they do travel powerful slow. They ain't in no hurry to get here.
+Somethin's happened. You can just believe me--somethin's happened!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS
+
+
+As the approaching company came around the bend of the road into sight
+of the inn, a "calico" pony detached itself from the group of riders and
+before those watching on the porch could hear her words, Molly was
+shouting to them:
+
+"We're all right! Everybody is all right--except the one that isn't! And
+he--Wait, I'm coming!"
+
+The three girls ran down the road to meet her, and even Lady Gray walked
+swiftly after, and in a moment more they had encircled the truant with
+their loving arms, forgetting that she had given them a needless
+anxiety.
+
+"They weren't Indians at all. They were just our own folks, but Leslie
+and I were frightened half to death! I don't know what would have become
+of us except the pony told our story. And he's only smashed up a little
+some way. They had to hold him on the horse--"
+
+"What! Leslie, my Leslie, my boy!" gasped Mrs. Ford.
+
+"Leslie? No, indeed! Nothing the matter with him only riding the
+rack-o'-bones. The 'Tenderfoot' man, and the cowboys say it served him
+right. Only he got off too easy with just a broken collar bone, and a
+sprained ankle, and some teeth gone--and a few other trifles like that.
+He--"
+
+"You can get off Chiquita now, Molly. I want to rub her down. Ain't she
+the best ever?" said Mattie, calmly lifting the rider down from the
+saddle.
+
+"Indeed she is! And how strong you are, to lift a big girl like me!"
+cried Molly, eagerly. "I do believe your little Chiquita saved our
+lives, Leslie's and mine."
+
+"Tell me what you mean, child. Where is Leslie?" demanded the Gray Lady,
+placing her hand on Molly's shoulder and peering into her eyes.
+
+"Why--I mean, what I say, course, Mrs. Ford. But Leslie's all right now.
+He's scratched with the briars and torn his clothes and has had to ride
+double with a cowboy, or drover, because he couldn't stand Beelzebub
+again. Mr. Roderick is riding that creature and--Here, here they are!"
+
+Once in sight of the house most of the party came up at a canter, Mr.
+Ford cheerfully saluting his wife, and the others waving their hats and
+showing off a few tricks of their steeds--while Dorothy was handed down
+from riding-pillion behind her host. Everybody's tongue was loosened at
+once and such a hubbub arose that Mrs. Ford clapped her hands to her
+ears, then caught hold of Leslie as he slid to the ground and ran like a
+girl to the house. She wanted a chance to kiss him before the rest came
+in and had learned long before this that her boy "hated coddling."
+
+However, he submitted to a little of it that night with a better grace
+than usual, understanding that he had given his mother anxiety; and told
+her as briefly as possible the whole story.
+
+"You see, Lady Gray, that 'Sorrel Tenderfoot' was too smart, so came to
+grief."
+
+"A good lesson to remember, son."
+
+"Course. Well, he drove into a road, a trail, and got stuck. The horses
+bolted, the wagon went to smash and he was hurt. Pretty bad, I guess.
+The others weren't at all, only frightened and sort of stunned. They
+were in a tight fix. So dark in there they didn't know which way was out
+and made up their minds to stay till daylight. That Jim Barlow--I tell
+you he's great!--he fixed a bed with the wagon cushions and laid
+'Sorrel' on it. Then he felt the man all over and saw his legs and arms
+were sound. After that he got the box of the buckboard right side up and
+made Dorothy get into that and lie down. He covered her with the robes
+and made Manuel promise to stay right beside her while he went back for
+help. Dorothy wouldn't let him go, at first, till he made her ashamed
+thinking about the 'Tenderfoot.'
+
+"He made his way back all that distance to the main road, just by
+noticing the branches that had been broken by their driving in. He was
+going to walk back to Denver for help, thinking that was the quickest
+way, but when he got out of the woods he couldn't go any further. He'd
+hurt his arm some way--Dad says it's broken--and the pain made him
+faint. We found him there--I mean the searchers did, and when he came to
+be told them the rest.
+
+"Lem Hunt and Roderick knew exactly where to look. They found the
+runaway blacks and captured them, or some of the cowboys did, and they
+made a litter of the wagon box, covered it with branches and carried him
+out of the woods. They've brought him all the way here for he insisted
+on coming. Said he'd be better cared for by Mrs. Roderick than at any
+hospital in Denver. He was sort of crazy and they didn't dare oppose
+him. That's why they are so slow. But they'll be here soon and he'll be
+put to bed. Lemuel says the man'll take a blazed trail the rest of his
+life, and will have time to get over his smartness while his bones heal.
+But I think it's too bad. I'm sorry for him, and so is Dad. Now, come.
+They're going to table and I'm hungry as a bear. Isn't it fine of Mrs.
+Roderick to get a meal this time of night, or day, or whatever hour it
+is?"
+
+"It wasn't Mrs. Roderick. Alfy was the moving spirit and the other girls
+helped. But not one mouthful shall you have till you confess your own
+fault. Why did you, Leslie, run away into all that danger against my
+wishes?"
+
+"Why, Molly--" began the lad, then checked himself for shame. "Why,
+Lady Gray, I couldn't let a girl like Molly ride away alone, could I?
+And she would go--just would. And the funny part was--we heard 'lions'
+or 'panthers', or something in the woods behind us. We'd stopped to rest
+and we thought so. Then we saw the searchers coming back and thought
+they were Indians! and the way we took to the woods would make you
+laugh. That's how I got to look like this. We might have been in them
+yet if little Chiquita hadn't stood like a post right beside the rock
+where we'd been sitting. Her being there, and Molly's hat and jacket
+that she'd taken off because she was too warm, told the truth. Dorothy
+saw the hat and knew it at once. So when Roderick came up and recognized
+Chiquita they made another search and found--us. But I tell you, Lady
+Gray, I've had all the lecturing I need just now from the other head of
+the family. I think Dad would have liked me to ride with him, at first,
+but he gave me his opinion of a boy who would 'sneak' off and 'leave his
+mother unprotected in a strange house at night.' Just forgive me this
+once, motherkin, and I'll be good in future; or till next time, any
+way. Now, come."
+
+Such a meal as followed had rarely been eaten even in that land of
+hungry people, where the clear air so sharpens appetite; and in the
+midst of it came the landlady herself, not even showing surprise, and
+certainly not offence, at the liberties which had been taken in her
+house. Fortunately, Jim's arm had been bruised and strained, only; not
+broken as Mr. Ford had feared.
+
+Then to bed and a few hours of sleep; another breakfast, as good as the
+first; after which buckboards were driven round and horses saddled;
+Herbert, Jim, and Manuel electing to ride while Monty was to travel in
+the wagon with Silent Pete, as driver. He was the better suited thus
+because Mr. Ford and Leslie were to be his companions, the gentlemen
+having arranged matters this time without any casting of lots.
+
+Lemuel drove the four-in-hand as on the day before, having as passengers
+Mrs. Ford and Miss Milliken--who had slept soundly through all the
+events of the night--with the four girls. Jedediah, Mr. Ford's colored
+"boy" also rode beside the driver, for the greater protection of the
+feminine travelers, should any need arise.
+
+But nothing did. All the untoward incidents of this journey to the
+Rockies had happened during its first stage. "Tenderfoot Sorrel" was
+left behind, of course, but he did not greatly regret that. He felt
+that he could more easily endure physical pain than the chaffing of his
+fellows at San Leon.
+
+As before, the start was made with a flourish of whip and horn, amid
+good wishes and farewells from the hosts of the Wayside Inn, and a sure
+promise to "come again!" Then a day's journey steadily onward and
+upward, through river-fed valleys and rocky ravines, with a mid-day stop
+at another little hostelry, for a change of horses and a plain dinner.
+
+Then on again, following the sun till it sank behind a mountain range
+and they had climbed well nigh to the top. Here Mr. Ford ordered a brief
+halt, that the travellers might look behind them at the glorious
+landscape. When they had done so, till the scene was impressed upon
+their memories forever, again the order came:
+
+"Eyes front! but shut! No peeping till I say--Look!"
+
+Laughing, finding it ever so difficult to obey, but eager, indeed, the
+last ascent was made. Then the wheels seemed to have found a level
+stretch of smoother travelling and again came Mr. Ford's cry:
+
+"All eyes front and--open! Welcome to San Leon!"
+
+Open they did. Upon one of the loveliest homes they had ever beheld. A
+long, low, roomy building, modelled in the Mission style that Lady Gray
+so greatly admired; whose spacious verandas and cloistered walks invited
+to delightful days out of doors; while everywhere were flowers in bloom,
+fountains playing, vine-clad arbors and countless cosy nooks, shadowed
+by magnificent trees. A lawn as smooth as velvet, dotted here and there
+by electric light poles whose radiance could turn night into day.
+
+For a moment nobody spoke; then admiration broke forth in wondering
+exclamations, while the host helped his wife to alight, asking:
+
+"Well, Erminie, does it suit you?"
+
+"Suit? Dear, I never dreamed of anything better than a plain shack on a
+mountain side. That's what you called it--but this--this is no shack.
+It's more like a palace!"
+
+"Well, the main thing is to make it a home."
+
+"Is it as good as the 'cabin,' father?" asked Leslie, coming up and
+laying his hand on Mr. Ford's shoulder.
+
+"Let us hope it will be! If the first inmates are peace and good will.
+Peace and good will," he repeated, gravely. Then his accustomed gayety
+replaced his seriousness and he waved his hand toward the entrance,
+saying:
+
+"Queen Erminie, enter in and possess your kingdom! Your maids of honor
+with you!"
+
+"My heart!" cried Alfaretta, following her hostess, like a girl in a
+dream. "I thought 'twould be just another up-mounting sort of place, not
+near so nice as Deerhurst or the Towers, but it's splendid more 'n they
+are, either one or both together."
+
+"Wonderful, what money can do in this land of the free!" remarked
+Herbert, critically estimating the establishment. "Think of a man having
+his own electric light plant away up here! Why, if it weren't for the
+mountains yonder one could fancy this is Newport or Long Branch."
+
+"Without the sea, Bert. Even money can't bring the sea to the
+mountain-tops," said Helena, though her own face was aglow with
+admiration.
+
+"It can do the next best thing to it. Look yonder," said Monty, pointing
+where a glimmer of sunset-tinted water showed through a hedge of trees.
+
+"Let's go there. It certainly is water," urged Jim Barlow.
+
+"Well, Leslie told me there was a strange waterfall near San Leon and I
+suppose the same money has pressed that into service. To think! That
+'Railroad Boss' earned his first quarter selling papers on the train! He
+was talking about the 'cabin' as we came along. It had two rooms and he
+lived in it alone with his mother. By his talk they hadn't always been
+so poor and she belonged to an old family, as 'families go in America.'
+That was the way he put it, and it was his ambition to see his mother
+able to take 'the place where she belonged.' That's how he began; and
+now, look at this!"
+
+All the young people had now gathered around the pond, or lake, that had
+been made in a natural basin on the mountain side, for thinking that
+their host and hostess would better like to enter their new home with no
+strangers about them, Dorothy had suggested:
+
+"Let's follow the boys! Jim's arm ought to be looked after, first thing,
+and I'll remind him of it. He'd no business to come on horseback all
+that long way, but he never would take care of himself."
+
+"Has Leslie ever been here before?" asked Molly Breckenridge.
+
+"No. It is as much a surprise to him as to his mother. But he's mighty
+proud of his father," answered Dorothy. "Look, here he comes now."
+
+He came running across the sward and down the rocky path to the edge of
+the lake and clapped a hand on the shoulders of Herbert and Montmorency.
+He did not mean to be less cordial to Jim Barlow but he was. For two
+reasons: one that Dorothy had extolled her humble friend till he seemed
+a paragon of all the virtues; and secondly what he had learned of Jim's
+eagerness for knowledge had made him ashamed of his own indifference to
+it. Even that day, his father had commended the poorer boy for his keen
+observation of everything and read him a portion of a letter received
+from Dr. Sterling, the clergyman with whom James lived and studied.
+
+The Doctor had written that the lad was already well versed in natural
+history and that his interest in geology was as great as the writer's
+own. He felt that this invitation to his beloved protégé was a wonderful
+thing for the student, and that Mr. Ford might feel he was having a hand
+in the formation of a great scientist.
+
+There had been more of the same sort of praise and Leslie had looked
+with simple amazement at the tall, awkward youth, who had arrived in
+Denver with the rest of his young guests.
+
+"That fellow smart? Clever? Brainy? Well, he doesn't look it. If ever I
+saw a regular clodhopper, he's the chap. But that Herbert Montaigne,
+now, is rippin'! He has the right 'air,' and so has the shorty, the fat
+Monty, only his figure is against him," he had remarked to Mateo, who
+had instantly agreed with him. Indeed, the Mexican _never_ disagreed
+with his "gracious excellency, Señor Leslie."
+
+Mateo's service was an easy one and his salary good. Besides, he was
+really fond of his young master and formed all his opinions in
+accordance. So then he, too, cast a supercilious glance at Jim, and had
+caused that shy lad's color to rise, though beyond that he took no
+notice.
+
+Already as they stood there gazing over the lake, crimson with the last
+rays of the sun, Jim was studying the rocks upon the farther side and
+squinting his eyes at something moving among them. It was with a
+startled return to his surroundings that he heard Leslie now say:
+
+"My father wants to have you come in, Mr.--I mean James. The doctor is
+going to properly dress your arm."
+
+"The doctor? Is there a doctor here?" asked Dorothy, slipping her hand
+under Jim's uninjured arm, and conveying by that action her sympathy
+with his feeling of an alien.
+
+But he coolly drew aside. He wasn't going to be humiliated by any girl's
+cossetting, not even hers. He had never realized his poverty so
+bitterly, nor been more ashamed of that fact. Just because some richer
+boys looked down upon him was no reason he should look down upon
+himself. Also, it angered him that he really needed surgical attention.
+He had suffered intensely during the ride hither but he had kept that to
+himself. He meant to keep it to himself whatever happened, and to join
+in what was going on as if he were physically sound as the other boys.
+
+"It's only my left arm, anyway. I'd be a poor stick of a thing if I
+couldn't manage with the other," he had thought, bravely, despite the
+pain. Now here was he being made the object of everybody's notice; and,
+being Jim--he hated it! There was a surly look in his eyes as he replied
+to Leslie's message:
+
+"I guess not. I mean--there isn't any need--I'm all right. I'm all
+right, I say. I'm--Shucks! I'm bully!"
+
+It was Dorothy who blushed this time, she was so mortified by the
+rudeness of her "paragon." Whenever had he used such an expression? She
+flashed an indignant glance upon him, then coolly commanded him:
+
+"You come right straight along, James Barlow. You're Mr. Ford's guest
+now and must do what he wants, just the same as if he were Dr. Sterling.
+Besides, I know we all ought to be freshening ourselves before supper.
+Lady Gray hates untidy people. Come on."
+
+Again she linked her arm in Jim's and led the way up the slope toward
+the house, while at the mention of supper all the others fell into line
+behind her. And now Jim was already ashamed of his petulance with her.
+After all, she was the prettiest girl of them all; and, so far as he
+knew, the richest. She was "thoroughbred;" her family one of the oldest
+in its native State; and though the poorhouse boy had no family pride of
+his own he was loyal to old Maryland and his earliest friend. What had
+not Dolly been to him? His first teacher, his loving companion, and the
+means of all that was good coming into his life.
+
+"Say, Dolly, I'm sorry I said that and shamed you. Sorry I'm such a
+conceited donkey as to hate being looked down on. You just keep me
+posted on what's what, little girl, and I'll try to behave myself. But
+it beats creation, to find such a place as this up here on the Rockies
+and to know one man's done it. Kind of takes a feller's breath away,
+don't it?"
+
+They were a little ahead of the rest of the party and able to talk
+freely, so Dorothy improved the chance to give "her boy Jim" a little
+lecture; suggesting that he must never stop short of accomplishing just
+as much as Daniel Ford had done.
+
+"What one poor lad can do, another can--if he will! _If he will_, James
+Barlow! It's just the _will_, you see. There was a copy in my old
+writing-book: 'What man has done, man can do.'"
+
+"Shucks! I'm ambitious enough, but 'tain't along no money lines. What I
+want is learnin'--just plain knowledge. I wrote a copy once, too, and
+'twas that 'Knowledge is Power.' I made them capitals the best I could
+so 't I never would forget 'em."
+
+"Huh! For such a wise young man you talk pretty common. There's no need,
+Jim Barlow, for you to go back into all the bad grammar and chipped-off
+words just because you're talking to--me. I notice you are very
+particular and careful when you speak to our hosts. Oh, Jim! isn't this
+going to be just a glorious summer? Except when I think about Aunt Betty
+I'm almost too happy to breathe."
+
+Jim had stumbled along beside her, unseeing the objects that were
+nearest--the lovely shrubbery, beautiful flowers, and quaint little
+furnishings of that grand lawn--but with his eyes fixed on a distant
+mountain peak, bare of verdure, and seemingly but a mass of vari-colored
+rock; and he now remarked:
+
+"I wonder how much of this country that Dan Ford owns! I wonder if he's
+got a claim on the peaks yonder!"
+
+"Come back to earth, boy! Can't you think anything, see anything
+but--stones? Here we are at the door and I fancy this gentleman is the
+doctor. Good evening, sir."
+
+"Is this the lad with the injured arm?" asked the gentleman meeting the
+pair, and glancing toward Jim's bandaged arm, with the coat sleeve
+hanging loose above it.
+
+"Yes, sir, but it's nothing. It doesn't need any attention," said Jim,
+ungraciously.
+
+"Behave yourself, Jim. Yes, Doctor--I suppose you're that?--he is so
+badly hurt that he's cross. But it's wonderful to find a doctor away up
+here," said Dorothy. Her odd little air of authority over the great,
+loutish lad, and her gay smile to himself, instantly won the stranger's
+liking, and he answered warmly:
+
+"Wonderful, maybe, but no more so than all of Dan Ford's doings. Step
+this way, my son, and Miss, I fancy you'd best not follow just yet.
+Nurse Melton will assist me, if I need assistance."
+
+"A nurse, too? How odd!" said Dorothy turning to join her mates.
+
+She did not see Jim Barlow again that night. When the examination was
+made the doctor found the injured arm in bad shape, swollen and inflamed
+to a degree that made great care a necessity unless much worse were to
+follow.
+
+So, for the first time in his healthy life, Jim found himself an
+invalid; sent to bed and ministered to by a frail, sweet-faced woman in
+a white uniform, whose presence on that far away ranch was a puzzle to
+him. Until, seeing his evident curiosity, she satisfied it by the
+explanation:
+
+"Oh! I'm merely another of Mr. Ford's beneficiaries. My brother is an
+engineer on one of his railroads, and he heard that I was threatened
+with consumption. So he had me sent to Denver for a time, till San Leon
+was ready. Then I came here. I'm on hand to attend any sick folks who
+may need me, though you're the first patient yet. I can tell you that
+you're fortunate to number Daniel Ford among your friends. He's the
+grandest man in the world."
+
+Jim lay quiet for a time, till his supper was brought in. But he could
+not taste that. The dressing of his wounded arm had been painful in
+extreme, though he had borne the pain without a groan, and for that been
+greatly admired by both the surgeon and the nurse. He was now feverish
+and discontented. The "happy summer" of which Dorothy had boasted was
+beginning anything but happily for him. He was angry against his own
+weakness and disappointed that he could not at once begin his work of
+studying the rocks of this region. To do so had been his chief reason
+for accepting Mr. Ford's genial invitation, for his shyness shrank from
+meeting strangers and accepting favors from them. Dr. Sterling had
+talked him "out of his nonsense" for the time being, but he now wished
+himself back in his familiar room at Deerhurst lodge, with Hans and
+Griselda Roemer. They were humble folk and so was he. He had no business
+in this rich man's "shack" that was, in reality, a palace; where
+pleasure was the rule and work the exception. Well--things might happen!
+He'd take care they should! He was among the mountains--for that part he
+was glad; only regretful of the debt to another which had brought him
+there.
+
+The hum of voices in and about the big house ceased. Even the barking
+dogs were silent at last, and the music from the men's quarters,
+stopped. There was where he, Jim belonged, by right. Out in some of the
+many buildings at the rear; so many, in fact, that they were like a
+village. He guessed he'd go there. Yes. In the morning, maybe the Boss
+would give him a job, and he could work to pay his keep. His thoughts
+grew wilder and more disordered, his head ached.
+
+The nurse was sitting silent in an adjoining room. Actual watching was
+unnecessary and she understood her patient's mood, that her presence in
+his chamber worried him. It was his time--now or never. He crept from
+his bed and stepped out of the low window upon the wide porch.
+
+Even in his delirious confusion it struck him that he had never seen
+such wonderful moonlight, nor such a big, inviting world. The vagary of
+thought altered. He would not seek the workmen's quarters, after all.
+The mountains were better. They called him. They did not seem far away.
+He would not feel so hot and then so shivery if he could lie down on
+their cool tops, with only the sky above him. Aye, they called him; and
+blindly answering to their silent summons the sick boy went. The things
+he prophesied had surely begun to "happen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A MARTINET OF THE ROCKIES
+
+
+San Leon ranch was a large one. The dwelling house and many outbuildings
+were upon a rich plateau topping a spur from the great mountain beyond.
+On one side, the land sloped to the valley of the Mismit, utilized for
+the sheep farming; and across the river, or run, rose grassy fields,
+climbing one above another till they ended in rocky, verdureless soil.
+Here were the cattle ranges, and here the herds of horses lived their
+free life. The extent of the property amazed the newcomers, even Lady
+Gray herself.
+
+She was exploring the premises escorted by Leslie and her young guests,
+and piloted by the talkative Lem Hunt. For once he had attentive
+listeners. There was no fellow ranchmen to ridicule his oft-told tales,
+but eager ears to which they were new; and eyes as eager to behold the
+scenes of these same marvellous stories.
+
+All began and ended with "The Boss, he." Evidently, for old Lem, there
+existed but one man worth knowing and that was the "Boss, he."
+
+"I s'pose, Ma'am, you know how the Boss, he come to buy S' Leon. No? You
+don't? By the Great Horned Spoon! Ain't that great? Just like him. The
+Boss, he never brags of his doin's, that's why I have to do it for him.
+Well, Ma'am, I can't help sayin' 'twas a deed o' charity. Just a clean,
+simon-pure piece of charity. Yes, Ma'am, that's what it was, and you can
+bite that off an' chew it."
+
+Mrs. Ford smiled. She was always delighted to hear of her husband's
+generous deeds but rarely heard of them from himself. Also, she had
+supposed that the purchase of San Leon had been a recent one and was
+amazed now to learn it had been owned by Mr. Ford for several years. Not
+as it then was, for no improvements had been made to the home-piece till
+after he had found her that last winter in San Diego. Then, at once,
+preparations had been made for this home-coming, with the result of all
+the beauty that now greeted her eyes.
+
+"Tell us, Lemuel. I'm anxious to hear."
+
+Lem switched some hay from a wagon seat, that stood upon the ground, and
+motioned the lady to be seated. The youngsters grouped about her, Lem
+cut off a fresh "chaw," rubbed his hands and began. He stood with legs
+far apart, arms folded, an old sombrero pushed back on his head, a
+riding crop in hand, and an air of a king. Was he not a free-born
+American citizen, as good as could be found in all the country? Lemuel
+adored his "Boss" but he had not learned the manners which that "Boss"
+would have approved in the presence of the Gray Lady; who, by the way,
+was never more truly the "Lady" than in her intercourse then, and
+always, with the toilers at San Leon.
+
+"Well, sir, Ma'am, I mean--'twas really a deed o' gift. There was
+another railroader, rich once, done somethin' he hadn't ought to. I
+don't rightly know what that was. The Boss never told, course, and it
+never leaked out otherwise. That's no more here nor there. But he, the
+other feller, had his bottom dollar into S' Leon, and some dollars 't
+wasn't his 'n. He was countin' on this range bein' chock full o' silver
+an' he'd wheedled the rest to takin' his word for it. Silver? Not on
+your life. The sheriffs got after him. He hadn't a friend in the world.
+He lit out a-foot and got as far as Denver city an' aboard a train.
+Leastwise, under a baggage car, stealin' a ride. Course he got hurt.
+Happened the Boss, he was on hand. He's a way of bein' when other folks
+is in trouble. Heard the feller's story. Had knowed him out east and
+'lowed he was more fool than knave. Long-short was--S' Leon swopped
+owners. The first named had had to take his medicine an' I've been told
+he took it like a little man. The Boss paid in full, on condition 't all
+hands round got their level dues. Atterwards, the Boss made this a
+dumpin'-ground for all the down-in-the-world unfortunates he knew.
+
+"The doctor's one. He was just dyin' back yonder, same as Miss
+Melton. Doc, he took the place o' book-keeper, sort o' manager--I
+claim to be that myself--but to do anything needed. The's always
+somebody gettin' broke, legs, an' arms, and such. But as for gineral
+sickness, why there ain't never been none o' that to San Leon. No
+wonder that Dan Ford's a prosperous man! He lives his religion--he
+ain't no preachin'-no-practice-sky-pilot, the Boss, he ain't.
+
+"Ma'am? Like to see where the boys hang out? Well, come along. If things
+ain't the way I'd like to have 'em, you c'n allow 't I'm the only one's
+been in the ranks. Yes, Ma'am. I have that. Used to belong to a crack
+comp'ny out home and was one the picked men to shoot at Seagirt, New
+Jarsey. The National Rifle Range, Ma'am, as maybe you know. I've scored
+highest, more 'n once. That's how I come to sort o' set up in business
+out here. Shootin' an' hosses; them's my business; and every tenderfoot
+strikes S' Leon comes under my teachin' first or last."
+
+With that remark he cast a critical eye upon the assembled young folks
+and noted the kindling gleam of seven pairs of eyes. Only Jim Barlow's
+blue orbs were missing; but, of course, that nurse or doctor had made
+him stay in bed, which was a shame, the others thought, and Dorothy
+loyally expressed:
+
+"Course! That's one the things we're all wild to do--learn to handle a
+rifle. But don't let's begin till Jim gets well."
+
+A curious expression passed over Mrs. Ford's face. She was the only one
+present who knew of Jim's midnight escape. The knowledge had almost
+miraculously been kept from Lemuel and by the master's express orders.
+Whatever that talkative ranchman knew, all the world knew, as fast as
+his tongue could tell it.
+
+All had been so quiet in the sick room that the nurse had supposed her
+patient fallen asleep; and it was not till daybreak that she discovered
+his absence. She had immediately informed Dr. Jones, and he, in turn,
+the "Boss," who understanding the shy nature of the truant and knowing
+how he would dislike to be talked about, had instituted a quiet but
+thorough search. Only the trustiest men had been set upon this search,
+Mr. Ford taking the most active part in it. By his request the matter
+had been kept from his young guests, also; and they were to be made as
+happy as possible in their ignorance. As he said to Lady Gray, before
+leaving her:
+
+"Of course, we shall find him in a very little while. He can't have gone
+far afield, and we'll have him back in bed before any of those
+youngsters get wind of his performance. Nurse says he was flighty and
+feverish and I don't wonder. Doctor claims he'd rather have had a clean,
+sharp break to mend than all those bruised and torn ligaments. However,
+don't you worry. This party is going to be a success--don't doubt. Sorry
+to leave you with seven young folks on your hands--a little world in
+themselves, of varying ideas and wills. They can easily spend this first
+half-day in inspecting the ranch and, if they're as healthy and happy as
+they seem, will be too interested to give much thought to Master James.
+Good-by, don't worry."
+
+However, although they felt it would be well to wait for the injured Jim
+before beginning their lessons in shooting, Lemuel himself took the
+matter out of their hands, explaining:
+
+"I've lived long enough to know there ain't never but one time to do one
+thing, an' that if a feller don't snatch it then, afore it gets out o'
+reach, he'll be sorry forever atterwards. We'll go inspect the boys'
+quarters first hand. That's a part o' my business, anyway. Makes 'em
+mad, sometimes, but it's for their good. Nothin' like the army for
+trainin' folks right, an' so I tell 'em. Get jawed for it a pretty
+consid'able, but Lemuel G. W. Hunt--I'm named for the Father of my
+Country, Ma'am--Lemuel G. W. Hunt always does his duty, let come what
+follers atterwards. Right this way, Ma'am. Hep, hep, hep, right face!"
+
+The odd fellow led off with a military step and catching his humor the
+boys did likewise. Then, the girls laughed and marched, Herbert
+gallantly escorting Mrs. Ford, as the eighth of the little "Company A,"
+as Leslie immediately named the new "awkward squad."
+
+"And I say, Lem, it'll be just rippin' if you'll drill us in regular
+'tactics.' Once a day, anyhow. I'll get Dad to furnish the uniforms and
+it'll be a help because, you know, I'm bound for West Point sometime,"
+cried Leslie.
+
+Lady Gray's face resumed its look of anxiety that had passed for a
+moment, listening to Lemuel's talk. This West Point ambition of her
+son's was a sore subject with her, though his great desire for a
+military life had never been hidden from her.
+
+"If I can pass the physical exam., and the book one--either," he added,
+with a grimace.
+
+"Well, you'll have to know a power more 'n you do now, if you get into
+that place," said truthful Alfy. "I've heard Mis' Judge Satterlee,
+up-mounting, tell 't her boy near studied his head off, an' then got
+shut out. It's a terrible fine thing, though, if a body could. Why,
+up-mounting, we can hear the bands playin', guns firin', and Dolly
+there, she's seen 'em drill. Seen the battery-drill, she called it, and
+didn't guess how in the world them gray-coated boys could hop
+on-an'-off their gun wagons like they did. When I get home, I mean to go
+over to the Point myself and see 'em. If you should be there I'd take
+you something to eat."
+
+Leslie was now much more interested in hearing about the place of his
+dreams than in the present inspection of San Leon; and encouraged by
+this Alfaretta made Dolly tell how she and Molly had once visited the
+Academy and Molly's cadet cousin, Tom Hungerford.
+
+Molly interrupted the narrative with frequent comments and they all
+paused at the entrance to the Barracks, as Lemuel had named the long
+building of the workmen, while the story was told. Lemuel and Leslie
+were the most eager listeners, both faces alight with enthusiasm, as the
+two girls described their day at the military school.
+
+"Tom got leave off, to show us around, and Aunt Betty with Mrs.
+Hungerford--"
+
+"That's Aunt Lucretia, Tom's mother," explained Molly.
+
+"You tell it, Molly. You can do it better," urged Dorothy.
+
+"All right. I'd rather. Well, we went down in the morning early, on the
+boat, to be in time for early drill. It was summer time and the darling
+cadets were all in their white uniforms, fresh as daisies. Do you know
+those poor lambs have to change their white suits every day? Some
+oftener, if they get a single speck of dirt on them. Their laundry
+bills are something terrible. Terrible! poor dears!"
+
+Lady Gray laughed at the girl's sympathy with the afflicted young
+soldiers, and Dolly took up the tale again:
+
+"Well, they needn't worry. The Government pays for it, really. They just
+get a little salary each month and their expenses come out of that.
+Whatever else they have their own people give them. But, anyway, it was
+just lovely. If I were a boy and didn't want to be a great scientist,
+like Jim does, or a banker like Monty, or--or anything else, I'd be an
+army man."
+
+"Bother what you'd be, Dolly. You're only a girl. Go on with the story,"
+said impatient Leslie, while Lemuel nodded his head in satisfaction.
+Talk of soldiering touched the warmest spot in the old sharpshooter's
+heart. "Do hurry up."
+
+"Why, after all, there isn't much to tell--"
+
+"But there is," cried Molly. "About the luncheon in the church. Listen.
+We went everywhere about the grounds, saw the riding-school, the
+mess-room, the dancing-hall and all, a lot of places. Oh! yes, the
+library, too. Then it got noon and hungry-time and we'd brought an
+elegant lunch. Cold chicken and sardines and sandwiches and early
+peaches--the nicest we could get, and Tom's 'leave' gave him a chance to
+eat it with us. We asked him where we could and he thought a minute,
+then said in the church. Aunty Lu thought that was dreadful, to eat in a
+church! But Tom said it was the only place on the Point where we
+wouldn't be stared at by others. Folks were everywhere else; cadets and
+visitors--and oh! It was so pretty. All the white tents on the campus
+and the darling boys walking about in their white--"
+
+"Nighties?" suggested Monty, maliciously. It had been an ambition of his
+own to enter the Academy; but his being under age, his size--and several
+other good reasons, including his utter want of fitness in the matter of
+book learning--had prevented the realization of this fine dream. His
+failure had rendered him skeptical of the charms of the famous
+institution, and he now always mentioned it as a place quite beneath his
+own notice.
+
+The story promised to be a long one and Lemuel thoughtfully produced a
+chair and placed it for Mrs. Ford's use. Her eyes were on Leslie's
+interested face and she would gladly have postponed the recital; for,
+even more than the disgruntled Monty, she disliked the very name of West
+Point. However, in this matter, as in many future ones, her own fancy
+was to be set aside by the eagerness of her young guests. So Dorothy
+went on:
+
+"There wasn't anybody else in the church except ourselves. A few
+visitors came to the door and peeped in, to see a famous painting over
+the chancel, but finding us there went away again. That old church is so
+interesting! Tablets to famous generals everywhere--"
+
+"This isn't a history lesson! Go on with the story!" cried Herbert, who
+was so familiar with West Point that he desired no fresh description.
+
+Molly made him a little mocking face and herself took up the tale:
+
+"Well, we had our dinners there, sitting in some of the front pews, and
+the way Tom walked into that fried chicken and things would make you
+open your eyes. We were all hungry, course, after so early a breakfast,
+and the sail down, and all; but Tom was simply ravenous. He was so
+hungry he took away our own appetites, just watching. When he'd eaten
+all he could there was still a lot of stuff left; and Mrs. Calvert asked
+him if he knew any place where we could dispose of it; a garbage can,
+she meant, or some waste-box.
+
+"Tom said yes he did, and if she'd excuse him he'd show her. It was what
+he called 'slumgudgeon day.' 'Slumgudgeon' is a kind of stew made up of
+the leavings of lots of other meals and the poor, darling cadets just
+hate it. He said 'cold victuals' never came in as handy as ours did
+then. So he unbuttoned his jacket, that fitted him as if he'd been
+melted into it, and began to pad himself out with the leavings. Cake and
+chickens, pickles and sardines, boiled eggs and fruit--you never saw
+such a mess! And the way he packed it in, so as to keep an even sort of
+front, was a caution. You know the poor dears have no pockets in their
+uniforms. Not allowed. So that was the only way he could take it. He
+wanted to share it with his cronies after we'd gone and told Aunty Lu
+that it would have been a perfectly wicked shame to have thrown it away,
+when it would do him so much good. Oh! we had a glorious time. I do just
+love West Point--"
+
+"The cadets, you mean! I never saw a girl that liked the boys so well
+as you do, Molly Breckenridge. But I s'pose you can't help it. If 't
+wasn't for that you'd be just splendid, and _they_ don't seem to
+mind--much--anyway," remarked Alfaretta, beaming upon pretty Molly
+with loving smiles. Molly's liking for "boys" seemed to honest,
+sensible Alfy the one flaw in an otherwise lovely character.
+
+But Molly tossed her sunny head and laughed. Also, she flashed a
+mischievous glance into all the boyish faces turned toward her and on
+every one she saw a similar liking and admiration of herself. She was
+quite satisfied, was Jolly Molly.
+
+"Now, if we are to 'inspect' the 'Barracks,' isn't it time? So that we
+can get back to the house by the time James Barlow is ready to see us. I
+suppose the doctor won't keep him in bed all day; do you, Mrs. Ford?"
+said Helena Montaigne.
+
+She had already learned that the Gray Lady was bitterly opposed to
+Leslie's plans for the future and wanted to put aside the unfortunate
+subject of West Point. To her surprise, instead of lightening, the
+lady's face grew still more troubled, as she turned to scan the
+landscape behind her with a piercing gaze.
+
+"That story was just rippin'! When I get to the Point the first place I
+shall go to see will be that church! Hear me, Dorothy Doodles?" demanded
+Leslie, catching her hand and swinging it lightly as he led her forward
+into the first room Lemuel had opened. "Will you come over there and
+bring me just another such a luncheon, girlie?"
+
+"Well, yes. I don't like to promise things but I guess this is safe
+enough. When you get there--_when you get there_--I'll come, and you
+shall have the finest dinner Alfy and I can cook. We'll do it all by
+ourselves--_when you get there to eat it_!"
+
+"Oh! I'll be there, never fear. My! isn't this rippin'? How does the old
+soldier make the men keep such order, I wonder! Lem Hunt must be as
+great a martinet as he is talker. Look at him."
+
+The ranchman was in his element. He had long before marshalled the
+entire working force of San Leon into a "regiment." Any newcomer who
+declined to join it was promptly "left out in the cold." The "soldiers"
+were jolly company for themselves and none at all for any outsider who
+refused to obey the unwritten laws which honest old Lem had laid down
+for their benefit. "Captain Lem" was the neatest man of all, but he
+required the rest to come as near his standard as the disadvantages of
+previous bad training permitted.
+
+Now, in imitation of that West Point discipline he admired, he had
+pulled from his pocket a white linen handkerchief and was passing
+it gently but firmly over the few simple furnishings of this first
+apartment in the long row. It belonged to Silent Pete, just then engaged
+breaking to harness a spirited colt, exercising it around and around the
+smooth driveways of the "home piece." He was not so far away that he
+could not perfectly see what was going on at the "Barracks," and even at
+that distance his grizzled cheek flushed. He had risen late and been
+remiss in his room-cleaning. He hoped old Lem would forget to mention
+who was the occupant of that cell-like place, and, for once, he did.
+
+There was dust on the chest of drawers which held Peter's belongings,
+the cot was just as he had crawled out of it at daybreak, a horsewhip
+and blankets littered the floor, and the "Martinet" was so ashamed of
+the whole appearance of things that, after one hasty test with the
+handkerchief, he withdrew carrying the company with him. Yet, before
+leaving, he had drawn a piece of chalk from the band of his sombrero
+and made a big cross upon the dusty chest. Silent Pete would know what
+that meant: mounting guard for three nights to come! and a grim smile
+twisted Lemuel's lips, reflecting what that meant to one of his "Squad."
+
+The visitors had smiled, too, but with amusement at this odd old
+ranchman's discipline; and Monty had whispered:
+
+"What makes 'em put up with it? What right has he to order them around?"
+
+But Leslie, the young master of San Leon, was as much in the dark as any
+other stranger, and could only answer:
+
+"Suppose it's because he's a leader. Born that way, just as my father
+was, though it's a different way, of course. Otherwise, I can't guess.
+But I'm wild to get at the shooting lessons. I hope the rest of you are,
+too. The first step to becoming a real 'wild westerner' is to know how
+to handle the 'irons.' He's rippin', Lem is. But come on. He's getting
+away from us. I wish poor old Jim was here. It's a pity anybody has to
+be sick in such a place as this. I tell you, boys, I was never so proud
+of Dad as I am now, when I look around and see what a ranch he's
+got--earned--right out of his own head-piece! I don't see where he is! I
+wish he was here. I'd ask him about those uniforms and I'd get him to
+let old Lem off every other duty, just to teach us. Dad's a sort of
+sharpshooter himself. Once he--No matter. That story'll keep. Lady Gray
+is calling us."
+
+They had lingered to inspect some of the ranchmen's belongings, as they
+passed from room to room, Lady Gray and the girls going forward in
+Lemuel's company. She was beckoning her son and asked, as he came
+running up:
+
+"Please go across the lawn and ask Miss Milliken to join us. She went to
+her room to write letters, immediately after breakfast, but I see she's
+come out now and I don't want her to feel lonely nor neglected."
+
+Leslie darted away, but returned again to say:
+
+"She doesn't want to come, just now. She wants Jim Barlow. Says she went
+to his room but the nurse said he wasn't in. Jim knows about some books
+she wants to send for, when the mail-bag is sent out. Do you know where
+he is? Or father? 'Tisn't half-fun, this inspection of San Leon without
+Dad here to tell us things. I haven't seen him this morning, any more
+than I have Jim. Do you know where they are?"
+
+Poor Lady Gray was not much better at keeping secrets than old Lemuel
+was. She had had to put a great constraint upon herself not to reveal
+the anxiety which consumed her. Hours had now passed since Mr. Ford had
+ridden away, with a couple of men attending him. All the other men not
+absolutely required to look after the place had been despatched to
+search on foot. Their long-delayed return seemed to prove the matter of
+the sick boy's disappearance a more serious one than at first imagined.
+Her answer was a sudden wringing of her white hands and the tremulous
+cry:
+
+"No, no, I don't. Pray God, no tragedy marks the opening of our home!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A RIFLE PRACTICE
+
+
+"Mother, what do you mean? Don't turn so white and do speak! What
+'tragedy' could have happened up here in this lovely place?" demanded
+Leslie, putting his arm around the lady's shoulders and wondering if she
+had suddenly become ill. She was slender but had never complained of any
+weakness, nor shown the least fatigue during her long care of him at San
+Diego. Since then, she had been like a happy girl with him and his
+father but something was amiss with her now.
+
+In a moment she had calmed herself and was already blaming herself for
+her disobedience to her husband's request for silence. However, this
+last matter was a small one; for, if the missing lad was not soon found,
+all would have to know it. Indeed, it might be better that they did so
+now. They knew him better than his hosts did and possibly might give a
+clue to his whereabouts. So she told them all she knew, and the surmise
+that he had wandered away in a fit of delirium. The very telling
+restored her own courage, and, as yet, there was little fear showing
+upon the faces of her young guests.
+
+Except on Dorothy's. Her brown eyes were staring wide and all the pretty
+color of her cheeks had faded. As if she saw a vision the others could
+not she stood clasping and unclasping her hands, and utterly sick at
+heart for the loss of her early friend. Longer than she had known any of
+these here about her she had known poor Jim. He had saved her life, or
+she believed so, in her childhood that now seemed far away. But for Jim,
+the poorhouse boy, she had never escaped from Mrs. Stott's truck-farm
+when she had been kidnapped and hidden there. He had stood by her in all
+her little troubles, had praised and scolded her, and known her through
+and through. It was her talk about him which had made Mr. Ford invite
+him to San Leon--to his death, maybe.
+
+That thought was too much. Clinching her small hands and stamping her
+little foot she defied even death to hurt poor Jim, good Jim, brainy
+Jim, who was to astonish the world some day by his wisdom!
+
+"Oh! If you'd only have told me before! I would have had him found long,
+long ago! To think of that poor fellow wandering around alone, sick,
+crazy, suffering--not knowing where he was or what he was doing! And we
+strolling around, looking at old 'Barracks' and things, and telling
+silly stories of silly picnics! It was cruel, cruel! Come, Alfy. You
+like him, too. You don't look down on my poor boy--you come and help me
+find him!"
+
+She seized her old friend's hand and ran toward the house, which now
+looked anything save beautiful in her sight; and, turning, she saw the
+lake, gleaming in the noonday sun as it gleamed in the red rays of
+sunset with Jim there to admire it.
+
+"The lake! He's drowned! That's where he is, our Jim! In the bottom of
+that horrible lake!"
+
+Catching Alfaretta's hand more firmly she drew that frightened girl
+along with her to the edge of the pond and to a little boat that was
+moored there. Both lake and boat were merely toylike in proportion and
+the bottom of the pond was pebble-strewn and plainly visible through the
+clear, shallow water.
+
+"He ain't--he--ain't--he can't--you could see--him--He isn't--Oh! Dolly,
+Dolly Doodles! I'm sick! It makes me feel terrible queer!" wailed
+Alfaretta. "But Jim can't--Jim can't be drowned! _He can't!_"
+
+"Yes he can, too. Shut up. Help me untie that rope. Get in. Take an oar.
+Row--row, I tell you," snapped Dorothy, distraught.
+
+"I can't. I dassent! I never touched to row an oar in my life. Not in my
+whole life long, and--I--I shan't do it now!" retorted the mountaineer
+with equal crispness.
+
+But she had no need to try. The whole party had followed Dorothy to the
+water's edge and had divined her intent. Not one believed that Jim was
+drowned, though they could have given no good reason for this disbelief.
+Only that was too horrible. Such a thing would not have been permitted!
+Yet Herbert, as the best oarsman there and also as the loyal friend of
+the missing lad, assumed the place Alfy would not take. Without a word
+he did what Dorothy desired. He slipped the painter from its post,
+helped the girl to take her seat in the little "Dorothy," even smiling
+as he observed that it had been named for her, and quietly pushed out
+from shore.
+
+It was just as Alfy had said: the bottom of the lake was clearly visible
+everywhere, and no frightful object marred its beauty. Dorothy was
+utterly quiet now but her searching gaze never lifted from the water, as
+Herbert patiently rowed around and around. The group on the bank waited
+also in silence, though certain after that first circuit of the pond
+that Jim was not there.
+
+When they had gone around several times, and had crossed and
+criss-crossed in obedience to Dorothy's nod, Herbert brought the boat
+back to the little landing and helped Dorothy out.
+
+"He isn't there, Gray Lady. May I go to the doctor?"
+
+"Surely. I'll go with you. And don't look so tragic, darling. The boy
+will certainly be found. There will nothing else be done at San Leon
+until he is. Both my husband and myself agree on that point--that Jim
+Barlow's safety is our first consideration. He will probably be found
+near at hand, although--"
+
+"Hasn't he been looked for 'near at hand,' then, dear Gray Lady?"
+
+"Certainly. At the beginning. We didn't think he could have wandered
+far, yet when they failed to find him on the home-grounds, the searchers
+spread out in all directions. Here is the doctor coming now, if you wish
+to speak with him."
+
+"Thank you, I do."
+
+The gentleman came toward them and Dorothy ran to meet him.
+
+"Oh! sir, have you found him?"
+
+A negative shake of the head answered her. Then she plied him with all
+sorts of questions: how long could a sick boy live exposed to the night
+air, as Jim had been; without food or medicine; and couldn't he think of
+some place that nobody else had searched, so she might go and try it?
+
+He laid his hand upon her head and gently asked:
+
+"Was he your brother, little girl?"
+
+"No. I haven't any brother. I haven't anybody but Jim, that has known me
+always, seems if, and--and dear Doctor, won't you please, please find
+him?"
+
+Clasping her hands about his arm she looked up piteously into his face,
+and his own grew pitiful as he answered:
+
+"I will do my utmost. What I hope is that he will wander back, of his
+own will, just as he wandered away. Be sure I shall keep a sharp
+lookout, but it is Mr. Ford's wish that I do not leave the home-place
+till--at present. If he is found, I mean _when_ he is found, he will
+need my care and it wouldn't do for me to be away then. Else I should
+have gone out with one of the searching parties."
+
+That "when he is found" was reassuring. Evidently, the doctor expected
+the speedy return of the lad and all were relieved, even Dorothy.
+Alfaretta expressed her own feeling by saying:
+
+"Out here in this Colorado, seems if there wasn't anything but folks
+gettin' lost and other folks searching for 'em. I never heard anything
+like it," she finished with a sigh.
+
+The sigh was echoed by all the rest; then Mrs. Ford suggested:
+
+"Let us have luncheon now, then call on Lemuel to give us our first
+lesson in rifle-firing." She assumed a cheerfulness she did not really
+feel, but felt that the happiness of so many should not be spoiled by
+the absence of one.
+
+"Oh! Lady Gray, will you practice with us?" asked Leslie, eagerly.
+
+"To be sure. I'm going to 'play pretend,' as children say, that I'm
+just as young as any of you. In my busy life I've not had much time for
+'playing' but I mean to make up for lost time. Come, I'm sure that Wun
+Sing has made something nice for us. He--"
+
+"Wun Sing! _Wun Sing?_ Why that was the name of Aunt Betty's cook at _El
+Paraiso_! How odd that yours should have the same name!" exclaimed
+Dorothy, forgetting her troubles for the moment.
+
+"Not so odd, dearie, because it is the same man. He came to Mr. Ford one
+day while we were still in San Diego and confessed his regret for his
+behavior at Mrs. Calvert's home. And my good Daniel can never turn his
+back upon any penitent; so the result is the Chinaman reigns in our
+kitchen here. Doubtless he'll be pleased to see Alfaretta who taught him
+so many fine dishes."
+
+"Oh! good! May we go see him, Mrs. Ford?" demanded that young person,
+eager not only to see Wun Sing because he was one more familiar
+acquaintance but because she wished to settle a few old scores. "I'm so
+glad! I'll make him toe the mark here, see if I don't. Come on, Dolly
+Doodles, he's an old friend of yours, too."
+
+Alfy's eagerness infected even anxious Dorothy and gave an agreeable
+turn to the thoughts of all. So, at a nod of consent, the girls sped
+along the cloister, seeking the great kitchen and the salaaming
+grinning Chinaman within it.
+
+"Oh! how good you look, Wunny! Same old purple sack! same old shoes;
+same old twisted cue around your same old shiny black head! Same old
+nasty messes cooking! and same old Alfaretta to get after you with a
+sharp stick!" cried Leslie bursting in with all the others.
+
+Even Dorothy was laughing now, Jim quite forgot, while the cook held
+such a reception as had never been his before. Leslie went through some
+formal introductions, beginning with the lady of the mansion and ending
+with Miss Milliken, who had followed unseen till now.
+
+Wun Sing's back must have ached, so often and so low he bowed, while his
+tongue mumbled compliments to the most gracious and honorable visitors;
+but a look of real delight was on his swarthy face and one of great
+affection for smiling Alfaretta.
+
+"My heart! Ain't it just grand to find an old friend up here on the
+mountains! I declare, it does beat the Dutch!" and to this, her
+expression of greatest wonderment, Leslie added his own:
+
+"Just downright rippin'! He's worth all he costs just to make our Dolly
+forget that horrid Jim Barlow. I can't forgive him for running away and
+stirring up all this mess, sending Dad off on a tiresome ride and
+spoiling sport this way. He was good enough, I'd have treated him
+decent, all right, but I wish now he'd never been heard of."
+
+But the most of this was whispered in his mother's ear, as he stood
+beside her, his hand upon her shoulder, in that familiar, loving
+attitude which always made her so happy.
+
+Then she demanded of the proud _chef_ how soon he could have lunch
+ready, and he replied with another gesture of profound respect:
+
+"Light away, this instlant! By my honorable forefathers it is fittee for
+the most bleautiful!"
+
+Then he bowed them out of the place and they wandered to the pretty room
+where the meal would be served, and which because of its simple,
+cloister-like effect, Helena at once named "The Refectory."
+
+It had been a trifling incident, but it had had a happy effect. All
+tongues were talking now, planning, anticipating, wondering over the
+things they meant to do and to learn; while a man was sent across to the
+"Barracks" to tell Lemuel that they would like to begin their rifle
+lessons that afternoon.
+
+Mrs. Ford suggested naps for everybody, on account of their previous
+long journeys but none wished to sleep just then.
+
+"How can anybody be tired in this glorious air?" asked Helena, burying
+her nose in a beautiful bunch of wild flowers somebody had placed beside
+her plate.
+
+Even Miss Milliken was wide awake now and as happy as she ever could be
+anywhere. Her one complaint was that it was "so far from civilization."
+
+"But you knew that, Milly, before you came. Mamma stated everything to
+you as plainly as could be. You knew you were going to an isolated ranch
+on a mountain, so how could you expect daily papers, visitors, and such
+things? You've always said you loved quiet and, now you've got it, do be
+satisfied," begged Helena. She was really fond of the nervous little
+governess but sometimes lost patience with her.
+
+"Yes, dear, but suppose--suppose something happened? Illness at home, or
+something serious."
+
+Lady Gray gently interposed, and made, also, her little speech. It was
+her first and last advice, or request, to her guests and most of them
+were impressed by it.
+
+"Dear Miss Milliken, don't be troubled by 'being so far from
+civilization.' You aren't that, at all. My husband has brought
+civilization with him. I am amazed at all he has accomplished. We have a
+telegraph line--that he found necessary for his business, but that can
+be used by any of us. Bad news travels fast. Be sure if 'anything
+happens' we shall hear of it all too soon. And now I have but one
+suggestion to make for our life together, and I mean to apply it to
+myself first of all. It is: Let us put everything unpleasant under our
+feet, as far as possible, and each do his and her share to make this a
+wholly joyous summer. I'm inclined to 'worry' and it's a most
+unfortunate inclination. This is the first time I have had a chance to
+make a 'home' for Daniel and Leslie and I want it to be perfect. Will
+you all help me? Will you all take my dear husband's words for a summer
+text and make life at this dear San Leon a synonym of 'Peace and Good
+Will'?"
+
+Lady Gray's beautiful face was very earnest, there was even a suspicion
+of tears in her long-lashed eyes, but they did not fall, and, after a
+moment's silence, Leslie sprang to his feet with a:
+
+"Hip, hip, hurra, for the Gray Lady and her maiden speech! All in favor
+of following her lead, say 'Aye'!"
+
+All the company rose and the deafening "Ayes" which those young throats
+emitted were as flattering as confusing to the "speech" maker. Then she
+waved them back to their chairs and Wun Sing's perfection lunch was
+served.
+
+Of course they all missed their jolly host, and their hearts were still
+troubled because of the missing Jim; but each strove with the other to
+keep these feelings out of sight. This was hardest for Dorothy, who
+guessed that the lady's suggestion was meant for her most of all; yet
+she bravely tried to smile at every witticism made by her mates and to
+respond in sort as far as she could. They had been a little company of
+eight and because one was away should the seven be made to suffer? She
+would try not, and contented herself with one final question, as the
+hostess rose from the table and, the others hurrying "Barracks"-ward,
+she could whisper:
+
+"Even if they don't find my poor boy right away, you won't let them give
+up looking, will you, dearest Gray Lady?"
+
+Mrs. Ford drew the child close into her arms and kissed her tenderly:
+
+"Don't fear that, for a moment, darling. As if James Barlow were our own
+Leslie, the search for him would never be given up till he were found.
+Scouts will be looking for him everywhere; though, of course he's sure
+to be found near home and soon. Now, my dear little girl, shorten up
+that long face and trust to older heads to do the right thing. Your
+business now, as it has always seemed to be, is to make your playmates
+happy. Jim shall be found; and soon--I do believe. You've heard the men
+say that whatever 'Dan Ford, Railroad Boss' undertook he accomplished.
+Now let's put that matter aside and learn how to handle a rifle."
+
+"Captain Lem" had made great preparations for his "shooting school." He
+had called upon his own company, as far as he could find it, to help
+him. Most of the "boys" had gone searching, but the few who were left
+soon had a row of benches set out, a target placed, and the finest guns
+available stacked in readiness. It was really a very business like
+arrangement and the would-be students soon found Lemuel's rule was
+business only. For the boys he had placed arm-rests and they were to
+fire from the ground, aided by these slight supports.
+
+"The females can stand and shoot, on account o' their petticoats
+worryin' 'em, lyin'. An' as I can't do nothin' unless it's by rule an'
+rod, I lay it this way: Mrs. Ford, bein' she's the eldest--though she
+don't look it, Ma'am!--she'll begin. Nobody can have more 'n two tries
+to a round. Then Number Two takes it. The schoolma'am next, an' mebbe I
+mistook in that matter of age. But that's not here nor there. Mrs. Ford,
+Number One; the schoolma'am, Two; the rest the females follerin' in
+order. Then the boys. One, two, three--attention! Step right here, lady,
+and I'll show you the first position--how to hold your rifle."
+
+Captain Lem had put on a rusty uniform, a relic of former grandeur "back
+home," and carried his bent shoulders with a military precision that
+quite transformed him. He gave Gray Lady a salute, moved forward and
+placed her "in position" and handed her the rifle.
+
+"Hold it just this way, scholar, and sight your bull's-eye. Keep your
+eye on that, allowin' for a little play in the carryin', and now--pull
+your trigger--let her go!"
+
+Mrs. Ford obeyed, or thought she did. The result was that the gun
+kicked, she screamed, and threw it as far from her as she could. What
+became of the bullet she never knew, but she firmly declined any further
+lessons in the fine art of sharpshooting.
+
+"Look at Lem's face!" whispered Herbert to Molly who giggled and
+returned:
+
+"Wait till it comes my turn, I'll show him something!"
+
+The Captain, as they henceforth called him tried to hide his look of
+disgust by turning his back upon the group, and asking in a sarcastic
+tone:
+
+"Any more females want to take a try? The schoolma'am lady, for
+instance?"
+
+She ignored his question and sat down by her hostess to soothe that now
+abashed person for her failure. Captain Lem had withered even the lady
+of the ranch by his contempt.
+
+"Helena next!" cried Molly, fairly dancing about in her impatience.
+
+So Helena tried and made out fairly well. That is she succeeded in
+keeping the rifle in hand, she did not scream at the discharge, and she
+came within a hundred feet of the target. The lads applauded, noisily,
+and she mocked back at their pretended admiration, though she made one
+effort only and subsided on the bench beside the ladies.
+
+"All the same it's wonderfully exciting! And I mean to try again,
+to-morrow, if they'll let me," she remarked.
+
+"Let some of the boys try before we do, so we can see how it's done. Or
+you, Captain Hunt, you show us!" begged Molly.
+
+This was what he had waited for. With a strut he marched across the
+space between them and the target and carried that much further back. He
+longed for a target bearing an arrangement of letters that he could hit
+and cause to disappear, as at his boasted Seagirt, instead of a plain
+affair such as this he had to use.
+
+Strutting back to them he lay down, wriggled himself into position,
+muttered something about the sun in his eyes, hemmed and hawed, took
+final aim and--let her go!
+
+But she didn't go--not in the least. All unconsciously, he had taken an
+unloaded piece!
+
+There was no strut left in him as he rose to his feet, rather slowly,
+and faced his laughing audience; but he rallied after a moment and
+good-naturedly joined in the laugh against himself.
+
+However, discipline was over for that lesson. Without regard to any
+rules the youngsters rushed to the stack and took whatever gun was
+fancied. Then began an indiscriminate firing till Mrs. Ford grew
+frightened and implored them to stop. They did so, all but Alfaretta and
+Molly, who had both been fascinated by the sport and felt sure that
+they could hit the bull's-eye--which nobody else had done.
+
+"Come on, Alfy! Let's get down on our tummy, same's all marksmen do,
+let's!"
+
+Down they flung themselves and now, as eager for their success as they
+were, old Lem handed each a fresh rifle and sang out:
+
+"Let her go! A silver dollar to the gal that wins!"
+
+They fired--and the unexpected happened. Alfaretta's untaught hands
+succeeded where greater skill had failed. Her bullet went straight into
+the bull's-eye, into its very centre.
+
+"By the Great Horned Spoon! What an eye you've got, child of mortality!
+Why I couldn't ha' done better myself! Glory be!" shouted the excited
+ranchman, fairly dancing in his pride and glee. Then he helped Alfy up
+from the ground, where she still lay, wondering at the excitement about
+her, and peered critically into her blue orbs.
+
+"However could you see it? That fur away?"
+
+"Why--why, I didn't see it at all. I got scared and shut my eyes when I
+pulled that thing on it!"
+
+Captain Lem staggered as if he had been hit instead of the target and
+softly marvelled:
+
+"Such--dum--luck! She done it--with her eyes--shut!
+She--done--it--with--her--eyes--shut! Somebody take me out and lay me
+down. I'm beat."
+
+His ludicrous manner amused the others but frightened the too successful
+Alfaretta. Also, her attention was claimed by Molly's expression. That
+ambitious young person was looking very white about the lips, and was
+clasping and unclasping her hands in evident distress.
+
+"Molly, what's the matter?" cried Alfy, shaking her partner in the
+affair.
+
+Molly lifted one shaking finger and pointed into the distance:
+
+"I--I hit something, too!"
+
+Other eyes than Alfy's followed the pointing finger and a groan of
+horror burst from more than one throat.
+
+Indeed, and all too surely, Molly had "hit something, too!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A CONCERT IN THE MOONLIGHT
+
+
+Night fell on San Leon; and the searching party which had gone out in
+the morning, sure of prompt success, returned tired and dispirited. But
+their places were immediately taken by fresh recruits, Mr. Ford
+announcing that the matter would not be dropped, night or day, until all
+hope had to be given up.
+
+Except that Jim's clothes had been left in his room it might have seemed
+that the lad had run away, feeling himself out of place at San Leon. But
+the folded garments placed on the chair beside his empty bed told a
+different tale.
+
+"No, he has wandered off unknowing what he did. Well, when he comes back
+he shall find his place ready for him and the warmest of welcomes
+waiting. While we have tried--and will still--to visit every cabin and
+ranch within reasonable reach, there are many such little shacks dropped
+here and there among the mountains; and we have probably overlooked the
+one in which he is sheltered. Open hospitality is a feature of the west.
+Anybody who comes across the boy will be good to him. Now, let's have a
+little music and then to bed. A whole day in the saddle tires me, though
+I'm bound to get used to it yet, and so shall all of you. Come, Erminie,
+give me a song; and Dorothy dear, get out your violin."
+
+Thus said Mr. Ford, when their evening dinner had been enjoyed and they
+had all gone out to sit upon the wide veranda, the moonlight flooding
+the beautiful grounds, and the soft spring air playing about them.
+
+Dorothy felt that she could not play a note, and even Alfaretta was
+quietly crying in the retired corner she had sought, in the shadow of a
+pillar. But Mrs. Ford at once obeyed her husband's wish, and as her
+wonderful voice floated over them it banished every thought save the
+delight of listening.
+
+The "boys" came over from their "Barracks" and sprawled on the grass,
+entranced. Hitherto, their life on the ranch had been one of toil,
+lightened by sports almost as rough, with the evening diversion of
+swopping stories over their pipes. They hadn't been greatly pleased at
+the prospect of a lot of strangers living so near them, but already all
+that was changed; and though they didn't know, till Lemuel informed
+them, and this singer was one of a few famous _artistes_, they were
+moved and touched by the marvellous beauty of her voice.
+
+"You know, boys, it'd be worth ten dollars a ticket--gallery seats, at
+that--just to get into an opery house an' hark to yonder lady. An' now
+you're just gettin' it for nothin', free, clear gratis, take it or leave
+it, ary one. Fact. The 'Boss's' lady is an A 1 singer if she is a--I
+mean, a poor show at a rifle."
+
+The songs went on till the Gray Lady dared sing no more. Like all
+trained singers she was careful of her throat and unused, as yet, to the
+air of this region at night. But when she laughingly declared:
+
+"No more this time; not if I'm to sing again," there was a murmur of
+dissatisfaction from the group of men about the fountain; and old
+Captain Lem begged, in their name:
+
+"Just one more, lady, to sleep on. That kind o' music makes a feller
+hungry for more and sort-of-kind-of sets him thinkin' 'bout things back
+home."
+
+But Mr. Ford interposed:
+
+"No, Captain, not to-night! I want to have a lot of just such concerts
+so we mustn't put the _prima donna_ out of condition. But I've a little
+girl here with a fiddle and I tell you she can just make it talk! Come
+farther forward, Dolly dear, and stand close to me. Then 'rosin your
+bow' and get to work. Show these cowboys what a little girl-tenderfoot
+can do. Maybe, too, who knows? Maybe our Jim will hear it wherever he
+is and hurry back. At it, child, and call him!"
+
+Lady Gray feared this was a trifle unkind to the girl, who she wished
+might wholly forget the boy, but the master felt it not so. He knew that
+nothing would more thoroughly inspire her than this possibility.
+
+"Oh! do you think so? Then I'll play as I never did before--I will, I
+will!"
+
+She stepped out from the veranda upon the broad walk before it, and with
+the moonlight pouring down upon her white-clad little figure, her face
+uplifted to the sky, and her precious violin beneath her chin, she
+played, indeed, "as she had never done before."
+
+On and on she played; one ranchman after another softly suggesting some
+desired melody, and her eager little fingers rendering it upon the
+instant. The men ceased sprawling and sat up. If they had found the Gray
+Lady's voice a marvel, here was a greater. That any child--a despised
+"female" child--could evoke such music seemed past belief; and when, at
+length, Mr. Ford bade her render the beloved "Home, Sweet Home" as a
+finale, there was a reluctant rising of the audience to its feet,
+ordered to it by the Captain who, in rather husky tones, stated:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, and mostly the little gal, I give the sentiments
+o' my regiment, to a man, when I say all you tenderfoots is welcome to
+S' Leon. We wasn't very tickled before, thinkin' all our free livin's
+an' doin's was to be interfered with, but we are now. Three cheers
+for the company an' the treat they've give us, more especial for the
+Little One, and--Long may she wave! Hip, hip, hurrar!"
+
+The cheer was given with a will, and then again came the Captain's
+order:
+
+"Fall into line. Right about face. March! hep, hep, hep--hep!"
+
+But as they filed away Dorothy had another inspiration and, acting upon
+it, sent the delighted cowboys marching to the lively air of "Yankee,
+Doodle, Doodle Doo."
+
+"And now to bed!" advised the hostess. So within a very few moments all
+were in their rooms, tired and happy despite the worries of the day, and
+sure that all would come right at last.
+
+The four girls shared two rooms, facing one another and with two dainty
+beds in each. Milliken's chamber was at the end of the long passage
+beyond theirs, and those of the rest of the household across a wide hall
+which cut this wing of the house in two. In structure the building was
+very like _El Paraiso_, which the Gray Lady had admired and where the
+happiness of reunion had come to her; and it seemed to those who had
+wintered in the old adobe that they had but stepped into another home.
+
+Of course, sleep did not come at once. Four girls, even if together all
+day long, find much to chatter about at night, and this had been a day
+of "happenings" indeed.
+
+Dolly and Alfy came across to sit on Helena's bed and watch her dainty,
+slow preparations for retiring. Molly was already perched in the middle
+of her own white bed, hugging her knees and proclaiming for the
+twentieth time, at least:
+
+"Oh! I am such a thankful girl! After I fired that rifle and saw that
+purple mass of stuff lying on the ground I thought I was a murderer! I
+did so. Yet I was mad, too, to think Wun Sing had been such an idiot as
+to go between me and the target."
+
+"Herbert claims the safest place for others, when a girl shoots, is
+right behind the target. But it wasn't when Alfy hit the bull's-eye. How
+did you do it, child? It was wonderful and at that distance--which
+Captain Lemuel fixed for himself!" said Helena, brushing out her hair
+preparatory to loosely braiding it.
+
+"Oh! Nell, you're lovely that way! In that soft nightie--you do have
+such lovely, lacey things. I wish Aunt Betty would buy me some like
+them, but she won't. She's too sensible, and oh! dear! I wish I had my
+arms around her neck this minute!"
+
+"Put them around mine, Dolly Doodles, and quit wishin' for things you
+can't get. Do you s'pose I'll ever do it again?" asked Alfaretta,
+drawing one of Dorothy's arms about her own shoulder.
+
+"Do what again, child?"
+
+"Child, yourself. I mean fire right into the middle of the thing, and
+'honest Injun', I did do it with my eyes shut. I wonder if that ain't
+the rightest way to sharpshoot, anyway. The rest of you couldn't hit it
+anywheres near, with your eyes open. What say?"
+
+Molly yawned and stretched herself luxuriously, and Helena remarked:
+
+"Molly, you make me think of a Persian kitten! She does just that when
+she feels particularly good."
+
+"Well, I ought to feel good. I didn't kill Wun Sing. I just made a hole
+in his old purple blouse and I can give him another new one. If I can
+find one like it, and have money enough, and--and other things. If I had
+shot him instead of his clothes what would they have done to me? Would I
+have been hung by the neck till you are dead and the Lord have mercy on
+your soul? Would I?"
+
+"Oh! Molly, how horrible and how wicked! That's swearing!" cried
+indignant Dorothy.
+
+"Well, I like that! I mean I don't! I never swore a swore in my life and
+you're horrid, just horrid, Dorothy Calvert, to say so," retorted Molly,
+suddenly sitting up and flashing a look of scorn at her beloved chum.
+
+"It was really swearing, you know, though you didn't mean it."
+
+"It's what the Judge says--my poor father's one--when a man is condemned
+to death."
+
+"Aunt Betty says that any taking of the Lord's name _in vain_ is
+swearing and--"
+
+Foreseeing a childish squabble, due to over-excitement and fatigue,
+Helena gently interposed:
+
+"That's enough. Neither of you knows what she is talking about. They
+don't hang people nowadays, they electrocute them, and Wun Sing wasn't
+hurt. He was only badly scared and will keep a good distance from our
+rifle-range hereafter. Alfy did hit the bull's-eye, no matter whether
+she meant to do it or not. We've had a perfectly lovely evening and a
+perfectly lovely summer is before us. I mean to get up, to-morrow, and
+see the sun rise, so--off with you, girls. Molly and I are sleepy. Good
+night to both of you. What friends we shall be before this summer ends!"
+
+"Why, I thought we was now. I'm sure I don't feel much above any of you,
+even if I can shoot better 'n the rest," said practical Alfaretta,
+moving slowly toward the door.
+
+A shout of laughter greeted her words and Molly indignantly retorted:
+
+"You aren't one bit smarter than I am. You only hit an old target and I
+hit a man, and we didn't either of us mean to do it. But good night,
+good night. Wake early, 'cause Leslie says we've a great doin's before
+us, to-morrow. Something better than waking up to see the sun rise.
+Helena'll get over that, though. Such fine resolutions don't last."
+
+"You'll see. I--I think I shall keep a diary. Take notes of what happens
+up here on the Rockies. If I succeed I may--I _may_ write a book,
+sometime," said Helena.
+
+Molly and Dolly stared, seized with sudden awe of this ambitious young
+person, and Alfy stared, too; but she was not impressed and her comment
+was a not unkindly but perfectly sincere remark:
+
+"Why, Nell, you couldn't do that. It takes brains to--"
+
+"Young ladies! I am amazed at your disturbing the house like this, after
+retiring hours! Lights out, or off, silence at once!" ordered Miss
+Milliken, appearing in their midst. And at this apparition silence did
+follow.
+
+Back in their own room, Dorothy and Alfaretta pushed their little beds
+close together and knelt down to say their prayers. In the heart of each
+was an earnest petition for "poor Jim," Dolly's ending with the words:
+"And let me see his face the first thing in the morning."
+
+But Alfy reproved this.
+
+"We haven't any right to set times for things to be done and prayers to
+be answered, Dolly Doodles, and don't say no more. It's sort of saucy
+seems if, to ask for things and then keep thinkin' in your insides that
+they won't be give. You've asked and the Lord's heard you--now get up
+and go to bed."
+
+"Oh! Alfy! I wish you had--had--a little more spiritually!" wailed
+Dorothy, rather stumbling over the long word but obediently rising from
+her knees and creeping between the snowy sheets. "And I don't feel as if
+there was any use going to bed, any way. I know I shan't sleep a wink."
+
+"Fiddlesticks! You just do beat the Dutch! As if great Jim Barlow hadn't
+a decent head on his shoulders and needed the use o' your 'n! He
+wouldn't thank you for makin' him out such a fool. Good night. I'm goin'
+to sleep."
+
+Dorothy felt that this was simply heartless and sighed:
+
+"I wish I could! But I can't!"
+
+Then she drew the covers about her shoulders, stared through the open
+window at the moonlit ground, felt the scene a trifle dazzling, and
+closed her lids just to rest her eyes a minute.
+
+When she opened them again Alfaretta's bed was empty and neatly spread.
+Except her own belongings the room was in perfect order for the day, the
+sun shone where the moonlight had been, and the cathedral clock on the
+cloister wall was striking--
+
+"Oh! Oh! It's morning! It's _late_ morning, too, that's six, seven, nine
+o'clock! Oh! how could I sleep so? I never did before in all my
+life--except--well, sometimes, but I'm ashamed, I'm awfully ashamed of
+myself."
+
+As she sprang to her feet there was a tap at the door and a
+white-capped, white-aproned maid appeared, saying:
+
+"Good morning, Señorita. The Señora sent me to serve you and help you
+about your bath. It is ready, yes, and the other señoritas have
+breakfasted and gone out, _si_. By my Lady's orders you were not to be
+awakened till you roused yourself."
+
+"Oh! but I am sorry. I didn't mean to do this, for I know one of Mr.
+Ford's rules is early rising. I found that out at _El Paraiso_ and--yes,
+yes, please do help me. But tell me, what shall I call you?"
+
+"Anita, niña. Anita Mantez I am, from the dear City of the Angels, _si_.
+This way, _carita_, do not fear displeasure. They are all beloved, the
+fair young things, but you are nearest, dearest, so my Lady tells. For
+you will never be blamed, believe me."
+
+Dorothy made short work of her toilet and felt so refreshed by her night
+of sound sleep and her delightful morning bath, that the world outside
+seemed even lovelier than she remembered it. Also, she was hungry--so
+hungry! It was quite as Mr. Ford had said; that the mountain air made
+people almost ravenous, at first. Afterwards, one's appetite sank to the
+normal and to be out and doing was the one great desire of life.
+
+Anita led her to the refectory and served her with a dainty breakfast,
+disposed on exquisite "individual" dishes, and oddly enough, bearing the
+initial "D." Dolly lifted a cup and stared at it, wondering while Anita
+glibly explained in her patois of Spanish-English, that yes, indeed, it
+was the Señorita's own.
+
+Dorothy's heart was touched and grateful. Charming as her hosts were to
+all their guests, in many little ways they had singled her out as in
+this; and she understood without explanation from them that it was
+because of the part she had played in bringing together the once divided
+family. Very humbly and gravely she accepted these attentions, thankful
+in her deepest heart that she had been "inspired," on that past winter
+day, to lead the father and son across the mesa to the little cabin
+where Gray Lady dwelt alone. It had been a daring thing to do--an
+"assisting Providence"--such as wise Aunt Betty wholly disapproved; but
+that time it had been a fortunate one for all concerned.
+
+Now as the girl sipped her cocoa, turning the egg-shell like cup to
+catch the light, she wondered what she could still do to help her dear
+Gray Lady and to prove her own love. Then her dreaming was cut short by
+a hubbub of merry voices without, and, a moment later, a crowd of young
+folks tumbled through the big window, laughing, teasing, exhorting:
+
+"Lazy girl! Just eating breakfast and it's nearly time for lunch, seems
+if!"
+
+"Oh! The loveliest thing in the world!" cried Molly, clapping her hands.
+
+"Thank you," said Dolly, demurely, lifting her face for the other to
+kiss.
+
+"Oh! not you, Miss Vanity, but a beautiful thing on four legs!"
+
+"We're to take our choice and the white one's _mine_, for--" declared
+Alfaretta.
+
+"No white one for me! Dad says we're to do our own grooming and white
+ones have to be washed just like a poodle dog and--" began Leslie.
+
+"I had one once. His name was 'Goodenough,' and he was good enough, too.
+Could walk on its hind legs--" interrupted Herbert.
+
+"Oh, Dorothy! If you aren't going to finish that buttered toast, do give
+it to me! I never was so hungry in all my life. I simply can't get
+filled up, and--"
+
+"Montmorency Vavasour-Stark! You ought to be ashamed! After eating four
+chops, three boiled eggs, five helpings of potato, to say nothing of
+coffee enough for the regiment, and strawberries--"
+
+"Well, Mistress Molly Breckenridge, I don't know who set you to keep
+tally on my appetite! and I hate to see good things wasted. Want the
+rest of those berries, girlie? I know you don't. You're real unselfish,
+you are; and you wouldn't eat all the nice-ripe-red-strawberries-
+raised-under-glass-ripe-red-strawberries and give your neighbor none.
+And give your neighbor none, you-shan't-have-any-of-my-nice-ripe-red-
+strawberries-who-gives-his-neighbor--Molly, give it back! Aw, now,
+Molly! You wouldn't eat all the nice-ripe--Hold on! Bert Montaigne,
+that's a beastly shame! After I had to warble in that dulcet way for
+a plate of poor, left-over, second-hand strawberries, to have 'em
+grabbed by you and Molly--that's too much. Just one drop too much to
+fill my bucket, but I say, 'Little One,' I wish you'd get up late
+every morning, and have just such a superfine breakfast as this saved
+for you, and not be hungry at all yourself, but save it for a poor
+starved little boy who hasn't had a mouthful in an hour--"
+
+Monty was running on in this absurd way, yet holding his own in a three
+cornered scramble for possession of a dish of berries he had pre-empted
+from Dorothy's table; till, without saying anything, Helena calmly
+walked up, took the disputed dish from the contestants and, shoving
+Dolly aside to give up half her chair, sat down and began to eat them
+herself.
+
+"Two spoons with but a single dish! How touching!" cried Herbert, posing
+in pretended admiration of the pair, yet covertly watching his chance to
+add a third spoon to the two and get his own taste of the luxury.
+
+Not but that all had been served likewise, at the regular meal earlier
+in the day, and Monty's boasted appetite was but a part of the happy
+foolishness of their youth and high spirits.
+
+For they were all evidently greatly excited over something, and the talk
+fell back upon "choice" and "points" and "colors" with a comparison of
+manes and tails, till Dorothy sprang up, clapped her hands over her
+ears, and demanded:
+
+"One at a time! One at a time! Do tell me what you're all jabbering
+about and be quick! Just because I was lazy--I admit it, all right--I
+don't want to miss all the fun! Tell me!"
+
+But her answer did not come from any of the lively group about her. A
+shadow fell across the floor and Captain Lem appeared at the window.
+Leaning his elbows on the low sill he surveyed the interior with a
+quizzical smile, then observed:
+
+"If everybody's et all they can and has got time for somethin' elst,
+please to step over to the corral behind the Barracks. Time there was
+somethin' doin'! Come on, Little One. I'd like to have you head the
+procesh, for 'twas the Boss's orders, first pick for you. Hep, hep,
+hep--march!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A MODERN HORSE FAIR
+
+
+They departed as they had entered, by way of the window, Dorothy lifted
+through it by her admiring Captain Lem, whose heart she had wholly won
+by her music the night before, and by the deference she paid to his
+talk. She was eager to find out the cause of all this excitement and
+placed herself alongside him, as he led off with a military tread and
+tensely squared shoulders. It wasn't for him to admit that rheumatism
+commonly bowed those same shoulders, when he was "off duty" and secure
+in the shelter of his own room.
+
+"Hep, hep, hep,--hep," said the Captain marking time, and scowling at
+the irregular pace of the excited youngsters behind her. At which
+Dorothy promptly echoed his "Hep, hep, hep," and the others took the
+hint, pairing off into a compact little company and following their
+leader like soldiers on parade.
+
+Captain Lemuel smiled and nodded:
+
+"Good, Little One! 'Tis you has the head of sense, and fingers for the
+fiddle bow. The boys are all just proud to have you up at S' Leon, and
+anything you want done--say the word! All I want is to see you shoot
+well as you can fiddle. Ride, eh? Can you ride a horse, Little One?"
+
+"My name is Dorothy, Captain Lemuel, and I can--a little. Helena, too,
+is fine on horseback. She's the yellow-haired girl, you know. But why?
+What makes you ask?"
+
+They had come across the grass as far as the end of the Barracks, and
+still drilling his "awkward squad," the old ranchman wheeled about and
+ordered:
+
+"Halt! About--face!"
+
+Alfy giggled, but seeing the faces of all the rest, especially
+Dorothy's, sober and set in imitation of the Captain's, she stopped
+laughing and applied herself to the business in hand.
+
+"Hep, hep, hep--March!"
+
+They might have been veterans, instead of an awkward squad, so perfectly
+they now kept step and so fully they entered into the old man's whim.
+For only a whim they supposed this drilling to be, though in reality he
+had taken note of all their figures and, with the exception of Herbert's
+and Dorothy's, saw that each could be improved. Especially was there
+need of this in Leslie's case; and having been told of the lad's
+delicacy by his beloved "Boss," he had conceived this scheme of drill.
+
+"You see, Boss, I can easy enough cure that boy by 'whipping him over
+the others' shoulders,' so to speak. You've heard tell of that before, I
+'low. He's all right. He's a real likely, well-growed lad; and that West
+Point 't he's hankerin' for'd be the best thing ever happened to him.
+Exceptin' course 't it would nigh break his mother's heart, so he told
+me. Well, that's no more here nor there. A little drillin' in this
+Colorady air'll do 'em all good and set him up to a dandy shape. Yes,
+siree! You or your lady best just drop the hint to that there little
+fiddler-girl, 't seems to lead the rest of 'em round by the nose--though
+they like it, they like it an' her too! Couldn't help it, you see.
+Nobody could; eh, what?"
+
+"Indeed not! A daughter of our own could scarcely be dearer than little
+Dorothy. I'll have Mrs. Ford speak to her, and I'll make it worth your
+while, Captain, to do your utmost for Leslie's improvement. He has lost
+his cough; he does seem to be well, now; but--there is still enough
+delicacy about his appearance to make us anxious. You do your best, Lem,
+and so will I."
+
+The captain had drawn himself up with a little pride, but with an
+adoring look in his old eyes, and had answered:
+
+"Drop that, Boss, drop it! Of all the unfortunate, down-on-their-luck
+fellers 't this S' Leon ranch shelters now, I was the downdest! I ain't
+never forgot what you done for me, takin' me out the gutter, so to
+speak, and settin' me on my pins again. And if there's a single mortal
+thing 't I can do for you--that debt's paid an' overpaid, a hundred
+thousand times. A hundred thousand times, sir, yes, sir."
+
+"A hundred thousand is a sizable number, Lem--but we understand each
+other. Shake hands and--God speed your efforts!"
+
+This little talk had taken place on the night before, and Lady Gray had
+taken an opportunity to relate it to Dorothy. This was why she so
+eagerly fell in with Captain Lemuel's idea, though she forebore to
+mention it to any of the other young folks at San Leon. Lady Gray had
+warned her:
+
+"I would rather Leslie did not himself know, and if the others did he'd
+be sure to find it out. It would make him conspicuous, maybe worry him
+and set him brooding over himself, so I'm trusting you to keep it
+secret. And, in any case, what better amusement could you have? The
+regular exercise in this perfect air will be as good for you girls as
+for the boys."
+
+Now as Dorothy fell into step with the Captain, she realized that here
+was one thing, however slight, that she could do to prove her love for
+sweet Lady Gray. She could use her influence to keep up what the others
+considered a temporary game, entered into merely to gratify the vanity
+of an ex-sharpshooter; and as she now marched along by his side, she
+begged:
+
+"Do please, Captain, set a regular hour for this drill, and make us
+stick to it, just as in the regular army. I promise I'll not oversleep
+again--I'll try not, I mean. Will you?"
+
+"Sure, Little One, and I'll app'int you First Leftenant, Company B, San
+Leon Life Guards. Halt!"
+
+He stopped and faced his followers:
+
+"It has been proposed 't we make this a regular company, same as Company
+A, of the boys. I second the proposition. I'd be proud to train ye, if
+so be you'll hold up your end the musket. I mean, no shirkin' duty and
+bein' marched to the guard house, or sentinel work, for bad behavior.
+Put on your thinkin' caps and keep 'em on a minute. Down to West Point,
+where some of us is hankerin' to be, they don't allow no lyin'. A broken
+promise is the worst kind of a lie. So before you pledge your word, gals
+and boys alike, you--_think_. Think hard, think deep. I'll time ye. When
+one minute is up, to the second, I'll call for your answer. Everybody
+turn their eyes inside themselves and--_think_."
+
+With that the wise and shrewd old fellow pulled his silver time-piece
+from his pocket and placed it in the hollow of his hand. Then he fixed
+his eyes upon its white face and stood motionless, watching the second
+hand make its little circuit. When the sixty seconds had been counted,
+he held up his hand with profound gravity and called:
+
+"All in favor of forming a new Company, say 'Aye!' Contrary 'No!'"
+
+Every hand went up--but Leslie's. Every voice uttered an earnest "Aye!"
+save his, and Dorothy flashed an indignant, as well as disappointed
+glance upon him, exclaiming:
+
+"Oh! What a mean--I mean, what a rude boy! When all your guests are just
+suffering to be soldiers, you go and spoil the whole business. Why do
+you do that?"
+
+The lad flushed. He had been duly instructed by both parents in the
+duties of a host, even a young one; and he knew it was his business to
+see that all his guests were helped to enjoy themselves as they, not he,
+desired. It was the first time that he had had any responsibility of
+this sort and it didn't greatly please him. Now when he found they were
+all looking at him in that aggrieved way he tossed his head, thrust his
+hands into his pockets, and answered:
+
+"I know I proposed it and thought I'd like it, but I've changed my mind
+and now think it would get to be a confounded nuisance. I've never done
+anything, regularly, as you talk about, and I don't see any use in
+beginning at this late day when--"
+
+"When you're getting so old and infirm, poor dear!" said Molly,
+interrupting. In reality she cared little what they did at San Leon, so
+long as they were all together and having a good time. But she saw on
+Dorothy's expressive face a keener disappointment than the affair seemed
+to warrant and loyally placed herself in support of her chum.
+
+Leslie went on as if she hadn't spoken, though he glanced her way with a
+promise in his eyes to "get even" with her for that mockery:
+
+"We're up here on the mountains for a summer holiday. What's the use of
+making it a work day, then? It would be work--sure enough. There'd be
+lots of mornings when every one of us would hate it. Oh! you needn't
+look that way. You all would, sure. What's fun when you feel like it is
+quite the other thing when you don't. And nine o'clock comes pretty
+early in the morning. Doesn't it, Miss Dorothy?"
+
+The laugh was upon her and she joined in it. Yet she hadn't one whit
+abandoned her plan of helping Leslie against himself. But there was no
+use in arguing, and, small woman that she was, she tried strategy
+instead.
+
+"Well, Leslie, you make me think of Mr. Seth Winter's story about the
+eleven contrary jurymen. All 'contrary' except the one who couldn't get
+his own way. No matter, nobody wants to force you into hard work. Though
+I suppose you'll be willing, we, your guests, shall do as we please?"
+
+"Certainly," he replied with an absurdly profound bow, to which Dorothy
+merrily returned a sweeping courtesy.
+
+"Then the rest of us who have given our word will keep it. We will be on
+hand every morning, Captain, to be drilled in the noble tactics of the
+soldier. Aunt Betty says everybody always finds use for all the
+knowledge he possesses. Aunt Betty knows. She's lived almost as long as
+all our ages put together, and she's the very happiest person I ever
+saw. I don't know anything about soldiering yet but I'm going to learn
+what I can with this splendid teacher to instruct me--" here she made
+another profound obeisance to Captain Lem, who returned the courtesy by
+his finest military salute, mentally appraising the earnest little girl
+as the best of them all.
+
+"So that I shall have one more thing to put in my knowledge-box, ready
+to use if I ever need it. And while we are drilling you can amuse
+yourself otherwise, Leslie dear. Now, Captain, can't we go on and find
+out what wonderful thing is hidden in that corral behind these
+Barracks?"
+
+"Sure. Forward, march!"
+
+He faced forward again and even Leslie fell into step behind the others,
+willing to join in such "foolishness" as a temporary amusement.
+
+In fine order they reached the further end of the long building, marched
+around its rear, and came upon what Dorothy thought was a most beautiful
+sight. Within the wide paddock, or corral, as these westerners called
+it, was a small herd of young, thoroughbred horses. From a little stand
+outside the paling, Mr. and Mrs. Ford were watching the handsome
+creatures and talking with the grooms that attended them, concerning
+their good, and possibly, bad qualities.
+
+But at the sound of the approaching "squad" Lady Gray turned an eager
+face and called out, reprovingly:
+
+"Oh! my dears, how slow you have been! If I were your age and had been
+promised a horse for my very own, I shouldn't have tarried on the way!"
+
+"Our very own? What do you mean, dear Mrs. Ford?" asked Dorothy,
+hastening to bid her tardy "Good morning," before she more than glanced
+across the fence.
+
+"Just what I say, dear. Mr. Ford has had eight horses brought in for you
+young folks to use. Each is to make a choice for herself or himself,
+subject to change if any necessity for it. Your choice is to be your own
+property and I hope will give you lots of pleasure. Captain Lem and some
+of the other good horsemen will teach you anything you need to know.
+Why, my dears! How astonished you look! Didn't you understand? Didn't
+Leslie tell you?"
+
+For, indeed, surprise had kept them silent. None had guessed of having a
+horse of her "own," supposing from Leslie's words that they were only
+to have the loan of an animal during their stay at San Leon. Alfaretta
+broke the silence, explaining:
+
+"No, he didn't say any such thing. He said we was to come choose horses
+to ride, and when he said one was white I picked that out at once.
+I--can't really believe you mean it, Mrs. Ford, though--course--Ma
+Babcock--I never heard o' such folks--never--never--in my life. It
+certainly does beat the Dutch. I--Alfy Babcock--Dolly Doodles--Jolly
+Molly--Helena--to have horses of our own--it makes me cry! I, Alfy
+Babcock, ownin' a whole horse! Oh! My!"
+
+"Then I shall be very, very sorry the idea ever entered my husband's
+mind, of making such a gift. We don't want tears--we just want
+happiness, perfect happiness, up here at San Leon!" said beautiful Gray
+Lady, smiling, and looking fairer than ever in this new delight of
+making gifts, as freely as she wished. Her own life had grown so much
+happier, these last months, that she longed only to "pass on" happiness
+to all whom she knew. Alfy's tears really hurt her, for a moment, till
+Dolly explained, with an arm about the weeper's waist:
+
+"I reckon these must be what I've heard of as 'happy tears,' dear Lady
+Gray. Alfy is too pleased to do anything else--even to say 'thank
+you'--yet."
+
+Queer little Alfy had dropped her head on Dorothy's shoulder and was
+repeating in a low tone:
+
+"A whole horse of my own! Mine, Alfy Babcock's! A whole horse--a
+whole--livin'--horse--A--whole--horse!"
+
+"Well, you wouldn't want a half one, would you, Miss Babcock? Nor one
+that wasn't living?" demanded Monty, laughing. "Quit crying and let's
+choose, for that's what Leslie said we were to do. Is that correct, Mr.
+Ford?"
+
+"Entirely. But--see to it that your choice falls each on a different
+animal! Suppose you begin, alphabetically. Alfaretta first."
+
+Such a group of radiant faces as now peered over the paling! while
+without a second's hesitation, Alfaretta announced:
+
+"I choose that pure white one for mine!"
+
+"All right. Captain Lem, lead out Blanca and put on her side saddle,"
+directed Mr. Ford.
+
+A passage was opened in the paling and the beautiful Blanca was led
+forth, amid a murmur of admiration from everybody, except the girl
+herself. She could only stand, clasping and unclasping her hands, and
+gazing with dim eyes at this wonderful possession. The handsome saddle
+cloth was marked Blanca, and Mr. Ford explained that each animal was
+registered and its name had been chosen by its breeder. Most of these
+names were Spanish and suited well; as that Blanca meant "white," which
+the gentle little mare certainly was. To another corner of the saddle
+cloth, Captain Lem slowly attached the initial "A," as mark of
+ownership, then beckoned to Alfy that she should mount.
+
+All her mates watched her curiously, expecting to see her timid and
+reluctant. She treated them to a fine surprise; first by running to Lady
+Gray and rapturously kissing her hand, then returning to Lemuel, and
+letting him swing her up to the saddle, without an instant's hesitation.
+Dorothy stared, amazed; but she needn't have done so: Alfy was "her
+mother's daughter" as the saying goes, and inherited that good woman's
+love of horseflesh and fearlessness; and as she settled herself and
+received the bridle reins she kept murmuring the marvellous fact:
+
+"A whole horse--mine! And Ma Babcock's only got Barnaby!"
+
+"Who is 'Barnaby,' Alfy?" asked Leslie, going round to her side and
+critically inspecting her treasure.
+
+"Oh--he--Why, he's a mule!"
+
+A shout of laughter greeted this announcement and Lemuel moved away. He
+was disappointed that the beautiful Blanca had not fallen to Dorothy's
+share, for he believed the white filly to be the best as well as the
+handsomest creature in the corral. However, her turn was next, and he
+listened anxiously to hear what it might be. He wished she wouldn't be
+so over-generous in offering the choice to her mates, and in saying
+that if she disappointed them she wanted to change.
+
+"All are so fine. It can't make a bit of difference to me."
+
+"Choose! Choose! You dear old slow-poke, for I'm just dying to do so,
+too. I can't wait--do choose!" cried impatient Molly, skipping about and
+trying to cut short Dorothy's hesitation.
+
+"All right, then. I choose the 'calico'. She's so like another Portia
+that I used to ride 'back home.'"
+
+"Zaraza, for Dolly. A Spanish title, too, dear, and means 'chintz'--a
+'calico', if you please. Lead her out, Lem!"
+
+The pretty creature was brought out, arching her graceful neck and
+lifting her dainty hoofs as if she were dancing to music, as she was now
+to the clapping of hands and lusty cheers of healthy young throats. Then
+she was saddled, a decorative "D" attached to her saddle-cloth, Dorothy
+put upon her back, to take her stand beside Alfaretta on Blanca, while
+the others chose and were mounted.
+
+"It has been a real ceremony and a delightful one! Here's to the health
+and happiness of our young equestrians! Hip, hip, hurra!" cried the
+master of the ranch, with a boyish heartiness that sent the hats of the
+ranchmen from their heads and their voices echoing the gay "Hip, hip,
+hurra!"
+
+But, despite her happiness, Dorothy's face was thoughtful. There had
+been eight horses in the corral, as there had been, at first, eight
+young guests at San Leon. To Helena had been allotted a fine bay, big
+and powerful as well as comely, by name Benito; to Herbert a black,
+chosen by him for its resemblance to his own "Bucephalus," "back home"
+where Portia was, and from a sentiment similar to Dolly's. Then Lady
+Gray was asked to choose for the absent James Barlow, and did so as
+calmly as if he had but stepped around the corner and had deputed her to
+act for him.
+
+But it was noticeable that of all the splendid thoroughbreds within the
+paddock one was by far the finest. That was a dappled gray, perfect in
+every, point, and looking as if he were king of that four-footed
+company.
+
+"For Jim, I choose Azul, the Gray! You all know I love gray in color and
+I love the 'blue,' as his Spanish owners named him. Captain Lemuel,
+please saddle Azul for Jim Barlow, and, Daniel, will you use him,
+please, till Jim comes back?"
+
+Dorothy flashed a grateful look upon her hostess, then glanced at
+Alfaretta, sure of finding sympathy in that girl's honest eyes. But Alfy
+nodded, well pleased, and Mr. Ford rode to the head of the little
+cavalcade and took his place at Dorothy's side, while the others
+followed, two by two, to make a circuit of the grounds and test their
+mounts.
+
+The men cheered again and again as the procession started, Mr. Ford and
+Dorothy leading; then Leslie on the sorrel, Cæsar, with Alfy on Blanca;
+Helena on Benito, with Monty on the chestnut, Juan--a mount well suited
+to his stature and requirements. Last rode Molly on Juana, another
+chestnut, and a perfect match for her brother--Monty's Juan; while
+Herbert's Blackamoor finished the caravan, last but by no means least in
+the creature's own proud estimation.
+
+They paced and they cantered, they trotted and they galloped, even the
+most inexperienced without fear, because of the vigilant attendants who
+raced beside them, as well as the high spirits of the others. Around and
+around the spacious grounds they rode, Captain Lem pointing out several
+fences and hedges he would have them leap, later on, and finally
+bringing up before the stately front of the house to dismount.
+
+As they did so Dorothy noticed a queerly dressed little boy sitting
+beside the fountain holding a basket in his hand and eagerly watching
+the cavalcade. Nobody else seemed to observe him, amid all the clatter
+and laughter. He looked to the sympathetic girl as if he were very tired
+and, leaving the rest, she crossed to him and asked:
+
+"Who are you, little boy? Do you want something?"
+
+Instantly, he offered her the basket, and as instantly vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE
+
+
+Dorothy looked after the fleeing little figure as it disappeared behind
+a clump of shrubbery in the direction of the laundry.
+
+"A child of one of the workmen, I suppose, but such an odd, quaint
+looking child," she thought, and rejoined her mates. They were still
+standing beside the cloistered walk, talking, planning the wonderful
+trips which would be open to them now that they owned horses; comparing
+notes upon the points of each that they fancied they had already
+learned, while Mr. Ford declared:
+
+"This really is the most wonderful affair! Not that you have the horses,
+but that you show no jealousy about them. So far as I can see each of
+you is perfectly satisfied with his own choice and sure it was the
+wisest. I only hope our good James Barlow will like his Azul as well.
+Heigho, Dolly Doodles! What a quaint little basket! An Indian one and
+fine. Where did you get that?"
+
+"A little boy gave it to me. I suppose it is for Lady Gray, and here she
+comes."
+
+The lady had walked across from the Barracks, slowly, sauntering over
+the beautiful grounds, so fully in accord with them and the glorious
+day hat she was humming an aria from pure lightness of heart. She had
+not forgotten the missing lad for whom she had chosen the best horse in
+the herd, but it did not seem now that anything could be really amiss.
+He would surely soon be back, safe and well, and oh! how good life
+was! How dear the world, and how gracious that tender Providence which
+had crowned her life with joy! In this mood she came up to the group
+awaiting her and Dorothy put the basket into her hands.
+
+She hadn't expected anything of weight and nearly dropped it.
+
+"Why, dearie, what an exquisite basket! But how heavy it is!
+What--here--why? See how oddly it's fastened with rushes or something
+like them. I'll sit right here while one of you open it."
+
+She seated herself upon a carved bench beside a sun-dial and Leslie cut
+the rushes which were bound tightly about the basket. As he did so a
+plaintive little wail issued from it, and Lady Gray and he both jumped.
+
+"A baby! A foundling!" laughed Mr. Ford, pretending to be greatly
+frightened.
+
+"Open it, open it quick, please! I can't wait!" cried Molly.
+
+At the slightest touch now the lid fell off and there, lying on a mat of
+softest grass, was a tiny, new-born lamb. Ohs! and Ahs! and laughter
+greeted it, to which the small creature answered by another feeble
+"Ma-a-a!" then curled itself to sleep.
+
+"What a pretty present! Who could have sent it?" wondered Lady Gray.
+
+"One of the shepherds, likely; sheep herders they call them here. And
+it's the first time I ever saw a lamb 'snow white.' The comparison,
+'white as a lamb' is generally wrong, for they're a dirty gray. This one
+has been washed within an inch of its life--literally. Some of you girls
+better take it to the dairy and give it some milk," said Mr. Ford.
+
+"Maybe there somebody will know about it or we'll find the little boy
+again. He was so cute! Like a small Indian, he looked."
+
+"He might easily be one, Dorothy. There are still many bands of them
+roaming the mountains. Quite often, the 'boys' say, some come to San
+Leon. A peaceable lot, though, mostly, unless they get hold of liquor.
+But liquor turns even cultivated white men into brutes. Not likely we
+shall see any of them at this time of year, when life in the forest is
+pleasant."
+
+"Oh! Daniel, don't talk of Indians at all! I don't like them," protested
+Mrs. Ford, with a little shudder. "I hope that child wasn't one."
+
+"Well, we don't know that he was. There are many people belonging to San
+Leon and other neighboring ranches and a child more or less isn't enough
+to set us worrying. Hmm. Here comes the operator with a telegram. I was
+in hopes that I might escape them for a few weeks. News, Mr. Robson?"
+
+The clerk's face was grave and the young folks walked away; Dorothy
+carrying the basket with the lamb, the others following--with
+mischievous Molly prodding the little creature with her forefinger "to
+make it talk."
+
+But the boys were not interested in "young mutton" as Monty called it,
+and sought the ranchmen at their quarters to learn when they could go
+fishing, or what was better, hunting.
+
+"I don't see what you want to kill things for!" pouted Molly, while
+Helena answered:
+
+"Because they are--just boys! I only hope they won't be allowed to
+handle firearms, except for rifle practice under the trainer's care. So
+this is the dairy! What a fine one and away up here, where Milliken said
+there was 'no civilization!' Do you know, Papa is getting quite anxious
+for a stock farm? We think it's so queer for a man who knows nothing but
+banking, but some doctor told him it would be fine for his health. If he
+has cattle, I suppose we'll have a dairy. I mean now to find out all I
+can about such things because I know whatever Mr. Ford does will be the
+best possible. Odd! up here the dairymaids are dairymen! How spotlessly
+clean that one yonder looks, in his white uniform! I'm going to ask what
+he is doing now."
+
+She left the other girls to do so and from another worker in this
+up-to-date, sweet-smelling place, Dorothy begged a basin of milk for
+their new pet. It still remained in the basket, which was so soft and of
+such exquisite fineness that it could be folded like a cloth.
+
+Alfaretta still held the soft cover, which had slipped off when Leslie
+cut the rushes binding it on, turning it idly in her hands. Suddenly she
+stopped and stared at its inner side, then excitedly stooped where
+Dorothy was feeding the lamb and pointed, exclaiming:
+
+"For the land sakes, Dolly Doodles, look at that!"
+
+"Take care, Alfy! You're scaring this timid little thing so it won't
+drink. It hardly knows how, anyway. What? What do you say?"
+
+"I say look a there! _Jim! Jim!_"
+
+Dorothy snatched the cover from Alfy's hand and there, surely enough,
+was the letter D done in the curious handwriting which James Barlow had
+acquired; quite different both girls knew from that of any other they
+had ever seen. Then they stared at one another, not knowing whether to
+be glad or sorry.
+
+"What does it mean?" cried Dorothy at last, while Molly drew near to
+learn what had happened to surprise them. For answer Alfaretta handed
+her the cover and fairly gasped out:
+
+"Jim--our Jim--wrote that--or painted it--or--or--It's Jim, true as
+preachin'!"
+
+"Huh! then all I can say is that this paragon of a Jim has a mighty
+poor style of writing. Looks more as if that lamb had bumped its
+itsy--witsy--heady--and made it bleed. That's some Indian 'mark' that
+the maker of the basket put on it. Don't try to get up any excitement
+over that."
+
+Alfy shook her head but Dorothy did not look up. She was searching the
+soft, wilted grass that lined the basket; and, in the bottom, tied to a
+bunch of faded flowers was a little glistening stone. The pebble was
+marked by another D, traced in the red juice of some plant.
+
+The basket went one way, the lamb another as Dorothy sprang to her feet
+and danced for very joy.
+
+"Yes, it's from Jim--it's from Jim! And he's alive--somewhere he is
+alive! Oh! I am so glad, so glad!"
+
+Alfy was glad, too, of this reminder of the lad's existence, but she was
+also ashamed of him.
+
+"Huh! I don't see what there's to be so tickled over, for my part! Jim
+Barlow's actin' like a regular simpleton. And he's mean, too. He's
+meaner 'n pussley, makin' everybody such a lot of trouble. Folks riding
+night and day to hunt for him--some out scourin' round this very
+minute--and him just stayin' away 'cause--'cause--"
+
+"'Cause what, Alfaretta Babcock?" demanded Molly sternly. As always she
+was loyal to her beloved Dorothy whose joy Alfy was rapidly spoiling by
+her contempt for the truant.
+
+"'Cause, I s'pose he hasn't any decent clothes to come home in. He
+didn't take his with him and clothes don't grow on trees, even in
+Colorado. But--if I knew where he was I'd take 'em to him and give him a
+piece o' my mind along with 'em."
+
+"Give it to me, instead, missy. I'm kind of sort of hungry for it!" said
+a familiar voice behind them, and there was Captain Lem leaning on the
+sill of the dairy window and looking at them with that amused expression
+of his. He seemed to find a lot of young folks the most entertaining
+company in the world. He had hated their coming and had instantly veered
+around to be thankful for it. Already his mates were teasing him about
+it and prophesying that Lem had done his last job on the ranch.
+Hereafter, if he was missed, all the "boys" would have to do would be to
+hunt up Dorothy, or her chums, and find him.
+
+"What's a doin', younkers? Hope your ridin' round didn't tire ye none.
+Hello! Gone to raisin' sheep, have ye? Mighty pretty little creatur',
+that one is. Where'd you find it?"
+
+Even Helena left off learning dairy work and hurried with the others to
+the window to learn his opinion.
+
+He took the cover and the stone and carefully studied the inscriptions
+on them. Cocked his head sidewise, put on his spectacles, screwed up
+his eyebrows and his lips, and ejaculated:
+
+"That's a poor fist--whoever done it!"
+
+"Maybe it is; but both Alfaretta and I recognized it at once. You see
+poor Jim almost taught himself to write. He'd begun that even before I
+first saw him and it's hard to unlearn things, you know. Else, Jim's so
+smart he'd have written better than any of us by this time. Yes, indeed!
+Poor Jim is very, very clever!" said Dolly warmly.
+
+Captain Lemuel shook his head, and remarked:
+
+"I 'low you call him that by way o' compliment. But back home when we
+called a feller 'clever' it meant he hadn't much sense. I've seen that
+sort, 'clever' souls 't scurcely knew enough to come in out the rain.
+This here one 'peared the same to me. Course, I hadn't been acquainted
+with him longer 'n next to no time but if he was so smart, as I s'pose
+you're meanin' to state, he hid it amazin' well. Hmm. But--but--if this
+is a handwrite o' his 'n, our business is to take it straight to the
+'Boss.' What you goin' to name your lamb, Little One?"
+
+Dorothy lifted the little animal and gave it to him through the window.
+He caressed it tenderly enough in his strong hands, for he loved all
+animals, though horses best.
+
+"Why, I hadn't thought. I mean we hadn't. And it isn't ours, anyway, if
+it was sent to the Gray Lady."
+
+"Your Gray Lady's name don't begin with a D. It's plain as the nose on
+your face who it's meant for," he answered, promptly.
+
+"Then if it is really mine--how lovely!--I'll just call it Snowball."
+
+"Pshaw, Dolly Doodles! If I had a lamb sent to me by a poor lost feller
+like Jim, I'd name it after him and not so silly like that. Do call it
+Jim, junior," argued Alfy.
+
+"Yes, sissy, but--but it ain't that kind of a lamb," observed the
+Captain, siding with his favorite at once.
+
+Molly giggled and even Helena smiled, but Alfy simply pouted.
+
+"Huh! Well, then if Jim won't do, call her Jiminetta--that'd be after me
+and him, too, same's I'm Alfaretta."
+
+Dorothy laughed, too, now, and stopped studying the rude letters traced
+on the cover and the stone. They but deepened the mystery of Jim's
+disappearance and present whereabouts. She remarked:
+
+"We don't often enough take time to say your whole name, child. It's
+generally 'Alfy.' Let's compromise and call our lamb Netty."
+
+"Good enough! And if the little creatur' takes after most Colorady folks
+or flocks, she won't care a mite what name she has so she ain't called
+late to dinner. Haw, haw, haw!"
+
+Laughing at his own ancient witticism, Captain Lem started houseward
+with "Netty" in his arms, the little thing nestling down in them as if
+it knew it had found a friend. But his face was troubled. He didn't
+like this secret signal from the missing James and he liked less the
+fact that the lad's messenger had been a small Indian. However, this
+seemed a small matter to what was awaiting him, as Mr. Ford came toward
+him, walking rapidly, and, apparently, in deep thought.
+
+"Lem, do you think you can run San Leon without me for a few days?"
+
+Captain saluted his "chief" and replied, a trifle testily: "That's what
+I have been doin' for a purty consid'able spell, ain't it, Boss?"
+
+"Yes, but you hadn't eight youngsters on your hands then, to keep happy
+and out of mischief. Boys you know, Lem--"
+
+"I know. I've been one. Wish 't I was again. What's up, Boss?"
+
+The girls had followed the Captain, slowly, and eagerly discussing Jim's
+message--if it was such--and its probable meaning; but they paused at a
+little distance, not wishing to interrupt the men's interview which,
+from the expression of their faces, was a serious one.
+
+But Mr. Ford saw them and beckoned them to come up; and then explained
+to them as well as to the old ranchman:
+
+"We have had telegrams that call us east. Away east, as far as New York.
+I feel that we must leave you young folks--for a few days--as few as we
+can possibly make them. It isn't business or I'd depute somebody else
+to act for me. It's this: A wireless dispatch has been received that a
+very old lady, an aunt of Erminie's, will arrive in that city on the
+steamer which is due in just three days. She has lived abroad for many
+years and is now very feeble, helpless, in fact, from paralysis or
+something of that nature. She brought Erminie up and has been the best
+and truest friend my wife ever had. We owe her everything, and feel that
+we cannot leave her to land in a strange city, broken in mind and body,
+without her 'daughter' to care for her. We must go, for I don't want
+Lady Gray to take the trip and responsibility without me. If all goes
+well, we should be back in less than a fortnight--could be much sooner
+except that Lady Gray wants to bring Aunt Rachel to San Leon; and we
+will have to make the return journey by very easy stages, as her
+strength will allow. It is trying, too, that, having learned of our trip
+east, Miss Milliken insists upon returning with us. She hasn't been
+happy here and I find she's worrying about her heart. The altitude of
+San Leon is bad for her, she thinks, and since she puts it on that
+ground neither Erminie nor I can urge her to remain. But--"
+
+"'But,' don't you worry a minute, dear Uncle Dan!" cried Dorothy,
+clasping her hands around his arm and using the title he had asked for
+many times, though she had rarely done so before. All along, despite his
+great generosity and kindness, she had stood just a little in awe of the
+"Railroad Boss," and he had been simply "Mr. Ford" to her as well as to
+all his other young guests. But it needed only one look of anxiety on
+his noble face to rouse all her loving sympathy. She repeated: "Don't
+you, nor sweet Lady Gray, worry one single minute about us or things up
+here at San Leon. We'll be as good as good! Helena, here, is a better
+caretaker than poor Miss Milly. Between ourselves, we're glad she's
+going. She's been a burden to Nell, all the time, instead of a help. I'm
+sorry about her heart but--I'm glad she's going. Now--when do you start?
+Isn't there something I--we--can do to help you off? Do let us help!"
+
+The gentleman's face had lightened. His girl guests had accepted the
+situation beautifully, and he could but hope as much for the lads. In
+any case he must go; and, indeed, at once. He was so pressed for time
+that they disliked to trouble him with the message the lamb had brought,
+and watched him walk swiftly away without a further word.
+
+"Huh! He needn't be afraid we'll do anything we oughtn't! And I don't
+see as we're going to be so much alone, after all. There's the trained
+nurse, and though the doctor's gone to Denver he'll come back."
+
+"She's sick herself, this last day or so, Alfy. We mustn't count on her
+nor on Dr. Jones. But there's Mr. Robson, Captain Lem, Anita, Wun
+Sing--and lots of ranchmen left. Oh! we'll be all right!" said Dorothy.
+"But the Captain has walked off with 'Netty'--forgotten all about her, I
+guess."
+
+"Well, I must go to poor Milly. She never can keep her head when
+anything happens suddenly, like this. She has complained, incessantly,
+that she could hardly breathe up here and I'm glad she has the chance to
+go now. But I can fancy my dear mother's face, when Milly walks into the
+Towers without me!" said Helena, hurrying away.
+
+A half-hour of activity followed, the girls taking Lady Gray's simple
+packing out of her hands, although that much-travelled _prima donna_ was
+never disturbed by sudden changes from place to place. Indeed, she was
+happy over this coming trip, under her husband's escort, and to meet her
+dearly loved Aunt Rachel.
+
+Jedediah had his master's suit-case ready in even shorter time and it
+was only Miss Milliken who delayed matters by her fussiness.
+
+However, the buckboard came around, Silent Pete holding the reins over
+the four-in-hand, and Captain Lem rather jealously regarding him; until
+his eye fell upon his "awkward squad" and he remembered the greater
+responsibility placed upon himself. Then he was reconciled to see
+another man drive his horses, reflecting:
+
+"Well, I needn't grumble, I'm the one Boss trusted most. Seven
+youngsters in hand and one in the bush--land knows where!--is a bigger
+job 'n just drivin' a four-footed team. I ain't no call to feel lonesome
+but just to feel sot up. Funny, ain't it, Lem! You a regular,
+dyed-in-the-wool old bach to find yourself suddenly playin' daddy to
+seven strappin' boys an' gals! Seven an' there'd ought to be eight.
+Ought to be--_must be_--that's what it spells to Captain Lemuel Hunt.
+For if--if--as I reasonably suspicion--that there Jim Barlow, poor
+writer, has fell into the hands of a passel of Injuns, his cake's dough,
+lessen I can rake it out their oven into mine."
+
+The departure of the buckboard, with solemn Silent Pete in charge, had a
+depressing effect upon the group left watching it. Everything would go
+on just as usual, of course. Why should there be any difference?
+But--how lonesome it was! How they would miss Lady Gray's sweet voice
+and presence, and the "Boss's" jokes and laughter!
+
+The thought was too much for tender-hearted Alfy, and after a
+spluttering, and sniffling to stem her own grief, she burst into an
+audible boo-hoo, that promptly started Molly's tears, though she shed
+them silently. All, indeed, were very sober and Leslie's face was pale.
+He hadn't realized till now how necessary his mother had become to his
+happiness, and he felt sorely inclined to follow the example of the
+weeping girls though rather indignant against them. It wasn't their
+Lady Gray who had left, nor their beloved Dad. He exclaimed, testily:
+
+"Girls, quit that! I'm your host now and I say--no crying! What I
+propose is--do something. Let's ride to Bald Eagle Peak--or Rock. You'll
+need clear eyes to follow that trail, but there'll be just time enough
+to do it before bedtime. Hurray for 'Boots and Saddles!'"
+
+Captain Lem answered quickly:
+
+"Lad, you can't do that! You mustn't take that road till you know more
+about ridin' 'n you do now, nor unless you start by daybreak. I wouldn't
+try it myself, old mountaineer as I am, at this hour, lessen it was a
+case of life and death. No, you can't go."
+
+Leslie's temper rose and he retorted:
+
+"I'm 'Boss' here now and don't you dare say 'mustn't' to me!"
+
+The sharpshooter laughed ironically; and this enraged the boy still
+further. His riding whip was in his hand and, with a furious look at the
+Captain, he lifted it and brought it down upon the old man's head--who
+staggered backward, then fell to the ground as if he were dead.
+
+"Leslie! Leslie!" shrieked the onlookers, "what have you done?"
+
+"Killed him--I--guess!" he gasped and threw himself beside the prostrate
+ranchman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE SHEEP HERDER'S CABIN
+
+
+When, in the delirium of fever, Jim Barlow strayed from his room at San
+Leon, the one idea in his mind was that the mountains called him. One
+distant peak, in especial, seemed imbued with life, using human speech
+and gesture--warning him to come, and come at once, lest some terrible
+thing befall him. He must obey! He must--he must!
+
+He set off at a run, his bare feet unconsciously seeking the smooth
+driveway of the home-piece, and following it at breakneck speed till it
+ended in the road below the mesa. There the rougher going hindered him
+somewhat, but not greatly, and he kept to the highway till it reached a
+river and a bridge.
+
+Beyond the bridge the road divided into three forks, the northern one
+ascending steadily toward the peak to which his fancy still fixed itself
+and he struck off upon this. How long he travelled he did not know,
+though his unnatural strength due to his fever must have lasted for
+hours. Gradually, that fierce, inward excitement that drove him on gave
+place to a sudden weariness, and he dropped like a stone on the spot
+where it overcame him.
+
+As the morning rose, clear and bright, a company of horsemen, riding in
+single file toward a distant pass, came upon a prostrate, nearly naked
+figure lying in their path. The horsemen were Ute Indians, and like many
+of their white brothers, were prospecting for gold. All sorts of
+precious metals were to be found in these Rocky mountains, and were
+their own rightful inheritance. They were peaceably inclined to share
+and share alike with the pale faces. For years there had been friendship
+between them and the red men had learned many things from the white. Not
+the least had been this craving for gold; and where once they would have
+toiled only in the chase, to shoot and kill the game with which the
+mountains abounded, they now longed for the glittering stones hidden
+within them.
+
+But they were in no haste. The gold was hidden--it would keep, and they
+had ridden all night long. So, at sight of poor Jim, lying motionless,
+they dismounted and discussed him.
+
+"He is dead," said the foremost, in his own tongue which, of course, the
+lad would not have understood, even if he had heard.
+
+Another stooped down and turned the boy's face upward. It was scratched
+with the underbrush through which he had made his way and the light
+garments he wore were in shreds. His feet were swollen and bruised and
+the bandages had been torn from his arm.
+
+"Not dead. Might as well be. Heap bad," said another Indian, gravely
+shaking his head.
+
+There were four in the party and one of them filled a cup at a nearby
+spring and dashed the water over the lad's face. His fit of exhaustion
+was about over, anyway, and the shock of the ice-cold water revived him,
+so that he opened his eyes and looked into the dark face bent above him.
+
+But there was no intelligence in this look and presently his lids
+drooped and he was once more oblivious to all about him.
+
+The Indians held a consultation. Three were for going on, after they had
+breakfasted, and leaving the vagrant to his fate. One was for giving
+help and, being the leader of the party as well as a red-skinned "Good
+Samaritan," his counsel prevailed.
+
+When they resumed the trail, Jim Barlow was carried with them, very much
+like a sack of meal across a saddle bow. But carried--not left to die.
+
+When he again opened his eyes, and this time with consciousness in them,
+he was in a small shanty, rude in the extreme; and his bed a pile of
+hemlock boughs spread with a woollen blanket. He lay for some time
+trying to think where he was and what had happened to him, and idly
+watching the bent figure of a man sitting just outside the doorway of
+the hut. The man was smoking and a little boy was playing in the sand at
+his feet.
+
+Jim couldn't see anything interesting in these two strangers nor in the
+cabin itself and, with a feeling of great weakness, closed his eyes once
+more, and for many hours of sound, refreshing sleep. When for the third
+time he awoke his senses had returned and only the weakness remained. He
+tried to speak and after several efforts succeeded in asking, audibly:
+
+"Where am I?"
+
+At sound of his voice the man outside rose and came to the boy, nodding
+his head in satisfaction but in silence.
+
+"Where--am--I?" asked Jim, again.
+
+The man shook his head. By his appearance he was Mexican, but he wore an
+Indian costume of buckskin, once gaily decorated and fringed but now
+worn and very dirty. His straight black hair hung low over his forehead
+and his hands looked as if they had never seen water. His face was not
+ugly, neither was it kind; and he seemed more stolid than stupid.
+
+"Where--am--I? Who are you?" again demanded Jim, trying to get up, but
+instantly sinking back from utter weakness.
+
+There was no answer; but, after a long contemplation of his guest, the
+Mexican crossed to a little stove, wherein a few sticks were burning.
+From a rusty coffee pot which stood upon it, he poured some liquid into
+a tin cup and brought it to the lad.
+
+Jim tried to sit up and take the cup into his own hand but he could not;
+so, with unexpected gentleness, the man slipped his arm under his
+patient's shoulders and raised him to a half-sitting posture. Then he
+held the cup to Jim's lips, who drank eagerly, the muddy coffee seeming
+like nectar to his dry, parched throat.
+
+The drink refreshed him but he was still too weak to rise, or even care
+to do so. Dozing and waking, wondering a little over his situation yet
+mostly indifferent to everything, the hours passed.
+
+Jim's interest was next aroused by the man's dressing of his arm. He did
+this with real skill, removing the big leaves of some healing plant,
+with which it had been bound, and replacing these with fresh ones,
+confining them in place by long strips of split reeds.
+
+The soft, cool leaves were wonderfully comforting and with the easing of
+the pain serious thoughts came. To the injured lad everything now seemed
+a blank from the evening meal at San Leon, after his arrival there,
+until now. Why he had left that ranch and why he had come to this queer
+place he could not imagine; but the picture of the beautiful,
+mission-like house was distinct, and of Dorothy walking across its lawn
+beside him.
+
+Dorothy! It seemed a long time since he had seen her or heard her sweet
+voice chide him for his misdoings. Why--now he remembered--he hadn't
+said good-night to Dorothy, his first faithful friend. But it is
+needless to follow the gropings of Jim's mind back to the realization of
+his present situation. Yet the first and strongest feeling which
+possessed him was that he must tell Dorothy where he was. Dolly was such
+a hand to worry, silly Dolly! And she was his best, earliest friend.
+
+The Mexican brought him his breakfast of bacon and corn bread, with
+another cup of that coffee which always stood upon the stove. A child
+came with the man and gazed at Jim with solemn, wondering eyes.
+
+Jim returned the stare with interest. This was the first small Indian he
+had ever seen and to judge by the little fellow's face he might have
+been an old, old man--he was so grave and dignified.
+
+"How are you, sonny?" said Jim.
+
+The midget simply blinked.
+
+"Can't you talk, kid?" again questioned the stranger, holding out his
+hand.
+
+The little boy did not answer, save by placing his own chubby, extremely
+dirty hand on Jim's extended palm.
+
+"Good. You're friendly, if you are dumb. Sort of needs washin', don't
+it? Water. Can you bring me some water? I'm thirsty."
+
+The child walked to a big tank, or half-barrel, outside the door and
+dipped the tin coffee cup within it. But he was too short to reach the
+low supply and giving himself an extra hitch upwards, over the edge, the
+better to obtain the draught, he lost his balance and fell in head
+first.
+
+Jim's low bed commanded a view of this and he started to rescue the
+youngster, but the man was before him. He treated the accident as if it
+were an ordinary occurrence, pulling the child out by the seat of his
+leather breeches, shaking him as one might a wet puppy, and setting him
+on his feet without a word. Indeed, words seemed the most precious
+commodity in that queer shanty, so rarely were they used. But the
+father, if such he were, himself filled the cup with the stale water and
+gave it to the child, who carried it to Jim as calmly as if no trouble
+had attended his getting it.
+
+"Thank you, boy. What's your name?"
+
+"Name--José," said the man answering for him. He pronounced it "Ho-say,"
+and Jim was pleased. Knowing that he might meet people who spoke
+Spanish, in this trip west, the studious lad had brought a Spanish
+grammar along with him on the train and had glanced into it whenever he
+had a chance. Of course, he could not speak it himself, nor understand
+it well, nor was the dialect here in use very much like the correct
+language of the grammar.
+
+"José, where is this place?"
+
+The child stared. Then suddenly went out of doors and returned with a
+baby lamb in his arms. He plumped this down upon Jim's breast and smiled
+for the first time. The lamb was his latest, greatest treasure and, in
+his childish sympathy, he offered it to the "hurted man." With his good
+arm, Jim made the little animal more comfortable, while José vanished
+without again. This time he returned with a fine basket of Indian
+workmanship, and this was filled in part by glittering stones and in
+part by flowers. All these he deposited on the bed beside the lamb, and
+folded his arms behind him in profound satisfaction. He had done his
+very best. He had given the sick one all his things. If that didn't cure
+him it would be no further business of José's.
+
+The man of the house had now seated himself beside the stove. He placed
+an earthen pan beside him on the clay floor and laid a bundle of rushes
+beside it. Also, he took down from a peg in the wall an unfinished
+basket, and reseating himself, proceeded to weave upon it. He used only
+the finest of splits, torn from the reeds, almost like thread in their
+delicacy and he worked very slowly. From time to time he held the basket
+from him, studying its appearance with half-closed eyes, as an artist
+studies a picture. Frequently, he lifted the coffee pot to his lips and
+drank from its spout.
+
+Jim watched him in silent admiration of his deftness with the weaving
+and in disgust at his use of the coffee pot--thinking he would want no
+more draughts from it himself. All the time his mind grew clearer and he
+began to form plans for telling Dorothy where he was--though he didn't
+know that, himself; but, at least, of letting her know he was alive. She
+would have to guess at the rest and she would surely trust him to come
+back when he could.
+
+When the weaver looked up again Jim beckoned him to approach. Rather
+reluctantly, he did so. For his own part he was getting tired of this
+helpless lad, left in his hut by White Feather, his Ute brother-in-law.
+If Moon Face were living, the Ute maiden who had been his wife and
+little José's mother, it wouldn't have mattered. To her would have
+fallen the care. Nothing had gone right with him, Alaric, the sheep
+herder, since Moon Face fell ill and died, though he went often to that
+far place in the forest where her body had been secretly buried in the
+crevice of a great rock. Moon Face had left him for a few days' visit to
+a camp of her relatives and there had taken the small-pox and died,
+despite the fact that she had been treated by the wisest medicine men
+and immersed in the sweat-box, the Indian cure for all ills. If he had
+been near enough to such a thing, or had had energy enough to prepare it
+up here at his home, Alaric would promptly have subjected poor Jim to
+similar treatment.
+
+As it was, the isolation of Alaric's hut and his laziness saved the
+wanderer from this. Now, as he obeyed the boy's summons, he was brooding
+over his misfortunes and was more grim even than usual.
+
+"Well, young man?"
+
+Jim was surprised. The man had been so silent, hitherto, that he
+imagined they two had no language in common.
+
+"So you speak English! That makes it easy. I want to send a message to
+the place I--I left. Will you take it?"
+
+Alaric shook his head, firmly declining.
+
+"Don't get ugly. If you won't go, will you send somebody?"
+
+The Mexican pretended that his English did not go so far as this. He
+obstinately would not understand.
+
+Then followed a long argument which greatly wearied Jim and simply
+failed of its object. At last, he named "San Leon" and Alaric's
+expression brightened. That was the place where there was plenty of
+money and the sheep herder loved money. He had been there. It was not
+far away, by a road he knew, yet he did not care to go there again,
+himself. There had been a transaction of horses that wasn't pleasant to
+remember. Old Lem Hunt had accused him of being a thief, once on a
+time, when some thoroughbreds had been missing from the San Leon
+corrals, and Alaric had had hard work to prove his innocence. He had
+been obliged to prove it because, in Colorado, men were still sometimes
+inclined to take justice in their own hands and not wait for the law to
+do it for them.
+
+The truth was that the sheep herder had not, personally, taken a single
+steed from San Leon. He had merely "assisted" some of his Indian friends
+to do so. He had even carefully kept all knowledge of the affair from
+the ears of his brother-in-law, White Feather; a man who indeed loved
+fine horseflesh, as all the Utes did, but preferred to increase his
+herds by legitimate trading.
+
+The other Indians, whom Alaric had "assisted," had paid their assistant
+in honest gold--he wouldn't take any other sort of payment--and there
+had been more gold changing hands in order to secure the real thieves.
+And because he loved the gold Alaric had thus assisted both sides and
+received double pay. Also, he had left an unsavory memory of himself at
+San Leon as well as offended his Ute relatives; and White Feather not
+only prevented harm being done to his Mexican brother-in-law, but also
+used the occasion to make Alaric subject to himself. Thus it was that he
+had made the sheep herder take in the sick lad he had found on the trail
+and swear to be kind to him.
+
+"San Lean? _Si_.... _En verdad_. Well, señor?"
+
+If this injured, half-naked youth had hailed from that rich man's ranch
+it might be worth while to hearken to what he wished.
+
+"I want to tell a girl there that I am not dead. I want to send just
+that message, till I can go there myself. Do this for me and I
+will--will pay you--when I can."
+
+Alaric considered. From present appearances there seemed small chance of
+Jim's ever paying anybody for any service. Yet--there was White Feather
+to please and there was possible payment at San Leon. He nodded
+acquiescence.
+
+"Then get me somethin' to write on!" begged Jim, vastly excited by this
+chance to set himself right with his friends.
+
+He might as well have asked for the moon. Writing was not an
+accomplishment of Alaric's and he had never owned a scrap of paper fit
+for such use. Yet the longer he pondered the matter the more willing the
+man became. Finally, he took José upon his knee, and, emphasizing each
+word of instruction by a stern forefinger and a threat of fearful
+punishment for disobedience, he instilled into the little fellow's mind
+the fact that he was to go to San Leon ranch; to find there a pretty
+girl in a white dress; a girl with big brown eyes and dark curly hair. A
+girl who was always laughing and who always wore a red bow on her head.
+He, Alaric, would go with his son as far as the cypress hedge,
+bordering the west side of the lake. There he would wait for the child
+to do his errand and return, and would himself be out of sight of that
+old sharpshooter, whom he feared.
+
+He had another inspiration--of generosity and greed commingled. That
+lamb of José's. He could afford to give that away because it wasn't his
+own, nor even really the little one's. It belonged to the rich ranch
+owner whose sheep he herded, up here on the lonely mountain. The girl
+for whom this sick boy wished a message might like the lamb and give the
+papoose money for it. Money would be far better for José than any pet.
+
+After this course of silent reasoning, Alaric bestirred himself to
+action. He had often had to make his "mark" upon some paper of
+agreement, the nearest to writing that he could come. He understood that
+Jim wished to make his own now. So, selecting a bit of glittering stone
+that was fairly smooth, he handed it to the lad, and afterward crushed
+the stem of a plant which exuded a red juice. With this other sharp
+pointed bit of stone dipped in this juice, anybody might make as many
+"marks" as he chose upon the flat stone.
+
+Jim was quick to understand the suggestion but real writing was out of
+the question. The best he could accomplish was that D which was in his
+peculiar hand. By signs, more than words, Alaric expressed the whole
+matter; and Jim eagerly caught at the suggestion. The lamb would be a
+pretty gift for Dorothy and would tell her better than words that he
+remembered her and was safe. Only--the little animal was like everything
+else seen in this cabin--so dirty! He couldn't send it to dainty Dorothy
+in such condition. In a few words he explained to the shepherd his ideas
+about it and was amused by the infinite contempt shown on Alaric's face.
+
+However, he made short work of that matter. He was now impatient to be
+off, the sooner to get that possible payment of gold; and remembered
+that White Feather had commanded him to serve the sick stranger to the
+best of his ability. With a flippant gesture he seized the lamb and
+carried it to the tank outside the door; and sousing it up and down till
+its dusty fleece was white and itself nearly drowned, he threw it on
+Jim's bed to dry.
+
+José found his voice and jabbered in a mixture of Spanish and Indian,
+expressing his pity for his pet; then brought handfuls of grass and
+leaves to rub it with. This vigorous attention, in which Jim used his
+own sound arm, soon restored the lambkin to a beauty that surprised them
+all. More grass and flowers were put in the bottom of the basket with
+the marked stone, the lamb upon this cushion, and the cover fastened on.
+
+Alaric informed Jim that such a basket was worth a great deal of money.
+He had learned the art of making such from Moon Face, who had travelled
+sometimes to the distant railway line and sold them to tourists. It was
+so tightly woven it would hold water; and in his pride over his
+handiwork the weaver would have poured a dipper of it into the basket to
+prove his statement.
+
+"No, no! The poor little thing has had more than its share of water!
+Best save the rest for yourself!" protested Jim, with a feeble attempt
+at a joke.
+
+Alaric desisted then, hung the dipper back on the tank, seized the
+basket in one hand and José in the other and strode away. The last
+glimpse Jim had of them showed poor little José's fat legs being swung
+along, touching the ground only now and then, as they utterly failed to
+keep up with his father's pace.
+
+Left alone, Jim lay still a long time, idly fingering some bits of rock
+which the child had scattered upon his blanket. He felt very cold; and
+again, in another moment, he seemed to be burning up. He thought of the
+water in the tank. He was desperately thirsty, his throat growing dry,
+his lips swelling; and alternately he longed to dip his head in that
+barrel and drink--drink--drink! then shivered with disgust remembering
+the various uses the stale fluid had been put to. Finally, sleep, or
+unconsciousness, overcame him and for many days he knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+PLAY THAT WAS WORK AND WORK THAT WAS PLAY
+
+
+The silence that followed Leslie's frightened cry, as he hurled himself
+to the ground beside the old man he had struck, lasted but an instant.
+Then, recovering their scattered wits, Herbert and Monty stooped and
+lifted the Captain's head.
+
+The movement roused him and he opened his eyes, drawing a long breath as
+he did so and trying to speak. But he couldn't do that yet; nor, indeed,
+till Dorothy had come back with a glass of water, for which she had
+instantly run to the house as Captain Lemuel fell.
+
+Dipping her fingers in the water she moistened his lips, and when he
+parted them as if demanding more, she gently dropped some between them.
+He swallowed with an effort but, presently, his strength returned and he
+tried to rise. The lads helped him and were overjoyed when he said,
+quite clearly and with a touch of his native humor:
+
+"Ain't so tough as I thought. Eh, what? Lessen a little tenderfoot
+like--Why, what's he down for? Tried it on himself?"
+
+At the sound of his victim's voice an infinite relief surged through
+Leslie's heart and he lifted a very white face to look at the ranchman.
+
+"Oh, Captain Lem! I--I was wild to do that! I beg your pardon--please
+forgive me--if you can!"
+
+The petition ended with a sob, that was really a gasp for breath, due to
+the excitement of his rage, and the anger of his mates changed to pity
+for him.
+
+"His weak heart! How ill he has made himself!" thought Helena,
+compassionately putting her hand under his arm and helping him to his
+feet, where he stood trembling and still breathing with much difficulty.
+
+Dorothy had told her of this weakness of the lad's and that his parents
+had been somewhat doubtful if he could endure the rarefied air of that
+high region. If he could it would cure that other weakness of his lungs
+and they hoped for the best. She was frightened by his appearance and
+inwardly resolved to oppose any sort of fun which might bring on a
+return of this attack. She had already heard her brother and Monty
+proposing a bear hunt on the more distant peaks of the mountains and
+decided that it should never take place.
+
+But Captain Lem was answering the boy and she listened to his words:
+
+"Course, sonny, I shan't lay it up again' you. An' I allow 't there's
+one thing decent about you: if you're quick to get r'iled you're just as
+quick to own yourself in fault. I'm willin' to wash the slate all clean
+now, an' start over again with any little problems we may meet, same's
+when I was a little shaver, an' 'tended deestrict school an' got my sums
+wrong, the teacher made me do. I'm no hand to lay up malice just 'cause
+a feller's got more 'n his share o' temper, specially not again' your
+father's son. Anybody 't spells his name Ford can do most as he's a mind
+to with Lemuel Hunt. Only--_don't you dast to do it again_; 'cause I'm
+some on the temper myself, an' I ain't much used to bein' struck.
+So--so--just don't show off any more o' that there little playfulness
+again. That's all."
+
+Too proud to show how really shaken and miserable he felt, the
+sharpshooter retired to his own quarters at the Barracks and was seen no
+more that night: but he sent word to Dorothy, the "Little One," that
+Netty, the lamb, had been given a soft bed close to his own and would be
+carefully attended.
+
+The hours passed quietly till bedtime, which all the young strangers at
+San Leon felt inclined to make early that night. Seven young people,
+with all the means of enjoyment at hand which these had, should have
+been very merry, but these were not. The absence of their hosts made the
+great house seem very empty. Nobody had heart for any music, though
+Dorothy bravely brought out her violin and Helena took her place at the
+piano, ready to accompany. But, unfortunately, the first melody which
+came to Dolly's mind was one that Father John, Aunt Betty, and poor Jim
+had each loved best--"Auld Lang Syne."
+
+She mastered a few strains and the tears rose to her eyes. She suddenly
+felt lonely and helpless, so far from all who had hitherto made her
+happy world. So, rather than break down completely and let the tears
+fall, she nodded to Helena and put her beloved Cremona "to bed," as she
+called its placing in its case.
+
+"Let's play 'Authors,'" suggested Molly.
+
+"'Authors' is the dullest game going," objected Monty.
+
+"That's because you're not well read. If you knew as much about books as
+Jim Barlow--" she retorted, teasing, then stopped abruptly. That was an
+unfortunate reference, for who, alas! could tell if that too studious
+youth were alive or dead?
+
+Alfaretta hurried to cover this mention by demanding:
+
+"Let's sing 'rounds,' 'Scotland's burning,' or 'Three Blind Mice.' Now
+don't stop to object or say nothin' but _just begin_. I will, and Nell,
+you follow. Then the boys, if any of 'em can sing a note. Sometimes
+their voices go 'way up in Q and sometimes 'way down suller. But they
+can try. Now--here she goes: 'Three Blind Mice--Three Blind Mice--For
+mercy's sake, Helena Montaigne, why don't you take it up? I sing one
+line, you know, then you sing the same one over--and we each do it three
+times then change to 'They--all--run--after--the--butcher's--wife--who--
+cut--off--their--tails--with--a--carving--kni-i-ife!--You--never--see--
+such--a--sight--in--your--life--as--Three--Blind Mice!' By that time
+Dolly'll be ready, over cryin'. She can sing real nice if she's a mind
+to. Listen! Everybody do it real solemn, no giggling, no forgettin'
+your parts, where you go in and come out at and doin' that part about
+the butcher's wife and the tails just as fast as you can speak it and
+the end--as--s-l-o-w--a-s--s-l-o-w. Begin!"
+
+Alfy's rich, though untrained voice, started the song and Helena
+followed on time, singing very sweetly, indeed, until she came to that
+tragic part about the tails, when she burst out in a giggle and a vain
+effort to race along as rapidly as Alfy had done.
+
+Herbert could sing well. He helped Alfaretta carry the thing through to
+a triumphant finale, they two alone; for all the others had laughed
+themselves out of place and tune, with Monty interspersing the melody by
+outrageous cat calls and screechings of "Maria Maouw, come and catch
+these Three Blind Mice!"
+
+"Maria! Maria! Pussy, pussy cat Maria--Come to supper!" echoed Leslie,
+laughing as he rarely laughed. To him this company of young people was
+wholly delightful--except when he felt it his duty to entertain them.
+When they were thus willing to entertain him everything was all right.
+He had had so few young intimates in his life that each of these
+youngsters seemed wonderful to him. Their nonsense and good natured
+chaffing of one another kept him amused at all times and was doubly
+pleasant to him that night.
+
+For, like Dorothy, he felt oddly forlorn and deserted in this great
+beautiful home that was practically his own; and he wished as he had
+done before that he might step into that cottage of the Babcock's,
+"up-mounting" where Alfaretta belonged and where she said everyone was
+as jolly as the day was long. He hadn't liked Alfy at first and he
+still rather looked down upon her. She wasn't of his station in life,
+she _would_ not see that money made such a great difference, whether
+one had it or had not. She was greatly lacking in delicacy of speech,
+but she was honest to a fault. Not honester than Dolly, perhaps, but
+in another way. She hadn't hesitated to give him one of those generous
+"pieces of her mind" with which she regaled anyone she considered at
+fault; and the "piece" she had cut for him that day had been:
+
+"Well, Leslie Ford, if bein' rich as Croesus--whoever he was--or havin'
+all creation to wait on you can't make you no better 'n a coward--I pity
+you. Yes, I do. That was the lowest-down, orneriest trick to hit an old
+man like Captain Lem, without givin' him a chance to help himself. Why,
+a boy that hadn't a cent, an' never looked to have, couldn't ha' been no
+meaner. An' just sayin' 'Forgive me' don't undo that job. Worst is, you
+raised a bigger welt on your own insides, on that thing Mr. Winters
+calls your conscience, 'n you did on his old head, an' it won't heal so
+quick, neither. I sure was ashamed of you, I sure was."
+
+This lecture had been in response to his appeal, as they chanced to
+stand together in the cloistered walk, waiting for supper:
+
+"You don't think very badly of me, do you, Alfaretta, for getting so
+angry?"
+
+The lad was very unhappy and very ashamed. He hoped to recover his own
+self-respect by hearing his mates declare the recent affair had been
+"nothing." Herbert had gone so far, indeed, as to say that he, too,
+would have resented being told "must" and "mustn't" by a mere hired man,
+but Leslie knew that Herbert would never have struck anybody under any
+provocation; and Monty had simply remarked: "Well, if you really liked
+to soil your hands that way, all right."
+
+Alfy was the first of the girls he had interviewed, though he had
+gratefully recognized Helena's compassion and Dorothy's distress--for
+himself. Molly--he guessed he wouldn't question Molly. That young
+person had a flippant tongue and she was always inclined to "call a
+spade a spade." He couldn't imagine her calling a coward a hero--and his
+own heart told him he had not been that. But Alfy was poor and intensely
+grateful for all his parents were doing for her. She would be the one to
+soothe his self-esteem and overlook the episode, he thought, and so he
+appealed to her.
+
+Alfy's opening remark had been:
+
+"I can't say I think very well. You might ha' done worse, course, you
+might have used that pistol I saw you cocking round, this morning, if
+you'd had it handy; and that you've got no more use for than a cat for
+two tails. You beat the Dutch, Leslie Ford. You're feelin' mean as
+pussley and you're coaxin' me to contradict you."
+
+Then had followed that larger "slice" of the girl's opinion, recorded
+above. It hadn't left a very pleasant "taste" in the lad's "mouth."
+
+Summons to supper was an agreeable sound, just then, and nobody referred
+to the event again. Yet, as has been told, the evening was a dull one
+for most of the party, the singing of the "rounds" its greatest
+amusement. Just as this ended, Dr. Jones appeared to read family
+prayers.
+
+Mrs. Ford had instituted this on her arrival at San Leon, and Mr. Ford
+had conducted the little service with a dignified sincerity which could
+not fail to impress his young guests. On leaving, he had requested the
+doctor to take his place, saying:
+
+"No ceremony that will help to bring a blessing on our home must be
+omitted just because I am away."
+
+But, to-night, they missed the master's earnest voice and Gray Lady's
+wonderful singing of just the familiar, common hymn which everybody
+knew. The house-servants, and such of the ranchmen as would, filed into
+the spacious music-room and took their seats in reverent quiet. This was
+new business to most of those rough westerners and they came partly from
+curiosity, partly from admiration of "Dan Ford, Railroad Boss"; so great
+a man in their opinion that whatever he did they felt must have some
+merit in it.
+
+Helena took her place at the piano and the other girls stood beside her;
+and Herbert, obeying a nod from Dorothy also came forward. Monty and
+Leslie reluctantly followed. They had grouped themselves thus when the
+master was present but had hesitated now from a foolish shame before
+these untutored workmen.
+
+Dorothy's face lighted with gratitude and between the lines of the hymn
+Molly murmured, "Good boys," while Alfy sang with even greater vim than
+her beloved "rounds."
+
+Then swift good nights and rest. It had been a busy, an exciting day;
+and Dorothy was soon asleep, though again her mind had been full of
+wonder concerning absent Jim and she had meant to lie awake and, as
+Alfy expressed it: "Cipher out where he could be."
+
+But still she could not worry greatly. The arrival of the lamb with his
+message assured her that he was alive and, she argued, must be well
+since he had not forgotten her.
+
+But in one room there was no desire for sleep. Leslie was still restless
+and excited. His heart bothered him. He missed his parents more than he
+would acknowledge even to himself. He was fractious and tried Mateo's
+patience sorely.
+
+"No, Mateo, I shan't go to bed till I get ready. No matter if my mother
+did say ten o'clock, it was because she didn't understand. You can't go,
+either. I want you to talk."
+
+"Certainly, señor."
+
+But when silence followed Leslie impatiently inquired:
+
+"Well, why don't you?"
+
+Poor Mateo sighed. Commonly his tongue would run so fast that his young
+master would order him to be quiet. Now, when requested, the valet could
+find no word to say. He stood behind his master's chair, idly turning
+with his foot the corners of a mighty bear skin which lay upon the
+floor. It was the skin of an enormous grizzly, that had been shot by
+Captain Lem and another _caballero_, or horse trainer and had been
+mounted by themselves with infinite care, as a gift to their employer.
+The head was stuffed to the contour of life, and the paws outspread and
+perfect. It was, indeed, a most valuable skin and Leslie had admired it
+so greatly that it had been spread as a rug upon his floor. It annoyed
+him now to see Mateo toying with it and he bade him stop.
+
+The Mexican flushed and sighed:
+
+"It is that _el señor_ is not well, _si_?" he suggested, suavely.
+
+"Yes, I am well, too," retorted the boy, who felt wretched, with a
+curious oppression on his chest.
+
+"Imagine, Señor Leslie, what it must be to kill, to slaughter such a
+monster!"
+
+"Ah! a monster, indeed! But I shall kill just such another, you'll see.
+What's the use of a ranch on the Rockies and not go bear hunting? They
+can't keep me done up in cotton wool just because I used to cough a
+little."
+
+"Certainly not, señor."
+
+"Oh! shut up with your everlasting 'certainly nots!' You're as tiresome
+as an old woman. I wish you'd stayed in San Diego, where you belong."
+
+Mateo was amazed. He was really devoted to Leslie and they had rarely
+disagreed. He scarcely knew the lad in such a mood as this and realized
+that something must be done to give a pleasanter turn to things. A bear
+hunt? Was that what the young señor had set his heart upon and been
+denied? An inspiration came to him.
+
+"_Caramba!_ Behold! I have a fine thought, me. Will it please _el señor_
+to listen?"
+
+"Of course. That's what I said to do--to talk."
+
+Then Mateo did talk. For five, ten minutes, with many a gesture and
+mixture of Spanish and English, till his listener's face grew radiant
+and he sprang from his chair with a hip, hip, hurra! All his crossness
+was over and he now allowed Manuel to settle him for the night with a
+good nature not to be exceeded by anybody.
+
+The morning found all the young folks happier than they had been on the
+night before; and, nobody was late for breakfast. It had been explained
+to them that each one should attend the grooming of his or her own
+horse. There would be men to wait upon them, of course, and for the
+girls but little labor. Yet Mr. Ford believed that they would all be
+benefited in health by this pleasant task and that the intimacy which
+should exist between horse and rider would be thus furthered.
+
+Breakfast was scarcely over when Captain Lem appeared on the porch. He
+looked older than usual and uncommonly pale under his weather toughened
+skin, and he had put on his "specs," which he disliked. However, his
+manner was as gay as ever and he began:
+
+"You cert'nly are the laziest set o' youngsters I've met sence I was
+knee-high to a hop-toad. Reckon if anybody'd give me a horse when I was
+your ages I'd ha' beat the sun a-risin' to see if 't had lived over
+night. The boys is waiting in the stables, and gettin' pretty cross.
+Some on 'em sort-of-kind-of feel 's if they was playin' nurse to you
+kids, and the notion don't go down none too good even to oblige Dan
+Ford, Boss. They've lived in the open, most of the boys has, and are
+better used to roundin' up stock than to tendin' tenderfeet youngsters.
+Eh, Little One? Ain't you nowise curious to hear how Netty passed the
+night?"
+
+One thing was evident to them all--the sharpshooter's ready tongue had
+suffered no hurt from the unhappy incident of the day before.
+
+Dorothy ran to put her hand in his, exclaiming:
+
+"How dreadful of me! I had forgotten that darling thing. Actually
+forgotten. How could I when she came from Jim?"
+
+Away she sped toward the Barracks, her white frock and scarlet ribbons
+making a pretty spot of color on the wide shaven lawn; but practical
+Alfaretta remarked:
+
+"If that ain't just like Dolly Doodles! Make her think she's neglected
+somebody and off she flies, forgettin' things better worth rememberin'!
+The idea! She'll go right to cleanin' that calico filly, Zaraza, an'
+never think a mite about her clean clothes. Not till she gets 'em
+dirty--then nothing'll do but she must put on fresh. White frocks ain't
+so easy did up, either, so I'll go get our high aprons, that Mrs.
+Calvert had made for us to dust the house in, at Paradise. We've got
+quite a lot of 'em and, girls, if you'd like, I'll bring a couple for
+you, too."
+
+"You dear, thoughtful little caretaker! I'll be ever so obliged for the
+loan till I can make one for myself," answered Helena gratefully, giving
+her mate a smile that made Alfy happy.
+
+Eager to see their horses but not so pleased with the idea of grooming
+them, the lads sauntered toward the stables and corral, Leslie
+intimating that he thought "a quarter judiciously applied would be
+better than soiling himself by stable-work."
+
+Neither Herbert nor Monty knew Leslie well enough yet to understand this
+shirking of what they anticipated as a delightful task. Herbert had
+always been used to horses, and to fine ones. He loved his own
+Bucephalus, "back home," as a dear friend, and looked forward to equal
+enjoyment in his new Blackamoor. With a little laugh he glanced at his
+young host and remarked:
+
+"If I could help it I would never let another hand than mine touch that
+superb animal your father gave me. I hardly realize it yet, that it is
+truly my own. Why, I mean to train him to hurdles and high jumps, and
+when I go back east, this autumn, I'll get myself proposed for the
+Highland Valley Hunt and--elected, if I can. I say, this is just a
+glorious chance to learn what I couldn't at home, where houses are thick
+and farmers so stubborn they will object to one's riding to hounds
+across their property. Howev--"
+
+Monty interrupted, rather jealously:
+
+"Oh! Quit that riding-to-hounds talk! I don't know a thing about
+horses--except a saw-horse, that my mother insisted I should work on to
+reduce my--"
+
+"'Too, too solid flesh!'" broke in Leslie, laughing now and eager to
+watch the inexperienced "fat boy" make his first attempt at grooming a
+spirited beast.
+
+But they were apt to break in thus upon each other's remarks and no
+offence taken, and they were soon at the stables, where the girls were
+already assembled. One glance at his sister, covered from neck to foot
+by a brown gingham apron, reminded the fastidious Herbert that he was
+not fixed for dirty work, and he promptly begged a set of overalls from
+the nearest workman. The other lads followed his example, discarding
+jackets and vests, and beginning on their new tasks with a zeal that was
+almost too eager.
+
+Even Leslie had done the same, willing for once to try this new game and
+see if there was any fun in it, as Herbert seemed to think. But his
+fingers shrank from handling the curry comb and brushes, absolutely new
+and clean though they were, and the best he accomplished was a
+roughening of Cæsar's coat which disgusted him as well as the horse. At
+last, with a remark that "looking on was good enough for him," he
+tossed his brushes aside and signalled an attendant to finish the task
+so badly begun. To his amazement, the hostler declined:
+
+"Sorry, Master Leslie, but the Boss's express orders was--have you do it
+yourself."
+
+Leslie's eyes flashed. This was insubordination, indeed! Wasn't he
+master at San Leon, now? Then Captain Lem drew near, to pick up the
+brush and explain in a matter-of-fact way:
+
+"Best never rub anything--nor anybody--the wrong way, lad! This sorrel,
+here, 'd be sp'iled in next to no time if his hair ain't smoothed the
+way natur' meant it should lie. There. That's how. See how it shines?
+And just look at Herbert and his black! By the great horned spoon! Them
+two is cronies a'ready--hand-in-glove, pals! And let me say right here
+an' now; there ain't no comfortabler love nowhere in this world than
+that 'twixt a horse and his owner--if the last has got sense. Now pitch
+in, sonny, and don't let nobody get ahead of you on that line. No,
+siree! What'd the Boss say?" Then turning toward Monty, valiantly
+struggling with this new business, he inquired in real kindness: "Want
+me to lend a hand, youngster?"
+
+Poor Monty would have given many "quarters" to say "yes." But he was too
+plucky. His face was streaming with perspiration, he had worried the
+chestnut, Juan, till the creature threatened to kick, and he ached from
+head to foot. But he had glanced across to that open space where four
+girls were making a frolic of this "horrible mess" and manliness held
+him to his duty. But he couldn't refrain from a snappy:
+
+"No, I don't! And how long at a time does a fellow keep at it? How tell
+whether a horse is groomed or isn't?"
+
+"Ginger! Do you know when your shirt's buttoned or when it ain't? Just
+look at Herbert's piece o' work an' do accordin'. But keep cool, Monty.
+Don't get r'iled an' don't rile your nag. You'll do all right--you've
+got the makin' of a horseman in ye!"
+
+Thus encouraged, Montmorency Vavasour-Stark renewed his efforts, though
+with less force and better judgment. There is always a right and a wrong
+way to everything and the worried lad had, at last, fallen upon the
+right. He "would be a horseman!" Hurray! That opinion from such a source
+was worth lots!
+
+Well, that first lesson was over at last. Seven tired youngsters
+stripped off aprons and overalls and proceeded to mount the horses they
+had groomed and most of them were happy. It had been worth while, after
+all, to get thus familiar with the animals; and the girls, at least,
+remembered that their hosts had spoken of how beneficial it would be for
+their beloved son to be with such creatures as much as possible. Like
+the rifle practice, it was all for Leslie and Leslie's health; and they
+would have been willing enough to help this good work along, even if
+they had not got all the fun out of it for themselves, which they did.
+
+They rode "off bounds," that morning; following Captain Lem, with a
+couple of trained horsemen riding at their rear. Perhaps of all the
+company, Herbert and Molly were happiest. They were as much at home in
+the saddle as any cowboy of them all, and their high spirits spread to
+their mates, so that even they regretted the order that the leader gave:
+
+"Right about, face! Rifle practice--nine o'clock, sharp!"
+
+They hadn't a minute to lose; yet when the "awkward squad" repaired to
+the Barracks only the four girls answered to roll call. The lads came
+straggling up, later, their heads close together, an air of profound
+mischief and mystery about them, and Dorothy heard the words "Bear Hunt"
+escape from one of them.
+
+Her heart sank. Leslie was, indeed, coming to take the place he had
+declined in the "ranks," rather going with the crowd than be left out
+alone; but there was something in his manner that Dolly did not like.
+Were the three boys planning to steal off by themselves, despite Captain
+Lemuel's warnings?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE HEN OF WUN SING
+
+
+But whatever wild schemes were hatching in the heads of the three lads
+nothing seemed to come of them.
+
+Days followed one another in such peaceful routine that Dorothy felt
+ashamed of her fears, as well as ashamed of her composure regarding Jim
+Barlow. The longer he was absent the less they spoke of him. That he was
+alive, somewhere, all were sure, and that he would return sometime or
+"when he gets good and ready," as Alfaretta coolly observed.
+
+"He seemed like a very odd chap, the little I saw of him," said Leslie,
+and did not regret the stranger's absence.
+
+Herbert was loyal and insisted that "Jim was a royal chap--once he shook
+off his awkward shyness a bit. Why, the yarns Jim Barlow could spin
+about woodsy things and habits of wild creatures would make you sit
+right up and take notice. Oh, Jim's all right--only bashful."
+
+"That's so. Why, that fellow, don't you know, that fellow really plans
+to go sometime, to Africa, or some other place and live with monkeys
+just to hear them talk. He--"
+
+"He might have stayed right here with us--or you, Monty dear," said
+Molly, sweetly.
+
+Monty merely frowned at her but continued:
+
+"There is a man did that. True. Went into the woods and lived in a
+cage--"
+
+"All that trouble and expense for nothing," again remarked Molly; and
+this time Monty changed the subject, asking:
+
+"Have you heard about Wun Sing and his hen?"
+
+"Oh! never mind hens. What do you say, folks? Suppose we get old Lem to
+go with us into the mountains yonder and look for Jim?" said Herbert.
+
+"You needn't do that. You'd not find him. He's hidden himself on
+purpose, I believe, and only sent back Netty to let us know he was alive
+and well. Even Molly thinks that," said Helena; "and I, for one don't
+care to hunt up boys who don't want to be found. I think Jim's shyness
+is at the bottom of the matter. It's kindness to let him alone and--"
+
+Dolly looked serious and shook her head while Monty again demanded:
+
+"Have you heard about Wun Sing's hen?"
+
+"I wonder what he's going to give us for supper! I'm nearly starved.
+There never was such a place for appetites--eating doesn't stop that
+hollow, all-gone feeling a bit!" calmly stated Alfy, with a tragic air.
+
+"Alfy, you little pig! It isn't more than an hour since we finished
+dinner," reproved Molly, laughing.
+
+"Well, I can't help that. I wish 'twas supper-time. Let's go in the
+kitchen and ask for a piece--like the children home do, bless 'em!"
+
+"I say, you better not! Wun Sing's hen--"
+
+"Monty--quit! Let's all go ask for a 'piece'!" cried Leslie, throwing
+his arm around the "fat boy's" shoulder and forcing him along with the
+others.
+
+Herbert pulled out a jew's-harp--procured nobody knew where--and headed
+the procession with a vain attempt to render "Yankee Doodle" so that it
+could be recognized for itself. Then all fell into line, with the
+laughter and nonsense natural to a company of care free "youngsters" as
+they were now known all over the premises.
+
+But as they passed a room just beyond Leslie's own, he poked his head
+through the window, to demand of Mateo, lying within:
+
+"Any better, boy?"
+
+"_Gracias_, Señor Leslie. Much better. Only, the hen of Wun Sing; the
+omelette--Ah! I suffer, _si_. I groan--I am on fire. The heathen
+creature and his foul fowl!"
+
+"What's the matter, Les? Is that your pert valet laid up in yon? What's
+up?"
+
+"Rather--what's down? The boy hasn't been well, or says he hasn't these
+three days. That's why I had to put off the bear--"
+
+"Mum! Dorothy's just behind us and she has ears all round her head! But
+we'll do it, yet; either with or without him. It'll be rippin' fun, but
+if that girl gets wind of it she'll stop it, sure."
+
+"I wonder if we'll see Wun Sing's hen!" said Monty again.
+
+"Stark! I tell you if you mention that fowl again I'll stuff her down
+your throat!" cried Herbert, dropping his jew's-harp and engaging with
+Monty. But the latter was round and easily slipped through Bert's
+fingers, and the scrimmage was playful, anyway.
+
+Resuming their march they entered the great kitchen, now wholly deserted
+save by the Chinaman, who cowered in a corner, praying lustily to his
+honorable forefathers and burning some sort of stuff before a little
+image on the floor beside him. Like a good many others of his race, Wun
+Sing was "good Chlistian" when it suited him to be, but a much better
+devotee of his ancient gods when real trouble overtook him.
+
+Wun Sing was in trouble now. Bottomless trouble, he feared, and so
+wholly engaged in his devotions that he didn't take any notice of the
+noisy youngsters foraging his stores. Until, from the corner of his
+eye, he saw Alfy poking into a little wall-cupboard that was his own
+property and used to shelter his dearest treasures.
+
+"No, no, Missee Alfaletta! No, no. Wun Sing's chalm no wolkee if lill
+gels meddle!"
+
+He rose from his prostration on the floor and fairly flew to the girl's
+side, pushing her hand aside from the key she had almost turned, his
+whole manner expressing great agitation.
+
+Of course, she desisted at once, even apologized for her action, but her
+old co-worker in Mrs. Calvert's kitchen begged pardon in his own turn
+and after his foreign fashion. In his broken English he eagerly
+explained that he and his belongings had been _bewitched_.
+
+His hen--the so beloved hen of Wun Sing, that he had brought from far
+away California, along with some garden seeds and roots, the hen had
+been entered by an evil spirit and the days of Wun Sing were numbered.
+Already he felt the dread sickness stealing over him, as it had already
+stolen upon his old neighbor of San Diego--the so afflicted Mateo. He
+had been praying and offering gifts to his little clay god but so far
+no good had come. Within the cupboard on the wall he had placed a
+"charm"--a terrible charm, in his opinion and if that failed not only
+he but all at San Leon were doomed. Would that he had never heard of
+the place, even for the extra big wages the rich owner had offered.
+He--
+
+When he had reached this point, Alfy shook him demanding:
+
+"What makes you such a fool, Wunny? That little old image on the floor
+is enough to make you sick, course, it's so filthy dirty. I hope you'll
+scrub your hands good with soap before you touch any food for other
+folks to eat. What's the matter with the hen, anyway?"
+
+Having put this question, Alfaretta walked to the sink and turned the
+spigot over her own hand, which suddenly felt soiled by contact with the
+Chinaman's shoulder. Then she remarked:
+
+"We're all hungry. Tell us where we can find something to eat."
+
+The cook shook his head and Alfy foraged for herself: presently securing
+from the pantry a box of crackers and a jar of cheese. Armed with these
+refreshments she felt she would be sustained until the regular supper
+time, and invited her mates to accompany her on a visit to this
+wonderful hen whose name was in everybody's mouth.
+
+Wun Sing protested; but when they were determined, he tremblingly
+presented each of the youngsters with a bit of red paper, inscribed in
+black with a few Chinese characters. Laughingly, they pinned these on
+and so protected from "evil chalms" sought the little wire enclosure
+which the Chinaman had made for his petted fowl, upon his first coming
+to San Leon.
+
+The hen had been the gift of his opulent kinsman, Der Doo, and was far
+too precious to its new owner to be allowed with the other poultry. It
+had lived in state within its little wire-covered yard, supplied with
+fresh grass each day and fattening upon the best of food. For its night
+accommodation, Wun Sing had constructed a tiny pagoda-like house
+imitating a temple of his native land. Here the pampered fowl slept
+luxuriously, and for a time had been the delight of its owner's eyes.
+
+"Let's sit down on the grass and watch it awhile. We can eat our
+crackers here, first rate, 'cause if we get thirsty we can drink out of
+the spigot o' running water that cooky has fixed for the hen," suggested
+Alfy.
+
+So they ranged themselves in a semi-circle, with the crackers and cheese
+in the centre and awaited developments.
+
+"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" crowed Herbert, in excellent imitation of a
+rooster.
+
+"Oh! hush! Hens don't do _that_; they just
+say--cut-cut-cut-cut--cut-tarket!" corrected Molly.
+
+Immediately the rest took up the mocking cries, to the evident distress
+of poor Wun Sing, who stood in the background, his face yellower than
+common and his hands clasping and unclasping nervously.
+
+But neither cat-calls, crowings, nor cacklings, coaxed the invisible
+fowl from her palace-like retreat. So, soon tiring of this, they fell to
+talking of other things and forgot the creature; till, suddenly, from
+within the temple came a crow that beat even Herbert's noisy ones. It
+was so loud and so sudden, and was so closely followed by a jubilant
+cackle, that all of them were a trifle startled while Wun Sing threw
+himself down in real terror.
+
+The cackling continued a longer time than is usual and ended in another
+masculine crow. Then there solemnly stalked into the little yard a very
+handsome fowl, of the Plymouth Rock species, who strutted about as if
+she were the queen of all hens.
+
+"Huh! Nothing the matter with that biddy, Wun Sing! I wish 't Ma Babcock
+had her in our hennery, up-mounting. What's wrong with her, you think,
+Wunny?"
+
+"Missee Alfletta--_eggs_!"
+
+"Well, what's a hen's business in life but to lay eggs?" demanded
+Herbert, laughing at the Chinaman's curious expression.
+
+Then it came out. That hen did lay eggs--such eggs! She was a big hen
+and her eggs so small, and so many! Ah! she was bewitched. She was
+bewitching Wun Sing. She had already bewitched Mateo, yes. It began the
+very day the master left. On that sorrowful, august occasion that pent
+up, solitary fowl deposited two eggs in her softly lined nest.
+
+"That might be. Ma's hens do that, sometimes, good breeds," said Alfy,
+in answer to the Chinaman's impressive statement.
+
+With all this company of doubters around him Wun Sing felt secure enough
+to go on and state that on the day following there had been four eggs!
+Then one--then again seven--the mystic number. Latterly there had been
+eight, nine, as high as ten! All in one twenty-four hours! Could a fowl,
+free from an evil spirit, so conduct itself? No. No, indeed. Wun Sing
+knew what he knew. Disaster was coming. There was trouble on the wing.
+It would light upon San Leon. They were doomed--doomed--doomed!
+
+"I don't believe it!" declared Leslie. "But a hen of that character
+_ought_ to crow as well as cackle. How much'll you take for her, cooky?
+I'll buy and start a hennery to stump the world. Anybody want to go in
+with me on this deal? San Leon Chinese Poultry--Warranted to Make
+Possessors Rich! The Egg Trust of San Leon! I say, boys, the thing's
+just rippin'!"
+
+"Undo that little gate, Wunny. I'm going in to collect the eggs. Come
+on, Alfy, or anybody," cried Dorothy, laughing. "That empty cracker box
+to hold them in. By the way, Wunny, when did you empty the nest?"
+
+He assured her that he had done so the last thing before retiring on the
+night before. He had already taken two from it this day. Now by the
+cackle--there must be--Ah! he finished his speech with a wild flourish
+of his hands, then put them before his eyes to shield them from an
+uncanny sight.
+
+Those outside the little poultry yard waited in curiosity for the others
+to come back. The two girls within it had their heads close together
+peering into the hen-temple, while Monty had squeezed his plump body
+through its little door with the cracker box in hand.
+
+"Oh! I say, come out of there! How many have you found?" called Herbert.
+"Hurry up! Nell and Molly are getting scared. Fact!"
+
+"I'm not," denied Molly, but Helena said nothing. It was absurd, but she
+was actually catching some of the Chinaman's nervousness over this most
+uncanny fowl. And a moment later, she was relieved to see the
+egg-hunters turn around and Monty emerge from that "heathen temple," the
+cracker box held tightly in his hand. He carried it as if it were heavy
+and his face was almost as solemn as the Chinaman's. The box contained
+eleven eggs!
+
+Wun Sing gave one glance and fled, and trying to take the box into his
+own hands, Leslie dropped it--with the natural result.
+
+"Well, they may be bewitched eggs but they can break 'allee samee!' I'm
+sorry, Wun Sing, but I'll pay for them! And say, did anybody ever hear
+of such a thing before?" asked Leslie, astonished.
+
+Nobody had; and seeing Dr. Jones crossing the grounds at a little
+distance they ran to him with the marvellous tale. He listened
+attentively and even walked back with them to see the hen for himself.
+His decision put bewitchment out of the question.
+
+"The bird is a freak of nature. I have read of such before, but they are
+rare. Either that--or--are you quite sure that no practical joke has
+been played by any of the boys--or by yourselves?"
+
+His keen study of their faces revealed nothing mischievous on any. They
+were all as honestly surprised as himself, and he then made a close
+inspection of the little place. The pagoda stood exactly in the centre
+of the yard, so far from the wire-netting on every side that no arm
+would be long enough to reach it and drop eggs into the nest at the
+back. Wun Sing always kept the key of the Chinese padlock on the wire
+gate and entrance through it without his consent could not be made.
+
+"It doesn't look like a hoax, and it's not to be wondered at that the
+Chinaman was scared. We all are--at the unusual and unexplainable. But
+this is simple. It is a freak of nature and the hen will probably die
+soon, of exhaustion."
+
+The Doctor walked away and Molly made a funny little face behind his
+back.
+
+"I call that real mean, to take the mystery out of it in that way! I've
+been getting delightfully goose-fleshy and creepy, just to find the
+spook is nothing but a silly old hen that's outdone herself. I hate to
+be disappointed like that. I wish something would happen, real
+hair-raising, as Indians, or bears, or even a few catamounts!"
+
+"If they did, I'd like to be on the spot. I bet you, Molly Breckenridge,
+you'd run faster than anybody if those things did happen," teased Monty.
+
+Saying that, he exchanged an odd glance with Leslie, who nodded and
+said:
+
+"Come along, boys, let's visit Mateo in a body. Force of numbers you
+know. He lays it to eggs--Wunny's bewitched eggs, but I lay it to
+cowardice. There's nothing the matter with my valiant valet but
+downright scare. After proposing the thing, too, and being the best
+figure of all to do it. Ta, ta, ladies! We shall meet again--at feeding
+time. Eh, Alfy? I mean Miss Babcock!"
+
+"Huh! Don't you think I didn't notice 't you ate more 'n anybody else of
+the crackers and cheese. Good-by!"
+
+They separated, the girls to their own rooms to freshen themselves for
+the evening and for a long talk over the delights of this wonderful
+summer; yet in all their happiness, a deep regret was in their warm
+hearts for Jim Barlow's absence and the wish that they might know where
+he was and that he was well.
+
+The lads sought Mateo in his room, and though the valet pretended
+slumber he was promptly roused by the energetic attentions of his
+visitors.
+
+"Look here, Mateo, we know you're shamming. The fact is that after
+getting us all wrought up to this bear business and agreeing to take the
+chief part, you're afraid. Either you think the 'boys'll' get lively
+with their shooting-irons and hunt the bear too well, or else--I don't
+know what else. Only this, you can't pretend to be hoodooed or
+'bewitched' with any of Wun Sing's omelettes. That's all up. The
+doctor's taken a hand in that and I know it isn't indigestion you're
+bewitched with--it's plain sneak. Now, boy, get up!"
+
+After Leslie's long speech, that ended in the terse command, Mateo
+raised himself on elbow and protested:
+
+"But it is of the illness, I, señor, _en verdad_. The omelette of Wun
+Sing--"
+
+"May have been a little too rich for you, Matty lad, but don't worry.
+That wonderful fowl has shortened her life by her own ambition. I
+suppose she had a certain number of eggs to lay during her earthly
+career and she concluded to get the job over with. She's an all right
+Chinee hen, but _she's_ the one that'll die, not you nor Wunny Sing.
+Doctor Jones said so. We've interviewed him on the subject. Doctors know
+a lot. So, be decent! Get up and practise a bit."
+
+Thus adjured by Herbert, for whom the valet had a great admiration,
+Mateo threw off the light covers and rose to his feet--fully dressed. He
+had only lain down, professing himself ill, whenever there was danger of
+his young master appearing.
+
+With a swift change of front, he now fell in with the lads' notions, and
+thereafter followed an hour of "practice," accompanied by curious sounds
+and growlings. All this behind locked door and tightly shuttered
+windows--something almost unknown at peaceful San Leon.
+
+At supper time there was a subdued air of mystery about the three lads,
+which Dorothy noticed, if none of the other girls did. Also, they were
+so extremely courteous and thoughtful that it was rather overdone.
+However, politeness was agreeable, and there followed the happiest
+evening the young guests had spent since the departure of Gray Lady for
+the east.
+
+The fading moonlight was now supplemented by the electric lights, making
+the wide lawns brilliant as day, save where the deep shadows fell, black
+in contrast. At midnight, Dorothy awoke. Something had startled her and
+she sat up in bed, shivering in fear. How queer! she thought and peered
+through the window as if expecting some unwelcome sight. There was
+nothing unusual visible and, except for a curious creeping sound, as of
+some large body moving stealthily on the veranda floor, nothing to
+hear.
+
+Strange that brave Dorothy's heart should beat so fast and she turn so
+cold. She wished Alfy would awake. She wanted to hear somebody speak.
+Then she scorned herself for her foolishness, wondering if she, too, had
+caught the Chinaman's terror of "bewitchment." Oh! this was horrid! Alfy
+would go right to sleep again, even if she were awakened, and she must,
+she must hear somebody human!
+
+She opened her trembling lips to call: "Alfy! Alfy dear, please wake
+up!"
+
+But the words were never uttered. Something had come into view at her
+open window which froze them on her lips.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE GRIZZLY AND THE INDIANS
+
+
+For a moment Dorothy sat still in bed, afraid to move or cry out while
+the great animal at the window remained equally motionless. Then she was
+able to shriek:
+
+"Alf! Helena! Somebody--help--help! HELP!"
+
+Alfy leapt from her little bed with an answering cry, frightened by
+Dorothy's screech, and hurriedly demanding: "Why--why--what?" then
+rubbed her eyes and stood transfixed with horror.
+
+A moment later the whole house was in an uproar. The lads came running
+from their rooms, yelling in sympathy with the cries of the girls, the
+doctor rushed from his office-bedroom clad only in pajamas; the nurse
+forsook her sick bed--which she had not left before since first stricken
+with a chest attack; Anita--Wun Sing--kitchen boy--all the household
+gathered in the great corridor upon which the girls' rooms opened.
+
+Such an uproar had never been heard at peaceful San Leon since its
+foundation stone was laid; and the sounds carrying clearly in that night
+air, out from the Barracks rushed a horde of cowboys and workmen with
+Captain Lem in lead.
+
+"A bear!"
+
+"The Grizzly! The Grizzly!"
+
+A grizzly it was sure enough. All the feminine portion of the household
+retreated to the empty chamber of Miss Milliken, slammed down its window
+and locked themselves within; then from curiosity opened the door a
+little way, to peek through the crack.
+
+"Oh! Oh! It's coming this way--why doesn't somebody shoot it!" cried
+Helena, running back to look through the window panes.
+
+The great animal had now dropped from its upright position at Dolly's
+window and was crawling on all fours back along the wide porch. It
+certainly was coming that way but--it couldn't get in!
+
+"Could it? Can bears--open--open--things?" gasped Molly, retreating to a
+wardrobe and hiding within it, whence she demanded in a torrent of
+questions information of all sorts concerning bears and why nobody
+killed it before it killed them!
+
+Oddly enough, nobody had interfered with the creature's movements thus
+far, though some of the men had run back to the Barracks for firearms,
+and just then unlucky Wun Sing came round the corner of the building and
+met it face to face. He had run at top speed in the opposite direction
+from that the beast seemed taking when he had first espied it, issuing
+from his room beyond the kitchen. Seeing it headed that way he had
+instinctively chosen the other, not reckoning that even bears can change
+routes.
+
+Then the yell that rose belittled all which had gone before.
+
+Grizzly uprose on his hind feet and rushed to meet poor Wunny, squeezing
+him in a terrible embrace that checked the Chinaman's yell instantly.
+Until a touch of Bruin's teeth upon his thinly clad shoulder and a bite
+of sharp teeth awoke it again. A clutch of his queue from the great paw
+brought forth greater shrieks and seemed to give the victim an
+extraordinary strength. By some means he wrenched himself free and
+escaped, the grizzly pursuing on all fours again--and both headed toward
+the lake.
+
+Whether Wun Sing's purpose was to throw himself within it he didn't know
+himself, but the road toward it was the clearest and offered his best
+chance. Half way to the water his feet caught in his long night blouse
+and he tripped. Instantly the grizzly was upon him. The great furry
+creature sprawled over the prostrate cook, growling and snapping his
+teeth but as yet inflicting no further injury, and the man underneath no
+longer knowing anything, for his terrified senses had taken leave of his
+quivering body.
+
+Slowly the bear got upright again and, for a moment towered above his
+helpless victim. Then seeming to have satisfied his rage in that
+direction, he resumed his natural position and moved back toward the
+house. He kept his great head well lowered, wagging it from side to side
+and, altogether, conducting himself like a half-blind or greatly
+bewildered bear.
+
+By this time the men from the Barracks had reappeared, well armed; but
+as the grizzly climbed upon the veranda floor again they hesitated to
+fire because the low windows opening upon it were full of peeping faces.
+Silent Pete, alone, dared approach the creature as near as the other end
+of the veranda. This man had been a mighty hunter in his youth, when
+Colorado was an almost unknown country with few settlers and big game
+plentiful. His old blood had warmed to the conflict now, though he was
+silent as ever and paid no heed to the warnings called to him by his
+ranch mates. Creeping stealthily forward toward the encounter he watched
+his grizzly enemy with exultation, his thought being:
+
+"He's tough! He's an old one! His hide's thick--I must make no mistake.
+When I get nigh enough to hit him through the heart--wish he'd rise up
+again--queerest actin' grizzly I ever met--likely my last one--so
+anxious to meet me he come a-visitin'--he, he, he! Ah! he's
+risin'--I'll--"
+
+Out on the electric lighted grounds the men were grouped with their
+rifles, all anxious to fire and all eager to delay till the last moment,
+watching this wild beast so uncommonly near at hand. Why, from its
+movements it might almost have been a tame animal escaped from some
+menagerie. Besides, the trophy belonged to Silent Pete. He was first and
+hardiest to face the brute and only if his famously sure shot failed
+would they fire to the rescue. Yes, the bear was the old hunter's
+legitimate prize--they'd wait, guns ready--
+
+"Don't shoot! Oh! men, don't shoot! DON'T SHOOT!"
+
+To the utter amazement of everyone, up flew Dorothy's window and out she
+leaped, so close behind the creeping grizzly that she almost touched
+him: she was gesticulating wildly and her repeated cries of "Don't
+shoot!" startled old Captain Lem almost to numbness.
+
+What was that she was saying?
+
+"He isn't a bear! I see his feet! Bears don't wear--SHOES!"
+
+Alas! Her cry came too late. As bruin reared himself old Peter's shot
+rang out. An instant later, with such a cry as never issued from the
+throat of any bear, he dropped to the veranda floor and lay there
+motionless. The great bear hunt was over.
+
+Five minutes later the grizzly rug was back on the floor of Leslie's
+room and the lad who had masqueraded in it to frighten a few girls,
+the over-zealous Mateo, lay on his own little bed with Doctor Jones
+probing for the bullet which had entered his shoulder.
+
+Fortunately, it had not lodged there but passed straight through leaving
+a clean flesh wound which would promptly heal, the doctor said, but that
+would keep unhappy Mateo in bed for a few days. He had feigned sickness
+when there was none, dreading to act the part he had just so
+unfortunately done. But the young master's will had been too strong and
+the suggestion had been Mateo's own.
+
+"The punishment, for once, has fallen upon the guilty person. You'll
+have time to reflect, Mateo, that frightening timid people is scarcely a
+manly pastime. I trust there'll be no more skylarking till Mr. Ford is
+home. You will be kept upon a rigid diet till I order otherwise, and
+good night."
+
+So said the doctor, leaving his patient to his own thoughts and assuring
+himself that all the young folks had retired to their rooms again. He
+had administered no further reproofs--nor needed to do so. It was an
+exceedingly crest-fallen trio of lads who disappeared from view, when
+once the extent of Mateo's injury was learned, and a very quiet one.
+
+But the excited girls were not so quiet. They had to talk it over,
+simply had to!
+
+"I thought it was queer all the boys were in their day clothes," said
+Helena, with her arm about Molly, who was still shaking with fright, now
+and then, despite the fact that the affair was all over.
+
+"I noticed, too, but I thought they'd just dressed awful quick. But
+suppose it _had_ been a real one--would it have eaten us up?" she begged
+to know.
+
+To which Alfy replied from her own room:
+
+"No, Molly Breckenridge, don't be a goose. _We'd_ have eaten _him_
+up, course. We'd have had bear steak for breakfast--Some say it's
+good. Don't s'pose with all them men around they'd have let it live
+very long? No, indeedy. But Matty did it real cute, after all, didn't
+he? Must ha' been terrible hot, trampin' around under all that skin.
+Well, we ought to go to sleep, but seems if I'd never catch another
+wink. I wonder what became of Wunny! Last I saw him he was lyin' flat
+on the ground--thinkin' he was et up, I guess. Dolly--My heart! Dolly
+Doodles is asleep a'ready. Did you ever see such a sleepy head, Nell?"
+
+There was no answer from the room across the hall, so Alfy curled down
+among her pillows and composed herself to sleep. But her mind wasn't at
+rest. She kept seeing, in her fancy, the prostrate figure of Wun Sing,
+and hoped some of the men from the Barracks had looked after him. She
+felt as if she must get up again and go to see for herself. But--out of
+doors at night didn't seem quite the same, even to this sensible girl,
+as it had done before the bear scare. Besides--something really was the
+matter with her eyes. They felt as if they were full of sand--she'd just
+shut them a minute to--
+
+She was asleep at once. A body simply could not stay awake after
+bedtime, in that Colorado air! And it was well she could not. Else, the
+warm-hearted girl would have suffered fresh alarm.
+
+It was a belated household which struggled out of heavy slumber the next
+day, and as Dorothy lazily yawned and stretched her arms above her head
+it seemed as if all the exciting events of the night must be part of her
+dreams. Alfy woke, too, as reluctantly as her mate and just as Helena
+appeared from her own room, looking a little heavy-eyed but fully
+dressed. She bade them good morning, but waited for no response before
+she added:
+
+"The house seems unusually still, and I don't smell coffee. I generally
+do, the first thing. I sometimes think it's the odor of that wakes me. I
+wonder if Wun Sing's fright and his worry about his poor hen has made
+him ill! I'll go and see; and if the boys aren't up I'll call them."
+
+The lads answered sleepily to Helena's summons, yet were not long in
+appearing on the porch, where the other girls promptly joined them. As
+if by common consent nobody mentioned the escapade of the night, though
+it was in the minds of all and all were really longing to discuss it.
+The boys because they wished to "explain," and the girls thinking that
+to treat the "joke" with silent contempt would be their severest
+punishment. Nobody even mentioned unlucky Mateo, who had lent himself to
+the furtherance of the affair, only to be the one to suffer most from
+it.
+
+"Hmm. Isn't it past breakfast time?" asked Monty, at last.
+
+Herbert looked at his watch, and exclaimed:
+
+"Ten minutes to nine! Who'd have believed it? Horses to be groomed
+before drill, and time up already. I wonder--But here's Nell. She's
+coming from the kitchen and looks important. What's up, Sis?"
+
+"Several things. First, the hen of Wun Sing lies dead in her coop."
+
+"O-oh!" "Ah!" "Unwise, ambitious hen!" were the exclamations which
+responded; and Molly added:
+
+"That isn't all. There's something worse on Helena's mind than the death
+of a bewitched hen! Out with it, child! After--I mean--my nerves won't
+stand any more."
+
+"Didn't know you had nerves," laughed Alfy. "What's happened, Helena?"
+
+"Wun Sing has disappeared."
+
+"W-h-a-t?"
+
+"It is true. He has gone, nobody knows where. There's a man from the
+Barracks, the one who does the cooking over there, getting breakfast.
+Captain Lem is flying around in a terrible state of mind. He's angry
+with you boys, says there'll be neither drill nor rifle practice to-day,
+but the horses _must_ be groomed just as soon as we get our breakfasts.
+He's sent a half-dozen men looking for the cook, now, and they expect to
+find him soon."
+
+"So they did Jim! Seems if there wasn't anything doing on this ranch but
+just getting lost," wailed Alfaretta, turning a little pale; while Molly
+nervously begged:
+
+"Somebody tie me fast! Tie me fast! It'll break my father's heart if I
+get lost, too!"
+
+Captain Lem came up at that moment. He looked so stern and unlike
+himself that the young folks were all of them awed by his manner. Even
+light hearted Monty slunk back, "shaking in his shoes," while Leslie
+dropped his eyes and lost all his bravado.
+
+"Hark to me, Squad! Every mortal son an' gal of ye! I'm riled--I'm mad.
+Here am I left in charge, so to speak, of your doin's, and of the work
+on the ranch, anyways. Your smart-aleck work has turned everything
+topsy-turvy. Men took from their reg'lar jobs to go hunt worthless
+Chinamen, and take his place a-cookin'. Hens dyin' to right an'
+left--pizened by some your doses, likely--"
+
+"Oh, no! Captain, I'm sure nobody would do such a cruel thing as poison
+helpless creatures!" protested Dorothy, running to clasp his hand.
+
+He had on his "specs," which they had already learned he used mostly
+when he was angry, and they were very glittering just then. But Dorothy
+would not be put aside. She clung to him till his mood softened and
+removing the menacing "specs," dropped them in his blouse pocket. Then
+he smiled upon her, rather shamefacedly, though he felt that he still
+had good cause for offence.
+
+"Well, Little One, you've got ways to win a feller, 'spite of himself.
+If they was all as good as you--"
+
+"Oh! they are, and even lots better! 'Twas just lads' foolishness that
+they mistook for smartness. And they, we, all of us will do all we can
+to help. Where can we look for Wunny? He's the first one to be thought
+of. And I'm sorry he was so scared. Also, he'll be sorry himself over
+the poor hen. What can I do?"
+
+"Go along an' eat what breakfast you can get. Then tend to your horses.
+Likely, they're hungrier 'n you are and I'll go see 't they're fed. But
+hear me! Not another mite o' foolin' with serious things till Dan Ford
+gets back an' takes the reins into his own hands. 'Twas the mercy of
+Providence--nothin' else--that that jabberin' shallow-pate Mateo wasn't
+killed plumb out. Silent Pete's used to grizzlies. He's used to
+_killin'_ 'em. It's his trade, a deal more 'n 'tis to tend horseflesh. I
+wouldn't like to stand as nigh hand to his gun as that Greaser did last
+night. Now, hurry up and eat. Then report for duty. I'm off to mine."
+
+"Where do you suppose Wun Sing is?" asked Helena, of anybody who chose
+to answer.
+
+Nobody did: it may be stated right here that he was never again seen at
+San Leon. The "bewitched dead fowl" was duly buried in her own
+courtyard, the little gate to this locked, and its key hung up in the
+cook's wall-cupboard. But Wun Sing came no more. Everything belonging to
+him was left as if he meant to return at any minute, but he did not
+come.
+
+They searched the pebbly bottom of the lake, thinking he might have
+drowned himself in his superstitious fear, but he was not there: and
+after days had been wasted in the fruitless search, Captain Lem had his
+belongings packed together and sent to his relative, Der Doo, in San
+Diego. Whence, at the very end of the summer word came back that he had
+reappeared in that city, a wreck of himself, but it was hoped that with
+time and good Chinese cooking he would recover his scattered wits and
+his own culinary skill.
+
+Meanwhile, many messages came from the travellers in the east. The
+expected old aunt had duly arrived but in no fit condition to travel
+further for the present. Gray Lady sent dearest love and hoped all her
+big, new family would find San Leon the happiest place in the world,
+and the most peaceful. She had lived long enough to understand that
+peace and harmony were the most precious things in life. She longed to
+be with them and would be as soon as it was right. Meanwhile, let all be
+patient as possible over her enforced absence and just feel that she was
+with them in spirit all the time.
+
+"Odd, isn't it? That she who so longed to have this home and so enjoyed
+it should have to leave it to us, a lot of strange youngsters, to use
+instead?" said Helena, one evening some time later, as they all had
+gathered about the fountain in the soft sunset light, to talk over
+happenings and plan things for the coming day.
+
+Since the escapade of the false bear hunt there had been a notable
+absence of pranks. An ominous peace had settled over the whole young
+company, remarked by the astute Captain Lem as the "'ca'm before a
+storm.' 'Tain't in natur' for 'em to be so demure an' tractable. No
+siree. They've 'tended to their groomin' like reg'lar saints, an'
+they've learned to drill amazin' well. They don't shoot none to hurt,
+yet, 'ceptin' that Leslie himself. Sence he's waked up an' took an
+interest he's done fine. He's the best o' the lot and his knowin' that
+is what inspires him to do better yet. That, an' hopin' to please the
+Boss. But--I hope the storm'll blow over--the one they're brewin'. And I
+wonder what in creation ever did become o' that first boy, or of
+Wunny."
+
+For as yet no news had come of the latter and the former had almost
+dropped out of thought--save now and then in Alfy's, and always in
+faithful Dorothy's.
+
+Now that they were better riders and had become what their teacher
+called "pals" with their horses, they were daily given larger liberty.
+In company with him, and sometimes without him, they rode long distances
+over the roads, the narrow trails, and the almost imperceptible paths
+which led over the mountains and through the forests.
+
+The wild flowers of Colorado are innumerable, almost, and most of them
+were new to Dorothy, the flower-lover. In search of these she was
+tireless and many hours were spent after her return from her rides, in
+pressing her "specimens" and preparing herbariums. In this delightful
+work she had the company and help of Dr. Jones, himself a well-read and
+enthusiastic botanist.
+
+Helena spent hours over her journal: "taking notes" for future literary
+labors. Alfy and Molly were content to do nothing save be happy. As Alfy
+expressed it:
+
+"I never was so lazy and I likely never will have a chance to be again.
+I can work when I have to and I can play just as hard."
+
+The lads fished, rode, hunted small game, and tried various feats of
+horsemanship, lariat casting, and even--when they were especially
+energetic, played ball. There was a fairly good team among the ranchmen
+and they entered into the sport with vim. Only Leslie found the exercise
+too violent and was content to lounge and watch the rest.
+
+This evening, sitting together so cosily, the peace of the beautiful
+scene gradually soothed them all to quiet. They had settled the plans
+for the morrow and were as happy as such care-free children could be.
+Helena picked up her guitar and played soft melodies upon it, the others
+humming them under their breaths--not to disturb the player, only Alfy
+presuming to fit real words to the music but not interfering with it.
+
+Suddenly Dorothy raised her eyes from the playing fountain, on which she
+had been dreamily gazing and thinking of lost Jim. A sound, faint, of
+horses' footfalls had entered her dream. With a silent gesture of alarm
+she sprang to her feet, staring with wide eyes at a company of Indians
+ascending the hill. They avoided the hard driveway, their horses
+treading with velvety softness upon the shaven lawn. They were many in
+number, twenty perhaps, and they were in gala dress. Head-dresses of
+eagles' feathers, gaily colored, hung from their crowns over the sides
+of their mounts, to the length of a man's height. They uttered no
+sounds, looked neither to the right nor left, but like a dreadful,
+phantom procession moved straight forward toward the fountain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A TRIP TO BALD EAGLE ROCK
+
+
+Molly gave one glance and screamed. Then flung herself to her knees and
+buried her face in Helena's lap, who pityingly drew her light skirt over
+the child's head. Nobody else moved nor spoke. All felt their last hour
+had come.
+
+"An Indian raid!"
+
+This was their thought and then of their helplessness. This company was
+only the forerunner of more!
+
+"Massacre! Oh! to die like this!"
+
+Even the lads' faces blanched, but resolution flashed from their
+observant eyes, and these beheld a strange spectacle.
+
+The superbly mounted Indians, in their gaudiest attire, bead-decked
+shirts and fringed leggings, their supple feet clad in embroidered
+moccasins, outshone even the most magnificent of "Wild West" shows; and
+without a spoken word each understood the desire of their Chief. They
+rode to the semi-circle of concrete before the main entrance to the
+great house and ranged themselves around it, the Chief in front, alone,
+and as the last hoof fell into position where the rider wished, they
+became as rigid as a company of warriors carved in stone.
+
+"What will they do next!" was the wonder in all the observers' minds,
+as they gazed in fascination at this curious sight.
+
+What they would do next seemed long in coming. Though it was but a few
+moments it seemed like ages while the redskins waited, stolid, immovable
+before the doorway of the mansion. But, at last, the spell was broken.
+
+Across from the Barracks, around the corner, through the cloistered
+walk, came Captain Lemuel, whistling. He was in good spirits; ready to
+join his "Squad" beside the fountain and have an evening's "gabble" with
+the youngsters. They had been abnormally good that day. Wholly obedient
+to his restrictions in the length of their rides, eager to improve in
+their shooting--which was so far removed from "sharp"; and in every
+respect so "decent" that he puzzled his brain to find the best story to
+tell them of old days in Colorado and of his own prowess therein.
+
+But, as he passed the corner, his whistling ceased. The story was told!
+And a far better one than any his memory could furnish.
+
+The young watchers caught their breath. Poor Captain Lem! Rushing thus
+to his own undoing! But still they had to gaze and gaze--they could not
+turn their eyes away; and gazing they beheld a stranger thing than any
+which had gone before.
+
+That was the jolly Captain clapping his hands as if in glee, bowing
+before the silent Chief, almost prostrating himself, in fact. Afterward
+a brief clasping of hands between the two and the Captain beginning a
+long harangue in a strange tongue, interrupted now and then by grunts
+and gutturals from the attentive Indians. Then giving the Chief his
+finest military salute, the Captain "right faced" and silently marched
+away. The Indians as silently followed him, the Chief first, and the
+others in single file, till they all disappeared toward the Barracks,
+and the youngsters were left gasping in amazement.
+
+A sigh of relief rose from them in unison and, hearing it, Molly lifted
+her face. She only had seen nothing of the pantomime, or such it seemed
+which had been enacted, though she had heard through her terror the
+whistling of the Captain and its abrupt ceasing.
+
+"Is--is--he--dead?" she whispered.
+
+"He's the liveliest dead man I ever saw. Come on, boys! That's the sight
+of our lives! Who's afraid?" cried Herbert, springing up and eager.
+
+But his sister clutched his arm. "No, no, Bert! You mustn't! You
+shan't!"
+
+"I shall and will! So should you--all! Whoever they are they're
+friendly. Else old Lem wouldn't have seemed so pleased and led 'em off
+with his best 'hep, hep, hep,' that way. I'll bet they're Utes, good
+neighbors of the white ranchers, but they're genuine Indians all the
+same and I'm going to see them. My! But I did feel mighty weak in the
+knees for a minute! I thought it was all up with yours truly. Come on, I
+say!"
+
+He really wished to follow but, evidently, he also wished to have his
+courage bolstered by the presence of his mates.
+
+Oddly enough it was Monty who first joined Herbert. He was still half
+afraid, yet also wild with curiosity. His was the least war-like spirit
+there, but he couldn't withstand this knowledge at first hand of real,
+live Indians.
+
+One after another they all followed. In any case they would be safer
+among the ranchmen than here in this lonelier spot, and Lemuel's manner
+had been quite different from fear.
+
+As they slowly passed around the house, whose corner hid the Barracks
+front view, they were wholly reassured. The lawn was wide and a good
+distance was still between them and the red-skinned visitors, but they
+could see all that was going on. The Indians had all dismounted, a lot
+of the cowboys had come forward to meet them, and the fine horses they
+rode were being led off to a still more distant and disused corral.
+Here the animals were turned loose, their blankets and trappings
+removed, and the ranchmen themselves at once setting to work to rub the
+fine creatures down and to supply them with ample fodder for the night.
+A big trough in the corral, through which running water was always
+piped furnished them with drink; and the entrance being secured, the
+attendants went back to the Barracks' porch, that extended from one
+end to the other of the long, low building.
+
+Upon the porch floor the blankets were spread and the Utes squatted on
+them, greatly pleased at their reception. Pipes were lighted and smoked,
+Captain Lem and several others joining in what looked to be a ceremony
+of welcome. A few of the ranchmen hurried to the Barracks' kitchen and
+prepared supper for the visitors, and after this was eaten by the
+strange guests, sitting where they were under the porch roof, the
+discarded pipes were again resumed and some sort of palaver followed.
+
+In this talk Silent Peter took the leading part. He was escorted by
+Captain Lem to the side of the Chief, none other than White Feather, and
+placed upon another blanket, handed a fresh pipe, and left to do the
+honors of the occasion. Meantime Captain Lem sent a messenger across to
+the watching youngsters, that they should come quietly to his own room
+at the Barracks and observe matters from that nearer point.
+
+"But--is it safe? What does it all mean?" demanded Leslie of the man.
+
+"Safe as can be. Why, that's White Feather, Chief of a band of Utes and
+one of the best friends your father has. Fact. He's awful disappointed,
+too, to find the Boss away. Came on a visit of ceremony, with the finest
+bucks in his band, to get acquainted and do a little horse-trading.
+That's all. Silent Pete can talk Injun and has travelled not a little
+with this crowd, afore he settled at San Leon. Huh! Did you think they
+was from the Plains?"
+
+"What's the difference? An Indian is an Indian, isn't he? Not to be
+trusted, any of them. I don't think my father would like to have the
+boys treat those fellows as they're doing. You men ought to arm
+yourselves and drive them off the ranch."
+
+The young ranchman regarded Leslie with a look of amused contempt, then
+retorted:
+
+"Well, you may be a rich man's son but what you don't know about your
+own country'd fill books! All the rest afraid, too? 'Cause if you are,
+you'd better get out o' sight. Captain Lem has asked White Feather to
+let him bring you over to meet him an' the old feller's said yes. He
+said it as if he hated to but was willin' for Lem's sake to do you the
+honor. Great Scott! Why, you young idiot, White Feather's a great Chief,
+a king among his people, feels he ranks with our President, or the Czar
+of all the Russias! Well,--well, I'm beat. I thought 't they had schools
+back east where you tenderfeet come from. I supposed you'd learned that
+there's more 'n one kind of Indian in this big country. Why, sir, the
+difference 'twixt the Arapahoes, or the Cheyennes, and them peaceable
+Utes yonder--humph! Well, are you comin' or not?"
+
+Leslie had resented the talkative ranchman's comments on his own
+ignorance but had the grace to conceal it. He had even jested a little
+at his own expense and said that he must "read up on Indians." Then he
+led off his party toward the Barracks and, arrived there, found Captain
+Lem vastly relieved. It was greatly to Mr. Ford's advantage to be on
+cordial terms with all his neighbors, in that isolated region, and the
+loyal Captain realized this. Both he and Silent Pete had to regret the
+fact that, at present and in their employer's absence, they could not
+venture on the trading; but at the old hunter's suggestion they had
+assumed the responsibility of giving White Feather the finest horse in
+stock. This was a magnificent black stallion which had never been broken
+to harness and with a temper that threatened ill to any man who
+undertook the task.
+
+The youngsters came up and filed before White Feather, standing now, and
+gravely accepting their timidly proffered hands, as the name of each was
+mentioned. His own response was a friendly grunt but he was evidently
+bored by the affair and passed the girls over with the slightest notice.
+His eye lingered a bit longer upon the lads and it seemed that he was
+measuring their heights with his eye. But he let them go, almost as soon
+as he had the girls, and as Molly exclaimed when they had retreated to
+Captain Lem's room:
+
+"I never felt I was such a litty-bitty-no-account creature in all my
+life! I wouldn't be an Indian squaw for anything! But wasn't he just
+grand--and hideous?"
+
+Then Captain signalled to them that they would better return to the
+house. The Chief evidently considered the presence of females an
+intrusion and that of such slender, white-faced lads but little better.
+Upon Leslie, as son of the ranch owner, he bestowed several grave stares
+but no more speech than on the others.
+
+So from the unlighted music-room they watched for a time in silence;
+till everything grew quiet at the Barracks, all lights out, and the
+strange guests asleep on their blankets upon the porch. Then they, too,
+went to bed, greatly stirred by the fact of such uncommon acquaintances
+so close at hand, and with entirely new ideas of Colorado red men.
+
+By daylight the visitors had gone, so silently that nobody in the house
+itself had heard their departure. With them, too, had gone Rob Roy, the
+black stallion; and, what seemed valueless to the givers some old
+garments of the ranchmen. From one a coat, another a sombrero, a
+blanket, shoes, underwear, and from Silent Pete himself a complete
+hunter's outfit.
+
+All his comrades were surprised at this, for he kept the buckskin suit
+as a souvenir of earlier days, when he was as free to roam the forests
+as any Indian of them all and the blood still ran hot and wild in his
+veins. He was an old man now. He pondered much on the past and he spoke
+little to any man. But he talked with the Chief in that warrior's own
+tongue and in tones not to be overheard by any others. When that bit of
+talk was over he had brought out the precious suit, neatly folded and
+bound about with a marvellous lariat--also another dear possession--and
+had placed them in White Feather's hands.
+
+Then he relapsed into his usual quiet and the life at San Leon resumed
+its usual routine. The visit of the Indians became as a dream, but news
+of the early return of the absent hosts sent new life and ambition into
+the minds of all their young guests.
+
+Drills no longer were irksome. Were they not to show Mr. Ford how well
+they could carry themselves? As for rifle practice, there was such
+prolonged and continual popping of guns that Dr. Jones lamented his
+disturbed quiet and Nurse Melton had often to seek the most remote
+quarters to escape the startling sounds.
+
+Riding, also, was kept up with great zest. It had proved true that the
+more one learned of his horse, the better he loved it, the greater the
+silent understanding between it and himself. They now had races of all
+sorts and daily. Hurdles had given place to great hedges and ditches,
+which most of the animals distinguished themselves in leaping. Monty was
+still the hindmost in everything, yet showed his pluck in sticking to
+his saddle at all risks, and sometimes with startling success.
+
+So well, indeed, had they learned horsemanship that on a certain
+glorious morning before sunrise, the seven youngsters were already in
+saddle, alert for the long-coveted ride to Bald Eagle Rock, under the
+guidance of Captain Lem himself, with Silent Pete and another ranchman
+to carry the luncheon upon two soberer steeds. It was to be an all-day's
+outing and a goodly little company which would enjoy it. As soon as
+possible after arrival in New York Mrs. Ford had procured and sent back
+to San Leon, readymade habits and riding clothes for her girls and boys,
+not forgetting to include one for absent Jim, which Dorothy had
+carefully placed along with his other belongings in his own room; so
+that now arrayed in these gifts they all looked fine and fit.
+
+"We might be going for a ride in the Park instead of a climb through
+woods and over rocks! I do hope we won't tear our clothes!" said careful
+Helena; while Molly returned with native carelessness:
+
+"Well, I think a ride to the top of the Rockies is worth at least one
+habit!"
+
+"I shan't spoil mine, not 'nless I get tumbled off Blanca, someway.
+I've got dozens of safety-pins and I shall pin my skirt--I mean
+drawers--whatever they call these 'divided' things--so tight they can't
+get torn. I never had a habit before. Course not. I never even had a
+horse," said Alfaretta.
+
+"Well, without the horse you wouldn't have needed the habit, dearie.
+But I do like this riding astride, as Lady Gray thought best we should
+do on hard trips. And aren't we happy? Only--only--if poor Jim was
+here!" answered Dorothy, with a little cry of delight that ended
+rather drearily.
+
+But now they were off! And no further thought of anything or anybody
+except the pleasure of the moment rose in any mind.
+
+Captain Lem had not over-rated the difficulties of that trip. The
+beginning was fairly easy, the road or trail wide enough for two to ride
+side by side, and one had leisure to admire the surroundings. But when
+they came to that same turn of the roads, beyond the river, and took the
+route which unhappy James had followed in his delirium, they could no
+longer travel in pairs.
+
+And now was proved the good judgment of Captain Lem in training them to
+a familiar knowledge of their horses and in their close friendship.
+
+"Guide 'em--point out the way you want 'em to go--then trust
+the creatur's to do the best for them and you!" advised the old
+sharpshooter, halting at the top of the first steep climb, to breathe
+his own horse and let the stragglers come up. "More 'n that you can't
+maybe all follow just the same track. Blanca there, is goin' to pick
+her way, cautious an' careful as a gal in a nice new white frock, like
+them the Little One wears. She ain't goin' to tear her white dress,
+Alfaretty, so don't you get scared if she falls a good ways behind the
+rest. She's a sociable beast, is Blanca, and she'll get to the top all
+right, give her time. But Dolly's calico'll nigh bust herself to be
+first. More 'n that she's the keenest nose for a shortcut of any horse
+in the batch. She's little and she's light, and she'll trust herself in
+places 't no bigger creatur' would tackle. All right, everybody? Girths
+tight? Stirrups to suit? Then--trust your horses' wits and--let her go!"
+
+It had been planned to have lunch on the Rock itself, and to be back at
+San Leon in time for a late supper. An early breakfast had been taken,
+of course, but not with the usual heartiness, for they were all too
+excited to eat. Bald Eagle Rock was the highest point in that region and
+it would be a fine thing to remember if they held out to reach its
+summit.
+
+Meanwhile the road thither lay through a deep forest; down and along
+ravines; steep climbs of slippery rocks; and over masses of ferns and
+underbrush. After Captain Lem's halt and harangue they all became
+silent. They had all they could do to keep in their saddles, and, as
+he had prophesied, the animals they rode chose each a slightly
+diverging route.
+
+However, they frequently called out to one another, their gay halloos
+and yodels echoing along the mountain side, to the glad assurance of
+themselves and the affright of the forest wildings. But the lads who had
+hoped to sight some big game, preferably a live grizzly and had brought
+their guns with them, were disappointed in that. Nothing fiercer than a
+coyote crossed their path. It was as if the forest had anticipated their
+invasion and put itself on guard.
+
+Dorothy obeyed Captain Lem's advice implicitly. She did not try to guide
+Zaraza but let the pretty creature follow her own will, so long as that
+will pointed straight upward. This gave the girl time to study the
+flowers and ferns along the way and sometimes she slipped from her
+saddle to gather and closely inspect them. She did not herself call out
+but contented herself with listening to the shouts of the others, and,
+for some reason, her thoughts were more upon the missing Jim than they
+had been of late.
+
+"Oh! how that boy would like this ride! How he'd pull out his little
+hammer and peg away at these wonderful rocks! What specimens he'd
+collect! and how his sharp eyes would see every little bird and beast
+that moves through this wilderness! Oh! I hope, I hope, he is still
+alive and safe. If I could only see him!"
+
+Suddenly, the forest seemed strangely still. Zaraza stopped to breathe
+and Dorothy listened keenly for the halloo of her mates. Hearing none
+she ventured on a little shout herself which, low as it was, awoke a
+thousand deafening echoes all about her. Or so it seemed. With a thrill
+of horror, she remembered how Molly had once been lost in a far away
+Nova Scotian wood, and the girl's description of her terror. She wished
+she hadn't thought of that tale now. But, of course, this was quite
+different. They were many in this company, ten all told, and somebody
+must be very near. It would all come right. She mustn't be a goose and
+get frightened just because, for a moment, she heard nobody. Yet, Alfy's
+words rang in her head:
+
+"Seems if there was nothing happens but somebody gets lost up here at
+San Leon!" and Molly's absurd appeal: "Tie me tight!"
+
+After a moment when Zaraza seemed rested she urged the docile creature
+forward, and now the "calico" had certainly discovered a smooth and easy
+way. That was good. It must be a well-traveled road, though it was still
+but a "trail" to her eyes. Probably this was the final stretch of the
+trip, and in a moment she would come face to face with the gigantic
+Rock.
+
+Instead, the way grew smoother all the time and now quite level. A
+little way farther she could see a wide plain, or mesa, with sheep
+grazing. How odd! that anybody should feed sheep upon a mountain that
+looked all rock and forest, seen from below. The sun was hot. It must be
+noon. She hoped she wouldn't be late for that famous lunch they had
+talked about so much.
+
+Zaraza trotted around a last clump of trees, as if she knew her task was
+ended, and her own feeding time at hand.
+
+Then Dorothy brought her up with a sharp, silent tug upon the reins.
+Yonder in that open space was a small hut, or cabin; and sitting on the
+ground before it was an Indian, with a little Indian child beside him.
+Evidently, they also were having a mid-day meal, for she saw the child
+lift a tin dipper to his lips and drink.
+
+Zaraza whinnied. She was thirsty and scented water, and at that sound
+the man sprang up and turned around. For one astonished moment he gazed
+at that girlish apparition and Dorothy at him. Then with a cry of
+ecstasy she sprang to the ground and sped toward him.
+
+"Jim! O Jim!"
+
+"Why--Dorothy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+PROSPERITY AND PARTING
+
+
+They were both so excited that at first they couldn't talk, but could
+only stare at each other in speechless delight. Jim was trembling, for
+he was still weak from his long illness, and he steadied himself by
+attentions to Zaraza and by bidding José in Spanish to bring the
+stranger a drink.
+
+Dorothy dropped down upon the stones where they had been sitting and
+watched the child.
+
+He did not now dip water from the tank at the cabin door but from a
+nearby spring, which Jim had found and cleared of rubbish. The spring
+had always been there; but it had been easier for lazy Alaric, the
+herder, to fill the barrel now and then--or let the rain do it for
+him--and use from that till the supply failed. He did not yet understand
+how the stagnant water had had anything to do with his own fever, that
+had followed on Jim's partial recovery.
+
+Children are quick witted. José came running back with the dipper, after
+having carefully rinsed and filled it at the spring, as Jim had taught
+him. His eyes were bright and there was a winning smile on his chubby
+face, now clean. He recognized Dorothy as the girl to whom he had given
+his pet lamb and promptly demanded:
+
+"_El cordero? Donde?_"
+
+Dorothy stared at him, then put her hands on each side his chubby face
+and kissed him. The child screamed with delight and repeated his
+question. At which the girl also laughed and turned to Jim, asking:
+
+"What does he say? What does he want?"
+
+"I reckon he wants his lamb. He's asking you where it is," answered the
+lad, gladly using this chance to air his own new knowledge.
+
+That broke the spell of not knowing how to begin and their loosened
+tongues wagged fast enough after that. Dorothy forgot all about her lost
+company and seizing a piece of the coarse bread her old friend had been
+eating devoured it as if it had been a great delicacy.
+
+Jim laughed, glad to see her so hungry and so eager, and obeyed her
+command:
+
+"Now begin just as we used to do at home at Deerhurst. 'I went from
+here' and don't you miss a single thing until you come to 'and here I
+am.' I'll help you start. You went from San Leon the very night you got
+there. Now why?"
+
+"I shall never know why, girlie. I was crazy with fever, I guess. I
+hadn't been real well before I came west and that was one reason Dr.
+Sterling made me come. He thought the change would cure me. It didn't. I
+must have got out the window but I don't really know, only I half
+remember that. Then the next thing I did know I was in Alaric's cabin
+yonder with him and little José here. I was pretty sick. I couldn't
+write but I was wild to tell you where I was and not to worry nor think
+me terrible mean. I didn't want to act that way, you know, even though I
+did find myself in the wrong box with those other rich boys----"
+
+"No such thing, Jim Barlow! That was all your own self-consciousness.
+They're the nicest boys in the world and the friendliest. And it seems
+you can remember some things--bad ones--even if not how you ran away and
+got away up here to this peak. Jim, I'm ashamed of you. I certainly am!"
+
+But the way in which she reached out and clasped his hand in both of
+hers disarmed the words of all offence. Jim threw back his head and
+laughed as he hadn't done in many a day. It was just glorious to be
+scolded again by his old comrade! It was so homelike that he felt "more
+himself" than any softer speech would have made him.
+
+"Well, go on! Do go on!"
+
+"Alaric isn't half bad. I reckon I'd have died but for him. An old
+Indian chief, of the Utes, White Feather Alaric called him--his
+brother-in-law----"
+
+"Oh! I'm well acquainted with him. Don't stop to tell that part, but
+just do go on."
+
+Jim stared and retorted:
+
+"Oh! you are, eh? But I've got to tell about him 'cause it was he who
+found me and brought me here. Picked me up on the road somewhere. I've
+had a suspicion--just a suspicion, don't you know?--that Alaric wasn't
+any too glad to see me. It's a mighty little house and he's a mighty
+lazy man. But he had to do it. He's afraid of White Feather, though I
+tell you, Dolly Doodles, he's a splendid Indian. If all red men were
+like him----"
+
+"I don't care at all about Indians. Go on."
+
+"Alaric dressed my arm with leaves and stuff and fed me the best he
+could, but after I'd got that basket sent to you with the lamb and the
+stones--Did you get it? Did you understand?"
+
+"Yes, I understood--part. I knew that only Jim Barlow could make such a
+curious D as was on the stone and the basket. I supposed you were alive
+somewhere and I tried to think you were all right. By the way, the
+lambkin is thriving and we've named it after you--Netty!"
+
+"What? Why Netty, if you please?"
+
+Dorothy laughed and explained. She was ready now to laugh at anything
+and so was he: she made him finish his story, which he promptly did.
+
+After he had sent the basket-message he had grown worse. He was
+delirious and did not know what went on about him. He thought it was
+the bad water from the old tank that increased his fever, and was sure
+it was that which had made the sheep herder himself fall ill. So before
+his strength came back he had to turn nurse himself and attend upon
+Alaric. He had now recovered enough to go away to his employer's ranch
+for a few days. Meanwhile Jim was keeping the sheep for his host with
+little José for company.
+
+Dorothy listened, asking questions now and then, and finally inquired:
+
+"Is this Alaric an Indian?"
+
+"No. A Mexican, a Greaser. He married an Indian princess, the sister of
+White Feather."
+
+"How came you by that Indian rig? costume, I mean."
+
+Jim laughed. "White Feather again. At first I hadn't anything to wear
+but a ragged pair of trousers which Alaric lent me, though he hated to,
+and a blanket for a coat. But a few days ago White Feather and his
+braves came this way again. He brought quite a collection of old duds
+and gave 'em to Alaric. That paid him for what he'd lent me, I guess.
+And some of White Feather's folks have always given little José his
+Indian fixings, too. Else--Well, he wouldn't have had much to wear.
+Ain't he cute?"
+
+"Indeed, he is. Looks exactly like a tiny White Feather himself. The
+dear!" answered Dorothy, helping herself to another piece of bread and
+breaking it in bits to feed the child, who smiled and swallowed in great
+glee. "But your suit? You haven't told about that yet."
+
+"Isn't it fine? I begin to feel like a red man myself, wearing it. White
+Feather gave this to me with his own hands. It looks as if it had been
+worn a long time but it's a mighty comfortable rig, especially after a
+fellow's had--nothing at all."
+
+Then Dorothy talked, her words fairly tumbling over each other in her
+haste to tell all that had happened at San Leon while he was gone. She
+ended with the question:
+
+"Will you go back with me now, Jim? or with all of us, when we find
+them! My heart! How glad, how glad they'll be!"
+
+Jim shook his head.
+
+"I can't, Dolly, not yet. I've got to stay till Alaric comes. Nobody
+knows when that'll be, he's so lazy; and so sure now that I'll do his
+work for him. Besides--I've got something on my mind. Even if--even
+if--Well, I shan't go back to San Leon till I take a peace offering with
+me. I think--anyway I hope--I've--No matter. Where are the others, do
+you think? How did you get so far away from 'em, alone?"
+
+"I don't know. But I wish--I wish they'd come. Ah! Hark!"
+
+Dorothy stood up and listened. They could hear a horse moving
+somewhere, the dull thud of hoofs on soft ground, and a whinny of
+recognition to Zaraza feeding near. A moment later Silent Pete came into
+sight, and in another moment had dismounted beside them.
+
+He hadn't a word to say but stared at Jim with what would seem reproach
+except for a kindly gleam in his blue eyes. Up and down the lad's tall
+form the old man's eyes roved many times and then he gave one of his
+rare laughs.
+
+"Fits good, hey?"
+
+"First class! Did you ever wear an Indian costume?" asked Jim.
+
+"Huh! I've wore that one more years 'n you're old," said the ex-hunter,
+and sitting down helped himself to the bread.
+
+Perhaps the man had never talked so freely as he did now. Of hunting, of
+savage fights, and of mining--of anything and everything connected with
+Colorado's past as he had known it. Because he had never had such
+interested listeners. Jim's eyes shone, and when the subject touched on
+mining, he got up and went into the shack, coming back a moment later
+with some bits of stones lying on his palm. He held these out to Silent
+Pete who accepted them with sudden interest. Until he finally exclaimed:
+
+"Glory! Where?"
+
+Jim walked a little distance from that point of the mesa and the others
+followed him wondering. Then digging away some earth from the small
+hillock where he had paused, pointed downward.
+
+Silent Pete gazed without speaking for a full moment. Then he stooped
+and gathered a few fragments of insignificant stone, while Dorothy
+watched him wondering. Presently the hunter looked up--his face
+transformed--the brilliancy of youth restored to his faded eyes.
+
+"Silver! by gum! And--and--_all the land this side that shack belongs to
+San Leon_! Of all the dum luck--Let's go home! Let's go home!"
+
+He couldn't move fast enough. The youngsters followed him at an equal
+pace so excited that they scarcely knew what they were doing. Jim had
+found silver! Jim had discovered a mine! This meant untold wealth to
+their beloved host!
+
+There was no thought in their minds of a possible mistake. It could not
+be. It was all as clear as daylight to Dorothy, whose reverent heart
+always traced "leadings" in that chain of events which we call life.
+
+Jim had been "led" to all and through all that had happened. If he
+hadn't wandered here--no use thinking about that. He _had_ wandered, he
+_had_ found the silver, it _had_ been ordered, even the pain and
+suffering and grief. Oh! to get back to where they could send the good
+news flying to the absent owner of San Leon!
+
+"Let's go home!" cried the girl, running to the Zaraza's side and trying
+to saddle her.
+
+But Jim would not let her do that, though he did not seek to hinder her
+from going, and when she had sprung to her seat upon the filly's back,
+he held out his hand, saying:
+
+"I'll come soon's I can, Dolly Doodles! This is a big day for me!"
+
+"Why--why--aren't you coming too? You can ride part of the way and I
+part."
+
+"No, girlie. I promised Alaric I'd take care of José and the sheep. I've
+got to--duty, you know."
+
+"Oh! Duty! I hate duty! Oh! Jim, you ought to be the one, the very one
+to carry the good news straight to 'Boss Dan!' It should be you to send
+this glorious message!"
+
+But Jim shook his stubborn head.
+
+"I'd like to--shucks! But I ain't never seen how neglectin' the duty 't
+lies to hand helps a fellow to do the one 't is further off. It's all
+right, Dolly. You speed the good word and watch out for Jim. He'll be
+coming--sure. Good-by--good-by."
+
+Meanwhile Peter had placed the lunch baskets on the ground, leaving them
+for Jim and the child.
+
+Not until they had passed out of sight and were well on the downward
+trail did Dorothy remember her absent mates and to ask how Silent Pete
+had chanced to find her. He scarcely paused to reply; for though he
+spoke no word, except to answer her questions, he was fairly quivering
+with excitement. It isn't every day one stumbles on a silver mine, even
+in Colorado!
+
+"Oh! I saw where you'd passed by the trompled brush. I knew the calico's
+tread. I saw 't you was off the line an' I blazed that so's the rest'd
+see and not get scared. We shan't see no more o' them till nightfall,
+only you an' me--we must get home. Don't waste breath talkin'--_just
+travel_."
+
+Travel they did and, their own dispatches sent from San Leon, another
+came flashing back--crossed each other on the way, so to speak.
+
+"Reach the ranch to-morrow. D. F."
+
+Well, this story is about told. Such a wonderful home-coming that was!
+Messengers had been quickly sent to the sheep herder's hut to act as
+substitutes for Jim in his "duty" and to bring him and José "home,"
+where he found himself welcomed as a hero--he who had thought himself
+despised.
+
+Thus was discovered the famous "Bygum Mine," so named for the first
+words uttered by Silent Pete, when Jim showed him the site. Those who
+remember the energy of "Dan Ford, Railroad Boss" will understand how
+promptly matters were set in motion for the opening of "Bygum;" and
+those who know his generosity will guess how he made each young guest a
+sharer, to some degree, in this fresh prosperity. All except Jim Barlow:
+for that too independent youth promptly refused any further benefit
+from his great discovery than a simple "Thank you." How that refusal
+affected the lad's pursuit of "knowledge" will be told in another story
+of "Dorothy's House Boat," upon which, a few weeks later, he had to
+"work his passage."
+
+But now, with Lady Gray's dear presence among them and the master's hand
+at the helm, there was nothing but happiness for all at San Leon: until,
+all suddenly it seemed, the three months of their stay had passed and
+the parting came. If there was sadness in their hearts that morning,
+when they mounted the buckboards for their journey back to Denver, there
+was also anticipation and delight; for, to quote the words of their
+genial host:
+
+"The world is but a little place. We have met and loved each other--we
+shall meet and love again."
+
+                              THE END
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+
+Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author' words and
+intent.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY ON A RANCH ***
+
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+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dorothy on a Ranch
+
+Author: Evelyn Raymond
+
+Release Date: August 22, 2008 [EBook #26389]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY ON A RANCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 307px;">
+<img src="images/icover.jpg" class="ispace jpg" width="307" height="500" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h1>
+DOROTHY<br />
+ON A RANCH</h1>
+
+<div class="bt"></div>
+<div class="bb"></div>
+
+<h2>By EVELYN RAYMOND</h2>
+
+<div class="bt"></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Author of</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">&#8220;Dorothy,&#8221; &#8220;Dorothy at Skyrie,&#8221; &#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s Schooling,&#8221;<br />
+&#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s Travels,&#8221; &#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s House Boat,&#8221;<br />
+&#8220;Dorothy at Oak Knowe,&#8221; &#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s Triumph,&#8221;<br />
+&#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s Tour.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 88px;">
+<img src="images/i001.jpg" class="jpg" width="88" height="100" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="bt"></div>
+<div class="bb"></div>
+
+<h3>A. L. BURT COMPANY</h3>
+<h4>Publishers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York</h4>
+<p class="center">Printed in U.S.A.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox">
+<h3>THE</h3>
+<h2>DOROTHY BOOKS</h2>
+<h3>By EVELYN RAYMOND</h3>
+
+<p>These stories of an American girl by an American author have made
+&#8220;Dorothy&#8221; a household synonym for all that is fascinating. Truth and
+realism are stamped on every page. The interest never flags, and is
+ofttimes intense. No more happy choice can be made for gift books, so
+sure are they to win approval and please not only the young in years,
+but also &#8220;grown-ups&#8221; who are young in heart and spirit.</p>
+
+<p class="left">
+Dorothy<br />
+Dorothy at Skyrie<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s Schooling<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s Travels<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s House Party<br />
+Dorothy in California<br />
+Dorothy on a Ranch<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s House Boat<br />
+Dorothy at Oak Knowe<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s Triumph<br />
+Dorothy&#8217;s Tour<br />
+</p></div>
+
+<p class="center">
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1909, BY<br />
+The Platt &amp; Peck Co.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 331px;">
+<img src="images/i003.jpg" class="jpg ispace" width="331" height="500" alt="The great animal had now dropped from its upright
+position at Dolly&#8217;s window and was crawling on all fours back along the
+wide porch. (Frontis) (Dorothy on a Ranch)" title="" />
+<span class="caption">The great animal had now dropped from its upright
+position at Dolly&#8217;s window and was crawling on all fours back along the
+wide porch. <i>(Frontis) (Dorothy on a Ranch)</i></span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="70%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS">
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">CHAPTER</td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">I.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Trip in the Erminie</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#DOROTHY_ON_A_RANCH">9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">II.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Spill by the Way</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">25</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">III.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Midnight Searching Party</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">45</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Watchers at Roderick&#8217;s</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">62</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">V.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Call of the Mountains</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">75</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Martinet of the Rockies</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">93</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Rifle Practice</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">110</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Concert in the Moonlight</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">127</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Modern Horse Fair</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">142</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">X.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">An Unexpected Departure</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">157</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Sheep Herder&#8217;s Cabin</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">172</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Play That Was Work and Work<br />
+That Was Play</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">187</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Hen of Wun Sing</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">205</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Grizzly and the Indians</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">220</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Trip To Bald Eagle Rock</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">235</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Prosperity and Parting</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">250</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="DOROTHY_ON_A_RANCH" id="DOROTHY_ON_A_RANCH"></a>DOROTHY ON A RANCH</h2>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TRIP IN THE ERMINIE</h3>
+
+<p>The &#8220;Erminie,&#8221; private car of &#8220;Railway Boss, Dan Ford,&#8221; stood
+side-tracked at Denver, and his guests within it were the happy people
+whom, some readers may remember, we left keeping a belated Christmas in
+the old adobe on the mesa, in southern California.</p>
+
+<p>To Dorothy, the trip thus far had been like a wonderful dream.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just think, Alfy Babcock, of owning a real car, going and stopping just
+as you please, same&#8217;s riding in a carriage with horses! Even darling
+Aunt Betty, who&#8217;s been &#8217;most everywhere and seen &#8217;most everything, in
+her long life, never travelled &#8216;private coaching&#8217; this way before. I
+hate to think it&#8217;s over, that I&#8217;ll have to say good-by to her so soon.
+Seems if I ought not. Seems if she&#8217;ll be dreadful lonesome without me
+all summer. I&#8217;m her own folks and I&mdash;I believe I shall go home with her
+after all, &#8217;stead of into the mountains to that ranch with the Gray
+Lady.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p><p>Alfaretta gave a vigorous tug to the shawl-strap she was fastening about
+a curious assortment of her personal belongings and answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s enough of your &#8216;seems-if-ing,&#8217; Dolly Doodles! It&#8217;s all settled,
+isn&#8217;t it? And when a thing&#8217;s fixed&mdash;it ought to stay fixed. Mrs. Calvert
+don&#8217;t want either of us. She said so, more &#8217;n once, too. She&#8217;s tickled
+to death to think there&#8217;s such a good time comin&#8217; for us. She&#8217;s got all
+that prop&#8217;ty that got itself into trouble to look after, and she&#8217;s got
+them ladies, her old friends, that&#8217;s been in San Diego all winter, to go
+home to New York with her. You better stop frettin&#8217; and lookin&#8217; out o&#8217;
+winder, and pick up your things. You&#8217;ve lots more &#8217;n I have and that&#8217;s
+sayin&#8217; consid&#8217;able. The way that Mr. Ford moves makes other folks
+hustle, too! Hurry up, do! He said we was all to go to a big hotel for
+our dinners and I&#8217;m real ready for mine. I am so! Car-cookin&#8217;s well
+enough, but for me&mdash;give me a table that won&#8217;t go wobblety-wobble all
+the time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy roused from her idleness and began to collect her own
+&#8220;treasures.&#8221; They had accumulated to a surprising degree during this
+journey from San Diego to Denver; for their genial host had indulged his
+young guests in all their whims and, at the various stops along the way,
+they had purchased all sorts of things, from baskets to blankets,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>horned toads on cards, centipedes in vials of alcohol, Indian dolls and
+pottery, and other &#8220;trash,&#8221; as Aunt Betty considered it. In the roomy
+private car these had given but little trouble; now Alfaretta expressed
+the thought of both girls as well as of the lad, Leslie, when after a
+vain effort to pack an especially ugly red-clay &#8220;image,&#8221; she exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A fool and his money! That&#8217;s what I was. Felt as rich as a queen,
+startin&#8217; out with all them earnin&#8217;s and presents in my pocket-book. Now
+I haven&#8217;t got a cent, hardly, and I&#8217;d ha&#8217; been better off if I hadn&#8217;t a
+had them! There! that paper&#8217;s busted again! Does beat the Dutch the way
+things act! Just plain <i>things</i>! If they was folks you could box their
+ears, but you can&#8217;t do a thing to things, not a thing! Only&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Throw them away! That&#8217;s what I&#8217;m going to do with my stuff!&#8221; cried
+Leslie, from a far corner, standing up and wiping his face, after his
+own bit of packing. &#8220;This old musket that that man in uniform assured me
+had belonged to General Custer&mdash;Dad says never saw a soldier&#8217;s hands,
+let alone Custer&#8217;s. Says he knew that all the time, even when I was
+dickering for it. Says&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy looked up from her own task to ask:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why should he let you buy it then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For experience, likely. That&#8217;s the way he likes to have us learn, he
+claims.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Humph! But Aunt Betty says it&#8217;s wicked to waste money. One ought only
+to use it for some good purpose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A shout of derision came from both Alfy and Leslie, at this remark, and
+they pointed in high glee at a basketful of things Dorothy was vainly
+trying to make look a tidy bundle. She had to join in the laughter
+against herself and Mr. Ford came forward to lend a hand or offer
+advice, as need be.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you&#8217;re up against a tough proposition, are you, youngsters? How much
+of all that stuff do you really want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a scrap!&#8221; said Alfaretta, frankly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good enough! Well, let me tell you. There&#8217;s a poor old fellow hangs out
+just beyond this station who makes his scanty living selling just such
+&#8216;trash.&#8217; I&#8217;ll give you just five minutes to select whatever you really
+wish to keep, five minutes more to stow them compactly for our long
+buckboard-drive, and about as much longer to make the acquaintance of my
+lame peddler and give him your leavings. Five seconds wasted already,
+staring at me! Begin, begin!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman&#8217;s face was aglow with happiness and mischief, but there
+was a tone in his voice which compelled instant obedience; and long
+before the first five minutes had passed all three young folks had
+heaped the most of their &#8220;things&#8221; in a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>pile in the center of the car.
+The rest was quickly strapped in the beautiful Navajo blankets which
+Mrs. Ford, or the &#8220;Gray Lady&#8221;&mdash;as they best loved to call her, had
+purchased and given them as souvenirs of this wonderful trip. Blankets
+that were almost priceless, as only Dorothy knew from Aunt Betty&#8217;s
+explanation, but that Alfaretta considered far less attractive than a
+plain white wool one.</p>
+
+<p>A porter, laden with baskets, appeared at that moment, as if by previous
+instruction; and into the baskets were tossed or tumbled the odd
+collection, everybody working swiftly yet already half-regretfully that
+they hadn&#8217;t kept more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That horned toad&#8217;ll get a rush of blood to his head!&#8221; cried Leslie, as
+Alfaretta threw her recent &#8220;treasure&#8221; into the mess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take care, boy! Don&#8217;t break that alcohol bottle. That centipede mayn&#8217;t
+be as dead as he looks! The horrid leg-gy thing! How in the world did I
+ever fancy it? Take care!&#8221; warned Dorothy, as Leslie dropped an uncouth
+Indian &#8220;image&#8221; upon the vial.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hi, dere! Massa Leslie! Jed&#8217;ll do de res&#8217;!&#8221; cried Mr. Ford&#8217;s own
+especial servant, coolly pushing the lad aside and rapidly making a
+better arrangement of the articles. Then he shouldered his baskets and
+left the car, Mr. Ford following, with the three young people trailing
+after him. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>At the door Alfaretta turned and rapidly surveyed the
+luxurious coach in which she had spent the past few days. To her it had
+been a veritable fairyland, and quick tears sprang to her eyes as she
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never had such a good time in all my life as I&#8217;ve had in this
+&#8216;Erminie,&#8217; and I never expect to again! It &#8217;most breaks my heart to say
+good-by to it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t say it then! I shan&#8217;t, though I feel as bad as you do. But our
+worst good-by is to come when Aunt Betty starts east and we west. I
+can&#8217;t&mdash;how can I?&mdash;let her go alone?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was sufficient to arouse all Alfy&#8217;s sympathy. She promptly forgot
+her own regret in soothing her friend, for Dorothy&#8217;s grief was most
+sincere. Ever since that day when she had learned that Mrs. Calvert was
+her own kin she had loved the lady with all her heart and had, during
+the past winter of Aunt Betty&#8217;s lameness, felt that she must now take
+care of her. She did not realize that the one-time invalid was now quite
+well and as independent of aid as ever. Indeed, the Gray Lady had
+laughingly declared:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear Mrs. Betty is the youngest-hearted of us all!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After that happy day when Dorothy had helped to bring about the reunion
+of the long parted Fords, the &#8220;Railroad Boss&#8221; had taken his wife <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>and
+son away for a little time; but they had soon returned to <i>El Paraiso</i>,
+that charming home in the southwestern city and had remained as members
+of Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s household till the spring days came. Then Mr. Ford had
+announced his summer plans:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to give myself a long vacation. I own a ranch in the Colorado
+mountains and I&#8217;m going to take you all, each and everyone, to enjoy it
+with me. My wife, Erminie, claims it her turn to play hostess, so we&#8217;ll
+all become cowboys and cowgirls, and have a wild-west show of our own,
+with a continuous performance for three jolly months. All in favor, say
+Aye!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aye! Aye! Aye!&#8221; the youngsters had it, so heartily that, for a moment,
+nobody noticed that Aunt Betty was silent. Then, when Dorothy observed
+this, with a down-sinking of her own spirits, the lady made haste to
+explain:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nothing could please me better for Dorothy, and for myself if I were
+able to accept. But I can&#8217;t. As you know, my business affairs have
+become tangled in some way and I must go home to really understand what
+is amiss. Indeed, I don&#8217;t know yet where I may have to be during the
+warm weather and I&#8217;m delighted for my little girl, and for Alfaretta, to
+have such a fine chance. I fancy you&#8217;ll all come east in the autumn, as
+brown as the Indians who&#8217;ll be your neighbors, and in fine health. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>How
+soon do you leave, Mr. Ford? That I may make some arrangement about this
+dear old house, for I shan&#8217;t want to stay in it after you&#8217;re gone.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then it was his turn to explain:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have felt all along, ever since I found Erminie here with our boy,
+that the place should never become again just &#8216;a house to rent.&#8217; So I&#8217;ve
+bought it. I&#8217;ve found Padre Nicolas, the old priest whom the Indians
+love and trust, and deeded it to him in trust for them as a Home. Here
+Lazaro Gomez and the other ancients of his race shall dwell in comfort
+for the rest of their days. The only proviso is that Father Nicholas
+shall admit none who hasn&#8217;t reached the age of discretion&mdash;say,
+eighty-odd years, or so! Nor shall any of his charges be compelled to
+tame wild beasts and sell them for a livelihood. The good old priest is
+ready to take possession as soon as we vacate and will put everything
+into what Alfy calls &#8216;apple-pie order,&#8217; according to a red man&#8217;s fancy.
+So, when everybody is ready&mdash;Don&#8217;t hurry, please!&mdash;we&#8217;ll board my car,
+the &#8216;Erminie,&#8217; and take our leisurely way northward. It isn&#8217;t as if we
+had to say good-by, you see, for we&#8217;ll be all together still. As for
+Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s plan&mdash;maybe we can persuade her to postpone business
+awhile for a taste of real ranch life. Eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Mistress Elisabeth Cecil-Somerset-Calvert was a matron who never
+said &#8220;No&#8221; when she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>meant &#8220;Yes;&#8221; and she smilingly kept to her own
+purpose, yet took good care that no shadow of a coming separation should
+darken her beloved Dorothy&#8217;s wonderful trip in a private car. Just here
+we may recall to the readers&#8217; attention that this young girl&#8217;s earlier
+experiences have been told in &#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s Schooling,&#8221; her &#8220;Travels&#8221; and
+&#8220;House Party&#8221; and best of all &#8220;In California.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now those happy days of travel and sightseeing had ended in the city of
+Denver. The &#8220;Erminie&#8221; was to be stripped and renovated and put aside to
+await its owner&#8217;s further orders. From this point the ranchers were to
+proceed by a coaching tour over the long and delightful road to the
+distant Rockies: while Mrs. Calvert, her black &#8220;boy,&#8221; Ephraim, and some
+women friends were to speed eastward by the fleetest &#8220;limited&#8221; express.
+One more short hour together, in a hotel dining-room, and the parting
+was due. Aunt Betty and Mrs. Ford had already been driven away to this
+hotel as Leslie and his girl guests followed his father from the
+&#8220;Erminie,&#8221; and seeing the downward droop of Dorothy&#8217;s lip he tried to
+divert her by exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was never such a man as Dad! He never forgets. Never. I believe
+he knows every cripple between New York and San Francisco. I do, indeed.
+This fellow we&#8217;re going to give that &#8216;trash&#8217; to is one of his pets. I
+remember him now. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>Got hurt in a railway smash but is as independent as
+they make &#8217;em. Wouldn&#8217;t sue the company and wouldn&#8217;t take money from it
+when offered. Claimed he was stealing a ride and only got what he calls
+his &#8216;come-uppance&#8217; when he got hurt. Dad was so astonished when he heard
+about that, he said the man ought to be &#8216;framed and put on exhibition,
+as the only case of his kind on record.&#8217; Then he suggested this way of
+earning his living. He has the &#8216;boys&#8217; keep him fixed up in a little sort
+of stand just yonder and they see to it that his stock never fails. The
+cripple&#8217;s as proud as Punch. Boasts that any honest man can do well in
+America if he tries. He hasn&#8217;t any legs left and his arms aren&#8217;t worth
+much but his spirit is the bravest ever. It would break his heart if he
+guessed that most of the stuff he sells is bought for my father by some
+of his employees, all on the sly. But he&#8217;ll never know it. That&#8217;s the
+best of Dad! His &#8216;boys&#8217; love him. They think he&#8217;s just rippin&#8217;! And he
+is. Look now. See how that man&#8217;s face lights up when he hears that
+&#8216;Halloo&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy stopped short to exclaim:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bought the stuff and gave us most of it, and now will buy it over again
+just to throw away! I never heard anything like that!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Reckon you didn&#8217;t, for there is only one Dan Ford! But he doesn&#8217;t have
+it thrown away. He has it burned. He says, &#8216;Burned toads tell no tales,&#8217;
+and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>the worst trouble the boys have is to get folks enough to buy the
+things for them. When they see a likely lookin&#8217; tourist edging around
+the stand they use him, if they can. If they can&#8217;t it&#8217;s a &#8216;short day&#8217;
+for Cripple Andy, but that doesn&#8217;t worry him. &#8216;The fat and the lean,&#8217; he
+calls it. Oh! I say, he&#8217;s almost as rippin&#8217; as Dad himself, he&#8217;s so
+plucky!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The cripple&#8217;s face did indeed light up as Mr. Ford appeared before him
+and shouted that gay &#8220;Halloo!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, well, well! If you ain&#8217;t the best sight I&#8217;ve had since I saw you
+last. Halloo, yourself and see how you like it!&#8221; With this attempt at
+facetiousness, the seller of notions leaned forward over his stand and
+extended his best hand toward his benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How&#8217;s business, Andy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tollable, sir, fairly tollable. Been sellin&#8217; a lot o&#8217; truck, lately, to
+some Cookies, and there was a reduction-school-ma&#8217;am-racket that nigh
+cleaned me out. See that your man Jed here has got a heap more things.
+How&#8217;d he come by them? Must ha&#8217; cleared the country of rep<i>tiles</i>,
+judgin&#8217; by them samples.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he came by them fairly enough, Andy. These youngsters couldn&#8217;t live
+without the things when they first saw them, but now they&#8217;ll be grateful
+if you&#8217;ll take them off their hands. Maybe you can make something from
+them, maybe not. In <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>any case they&#8217;re not going to <i>San Leon</i> on a
+buckboard with me! Take them off our hands, lad, and do a good deed once
+in your life!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By this time Mr. Ford had placed his own two strong hands over the
+shrivelled one of the peddler and was pressing it warmly, while the two
+looked into one another&#8217;s eyes with mutual respect and liking. Then when
+the hands unclasped there was left on Andy&#8217;s palm a glittering double
+eagle.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy, watching, wondered at this, after hearing Leslie&#8217;s boast of the
+cripple&#8217;s independence; and there did a flush rise in his face for a
+moment, till Mr. Ford said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For Laddie, you know. If you can&#8217;t use it&mdash;pass it on!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The flush died out of the vender&#8217;s cheek and a soft look came over it.
+&#8220;So I will, man, so I will. Thank God there&#8217;s always somebody poorer
+than me! Good-by, and good luck, Boss! By that token I never seen you
+look that happy as you do this day, man alive, never!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never had such reason to be glad, Andy boy! Good-by, good-by!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Ford started off at a brisk pace, the young folks trying to equal
+his long strides, and Alfaretta asking:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that cripple crazy? What&#8217;d he mean by sellin&#8217; things to &#8216;Cookies&#8217;
+and what&#8217;s a &#8216;school-ma&#8217;am-racket&#8217;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p><p>Leslie laughed and answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A &#8216;racket&#8217; of that sort has nothing to do with tennis, Miss Babcock, at
+your service; and &#8216;Cookies&#8217; are just Cook&#8217;s tourists. All railroaders
+call them that; and I suppose the &#8216;racket&#8217; was a cheap excursion the
+school-ma&#8217;ams were taking. Odd, isn&#8217;t it? That though all Andy&#8217;s trouble
+came from the railroad he claims to belong to it as one of its &#8216;boys.&#8217;
+He&#8217;s rippin&#8217;, Andy is. He told father &#8217;t he &#8216;teached school&#8217; himself,
+once! But he got so tired of it that the sight of a spelling-book made
+him sick.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It does me, too,&#8221; said Alfy, with sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So he &#8216;cut and run,&#8217; and rode on trains in every direction as long as
+his money held out. Then he stole the ride that ended his travels right
+here in Denver. Hello! where&#8217;s Dad?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had loitered along the way and he had simply outstripped them. So
+without even a quarter in his purse but in his most lordly air, Leslie
+hailed a cab to carry them to the hotel he knew was that habitually
+patronized by his father; and a few minutes later they rode up to the
+entrance in state.</p>
+
+<p>An attendant hastened to the curb to assist the &#8220;young ladies&#8221; out of
+the cab, but the hackman laid a detaining hand upon Leslie&#8217;s shoulder
+with the remark:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fares, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Eh? Just settle that with Mr. Daniel Ford, inside. Here, Buttons, you
+find Mr. Ford and ask him to step here. It&#8217;ll be all right, Jehu, and
+let&#8217;s hurry, girls, else we&#8217;ll be late for dinner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He started to enter the building but the cabman retained his hold on the
+lad&#8217;s shoulder and remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, you don&#8217;t! You may be all right and so may your Mr. Ford but, as
+for me, I never heard tell of him and money talks. Fares, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy and Alfaretta clung together, really afraid of the cabman who
+was now growing decidedly angry. He was a stranger to that city and had
+just embarked in a rather losing business, his outfit of horse and cab
+being a second-hand one and too shabby for most patrons.</p>
+
+<p>Also, &#8220;Buttons,&#8221; as Leslie had called the bell-boy, now returned to say
+that &#8220;no name of Ford was on the register and the clerk wouldn&#8217;t
+bother.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here was a dilemma. The trio who had ridden in state now felt very
+small, indeed, and glanced at one another in dismay. Then Leslie
+surveyed the name over the hotel entrance and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pshaw! This isn&#8217;t the place at all. That donkey of a driver has brought
+us to the Metropole and not the Metropolitan. I might have known Dad
+wouldn&#8217;t put up at such a third-rate tavern as this! Now, you idiot,
+we&#8217;ll get in again and you take us where you were bid! and there, it&#8217;s
+likely, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>you&#8217;ll make the acquaintance of Mr. Daniel Ford in a way you
+don&#8217;t like! Get in, Dorothy&mdash;Alfy! We can&#8217;t stand foolin&#8217; here!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the cabman closed the door of his vehicle with a bang and calmly
+folded his arms to wait. Dolly pulled out her little purse. It contained
+one nickel and two cents. She had carefully cherished these because
+coins smaller than a nickel are not plentiful in California; but she
+tendered them to Leslie who smiled and shook his head. Alfaretta
+discovered a dime, but it was her &#8220;luck piece,&#8221; wrapped in pink tissue
+paper and carried thus in order that she &#8220;might always have money in her
+pocket,&#8221; and she hated to give it up. Both she and Dolly thought
+regretfully of the little pocket-hoard they had begged the Gray Lady to
+keep for them, lest they spend it on the trip. However, neither the
+cabman nor Leslie accepted their offering, and the latter exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ain&#8217;t this rippin&#8217;? Lost in a strange city, in the middle of the day,
+and not a soul willing to help us out! What in the world will Dad say!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What, indeed! But look here, Leslie Ford, we&#8217;ve got enough to pay for
+telephoning that other hotel, if the man in here will let us use his
+&#8217;phone! Then your father will send somebody after us or do something.
+Please try. I feel so queer with so many folks staring at us as if we&#8217;d
+done something bad!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p><p>By this time the hotel clerk had become more amiable. The name of Ford
+had impressed him if it hadn&#8217;t the hackman, and though he, too, was new
+to the town he bade Leslie:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go ahead! Call him up, if there is such a man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With a glance of angry contempt Leslie put the receiver to his ear and
+rang up &#8220;Dad;&#8221; only to hang it up again in disgust, as the answer came
+back: &#8220;Line&#8217;s busy!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>A SPILL BY THE WAY</h3>
+
+<p>The &#8220;line&#8221; remained busy for so long that the loungers in the hotel
+lobby grew amused at Leslie&#8217;s impatience while the two girls became very
+anxious.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was only an hour or so, Mr. Ford said, before Aunt Betty&#8217;s train
+would leave and I shall be too late to see her&mdash;to bid her good-by&mdash;and
+it&#8217;s for all summer&mdash;a whole long summer! I must go, I must find her, I
+shall&mdash;I will!&#8221; cried poor Dorothy, her own words increasing her fear of
+this calamity, and with a sudden burst of tears. For an instant she
+tried to keep them back, then careless who might see her crying, darted
+outward to the curbstone and to the hackman waiting there.</p>
+
+<p>In so doing she collided with a gentleman entering, who staggered
+backward from the impact, then quietly put his hands upon the girl&#8217;s
+shoulders, to steady her also.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Beg pardon, little miss! and hello! What&#8217;s wrong? Did I hurt you? Beg
+pardon twice, in that case!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tone was kindly and to Dorothy it was a case of &#8220;any port in a
+storm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No, no, sir, you didn&#8217;t! But I&#8217;m&mdash;we&#8217;re&mdash;in dreadful trouble. Do you
+know&mdash;do you?&mdash;where that other hotel is, that Metropolitan?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely, I know. Why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it far? Can I run there quick? The cabman&mdash;we haven&#8217;t any money&mdash;it
+was a mistake&mdash;and I must go, I must!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie laid a soothing hand on Dorothy&#8217;s, which she had clasped
+imploringly before the stranger, and told their story.</p>
+
+<p>The effect was surprising. This gentleman was the proprietor of this
+establishment and he well knew Mr. Ford, by reputation at least. With
+one angry glance around the lobby and at the now obsequious clerk, he
+wheeled about, strode to the cab, opened the door and lifted Dorothy
+within. Then he as promptly settled Alfaretta beside her, himself took
+the forward seat and motioned Leslie to follow. Then he ordered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, cabby, drive like lightning! It&#8217;ll be worth your while. Straight
+ahead, five blocks&mdash;east two&mdash;north three! Drive, I tell you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And &#8220;drive&#8221; the man did, as fast as his slow horse could be urged, while
+within the carriage the three young folks sat in anxiety, Dorothy
+leaning far forward, as if by that means she could reach her destination
+sooner.</p>
+
+<p>Their new friend beamed upon her, asking a few questions which drew out
+a brief history of their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>trip and the plans for their coming summer.
+Then almost before the cab was halted before a big hotel he had opened
+its door again and taking the hands of the two girls piloted them
+straight into it and through some great halls to the dining room. There
+he halted and gave the name:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Daniel Ford and party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At dinner, sir, private dining room. May not wish to be disturbed. I&#8217;ll
+send to inquire&mdash;step into the reception room please,&#8221; bowed and
+explained the employee the gentleman had summoned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s all right. Direct us. I&#8217;m Darby of the Metropole. These young
+people belong to Mr. Ford&#8217;s party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A moment later they had met Mr. Ford himself, issuing from his private
+room, vexed and anxious at their delay and starting out in their
+pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, laggards! What does this mean? Wasting the time when there&#8217;s so
+little of it? Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s fretting so she can&#8217;t eat her dinner
+and&mdash;in with you! In with you! There&#8217;s but fifteen minutes before her
+train starts east!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When a good natured man is angry he seems another person and Dorothy
+drew back in fear. But Alfaretta&#8217;s own temper rose and she exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t scold us, please, Mr. Ford, it wasn&#8217;t our fault!&#8221; while Leslie
+vainly tried to explain: &#8220;A gentleman, a stranger, brought us here and
+paid our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>cab fare. I want a dollar, Dad, to refund him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But, for once, the doting father was deaf to his son&#8217;s words. He did not
+even pause in his rapid stride along the corridor, fairly dragging
+Dorothy off her feet in his unconscious haste, and finally depositing
+her in an empty chair beside Aunt Betty&#8217;s, with the remark:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s your &#8216;bad penny&#8217; again! She&mdash;they all&mdash;will learn some lessons
+up at San Leon, this summer, or I&#8217;m a mistaken man. The one thing nobody
+should dare lose is&mdash;time!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Calvert gave him a surprised look but she had also been hurt by
+Dorothy&#8217;s absence during the brief space that remained to them together,
+and she hastened to deliver the many last charges and bits of advice
+that seemed needful before their parting.</p>
+
+<p>A waiter placed their dinner before the three young folks and Alfy and
+Leslie fell to work upon it with hungry zeal, but Dorothy could not eat.
+Her eye had discovered a clock on the wall, with the hands pointing five
+minutes to three. At ten minutes past that hour the &#8220;Eastern Limited&#8221;
+would roll out of the station and she be left behind. In a sudden
+impulse, she threw her arms about Aunt Betty&#8217;s neck, begging:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take me with you! Please take me with you! I&mdash;I love you best of all
+the world, so why shouldn&#8217;t we keep together?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p><p>If there were tears in Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s bright, dark eyes, she did not
+allow them to fall. Unclasping her darling&#8217;s arms and gently laying them
+down, she silently signalled to Mrs. Ford and almost as silently left
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>The &#8220;Gray Lady&#8221; followed and Aunt Betty whispered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m getting too old for good-bys. I&#8217;m going to slip away in the hotel
+stage and don&#8217;t let Dolly follow me, please, till it&#8217;s too late. She&#8217;ll
+be all right again, directly, and&mdash;and so shall I. Good-by to you,
+though, and&mdash;that&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dolly dropped her head on the edge of the table, as Aunt Betty loosened
+her arms. She was bravely trying to overcome the sudden loneliness which
+possessed her and in this was helped by Alfy&#8217;s warning:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dolly Doodles! Take your head out of your soup plate! Are you crazy?
+There goes your ribbon right into the mess!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The head was lifted so suddenly that the ribbon flew off and fell into
+the dish and its owner&#8217;s tears ended in a giggle. Then her face flushed
+at thought of her own awkwardness and she looked down expecting a
+reprimand from Mrs. Calvert. When none came she lifted her eyes and
+found the next chair empty. This was a relief. She&#8217;d hide the ribbon
+before her aunt discovered it! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>But already the waiter had whisked that
+plate away and was supplying her with another.</p>
+
+<p>Funny! Where Aunt Betty had gone! But, of course she&#8217;d merely left the
+room for a minute and would be back to say good-by. Then she picked at
+her food for a moment, wondering why Mr. Ford had also disappeared, and
+at the eagerness with which Leslie and Alfaretta enjoyed the good things
+served to them.</p>
+
+<p>Gray Lady slipped back to her own place between the other two young
+people and began to ask them about the adventure which had delayed them.
+Presently they were all talking together, even Dorothy adding her
+comments and forgetting to look again at that warning clock.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, she was listening to the grumbles of Leslie who, for once, was
+angry against his father and was explaining to his mother:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never felt so ashamed of myself. The idea of letting that stranger,
+and the proprietor of a rival hotel, pay our cab fare! I wish you&#8217;d hand
+me the cash and I&#8217;ll send a boy to hunt him up and settle. I&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford stopped his further complaints by a nod of her head and the
+odd remark:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They must have arrived by this time and the others must be gone. Yes,
+they ought to be here. I hope they&#8217;ll not delay us, too, as you did.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>Money? No, dear, I can&#8217;t give you that. Not in this case when your
+father has denied it. Ah! Fifteen minutes after three! Then our friends
+must be well out of the city by now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray, as her son still loved to call her, now took her eyes from
+the clock she had been studying and cast a tender look upon the face of
+Dorothy. The girl had sprung up from her chair and had fixed her own
+gaze upon the time-piece while the color left her cheeks and she
+trembled violently. But Mrs. Ford&#8217;s arm was about the slender waist and
+her voice was comforting:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your Aunt Betty thought it was the best. She shrank from the good-bys
+for both your sakes. She&#8217;s a wonderful woman and thinks of everything
+that will make people happier. She said she&#8217;d just postpone the
+farewells till you meet again. She went away as cheerfully as possible
+and you must follow her example. Ah! hark!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy&#8217;s bent head lifted slightly. There was a sound of merry,
+youthful voices in the corridor, the genial tones of Mr. Ford mingling
+with them, and presently the portieres were parted and the opening was
+filled by a group of faces matching the voices and belonging to&mdash;Could
+it be? Could it!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Molly Breckenridge! Helena! Oh! Oh! Jim&mdash;you dears!&#8221; cried the
+astonished Dolly, rubbing her eyes that had been so dimmed by tears, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>gazing at the faces in the doorway as if she couldn&#8217;t believe her own
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>There, too, was Alfaretta, clasping the hands of all the newcomers,
+fairly dancing up and down in her excitement, &#8220;hail-fellow-well-met&#8221;
+with them all, forgetful for once of the difference in their social
+positions which had used to make her shy and restrained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be I awake or asleep? How in my senses have you all got away out here
+to this jumpin&#8217; off place of all creation? Jim Barlow, you darlin&#8217; old
+Jim! How&#8217;s Ma Babcock? How&#8217;s Pa? How&#8217;s every single one the precious
+folks up-mounting? Oh! I could just squeeze the life out of you, I&#8217;m so
+terrible glad to see you!&#8221; almost screamed the girl, as she now for a
+moment forsook the &#8220;&#8217;ristocratics&#8221; of the party to hug and kiss James
+Barlow.</p>
+
+<p>He, poor fellow, rid himself of her clasping arms as soon as possible,
+reddening yet laughing, and casting an appealing look upon the lady who
+had risen from the table and stood smiling her welcome to them all.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t mind Alfy, ma&#8217;am; she always did have to be the middle of
+things,&#8221; begged the lad, overcoming his own shyness rather than have
+that beautiful lady think he was a &#8220;softie&#8221; who liked kissing girls.
+Also, he was thankful that Dorothy had contented herself with merely
+holding <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>tight to his hand and simply looking her affection.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! that&#8217;s all right. We love Alfy; and this, I see, is that wonderful
+&#8216;Jim&#8217; of whom I&#8217;ve been told so much. I&mdash;we&mdash;are delighted that you were
+able to take your holiday with us; and though we are not there yet, I
+bid you hearty welcome to San Leon,&#8221; said Lady Gray, now moving forward
+and warmly shaking the hand of the &#8220;work boy&#8221; as Dorothy released it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t it splendid? Is it a surprise? Didn&#8217;t you know a thing about it,
+Dolly Doodles?&#8221; demanded pretty Molly, hugging her friend, then standing
+back to hold her at arm&#8217;s length and study the changes which a few
+months&#8217; separation had made in the beloved face.</p>
+
+<p>Helena Montaigne, too, was trying to clasp her in equally tender arms,
+and Molly reluctantly released Dorothy, while she let Mr. Ford lead her
+to his wife, introducing her as:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The daughter of my old friend, Judge Breckenridge. He and I were
+classmates once, and come here, Leslie boy! I&#8217;ve heard this little lady
+spoken of as &#8216;Jolly Molly,&#8217; and you must make it your business that not
+one day of her coming summer with us shall be anything save &#8216;jolly.&#8217; Ah!
+Erminie, young people on a ranch!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Evidently, Leslie was as much in the dark as Dorothy and Alfy had been,
+this visitation of so many young strangers a complete surprise to him;
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>but he was trained to good manners and at once captivated Molly&#8217;s
+admiration by his cordial greeting. So that, a moment later, she
+whispered to Dorothy:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t he a dear! I declare he&#8217;s just a heavenly handsome boy, with his
+blue eyes and&mdash;and his <i>air</i>! He really is too sweet for words, that
+boy!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Whereat Dolly laughed and answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! you funny Molly! You don&#8217;t change a bit! Still &#8216;doting on boys&#8217; as
+much as ever! How&#8217;s Melvin?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Melvin&#8217;s a poke. The invitation included him, too, but he sets himself
+up stiff as stiff and said he had no time to waste visiting. He&#8217;d got to
+learn the business soon as he could, for his mother&mdash;Oh! a lot of bosh
+about his mother, and her trusting him. Even my father&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind him, then, but tell me how in the world you happened to come
+just here and now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two had retreated to the window and stood with arms about each other
+and Dorothy&#8217;s eyes now free from tears. Indeed, so surprising was this
+whole affair that she had, for a moment, forgotten Aunt Betty&#8217;s
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, it&#8217;s this way. Mr. Ford is an old friend of Papa&#8217;s and when he
+found out that you knew us, too, he just planned the whole thing for a
+grand treat to you! He wrote Papa that he was under <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>&#8216;lifelong
+obligation to you&#8217; because&mdash;well, of something or other. I wasn&#8217;t told
+what, but it doesn&#8217;t matter. The thing that does matter is that we&#8217;re to
+be together all summer long, at least for three whole months. Think of
+that, girlie, just think of that! He wrote Papa, too, that he&#8217;d have
+liked to gather the whole &#8216;House Party&#8217; together if it had been
+practical, but his wife didn&#8217;t think it would. I reckon she knew she&#8217;d
+have her hands full enough, chaperoning eight youngsters, without asking
+more. We came pretty near not getting Helena and Herbert, though! Mr.
+Montaigne fancied it was too much like an imposition to let them come,
+because he didn&#8217;t know the Fords. Helena wrote me that, so I got Dad to
+send him a letter to make him stop and think! Besides, Jim&mdash;that boy is
+just grand! He&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course, honey. He&#8217;s a boy, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Laugh away! I&#8217;m too happy to care. I do like boys best. Why shouldn&#8217;t
+I? They&#8217;re heaps more fun than girls&mdash;except you. And to think! Helena
+and Jim were the real chaperons of our trip, though Helena&#8217;s governess,
+Miss Milliken, was called such. But she&#8217;s a stick! I had the time of my
+life, keeping her scared all the way on. Oh! I&#8217;m glad to be off that
+train. Mr. Ford says we&#8217;re to finish our journey in wagons. I like
+that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I don&#8217;t see Miss Milliken, Molly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. She knows some people here in Denver <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>and they met her at the
+station and carried her off to dine with them. I wish she&#8217;d get belated
+and left behind. She was a regular kill-joy all the way out.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poor, meek, timid woman! She used to have so little snap that Herbert
+nicknamed her &#8216;The Worm.&#8217; It was horrid&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, she&#8217;s &#8216;turned,&#8217; then. Of course, we were pretty full of fun and
+scared her with some of our pranks. But&mdash;Ah! there she is now! You can&#8217;t
+lose that woman! Mrs. Montaigne told her that &#8216;the lives of her precious
+children were entrusted to her hands,&#8217; and the governess feels her
+responsibility to the full, I tell you. Even Helena&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dinner for the newcomers!&#8221; called Mr. Ford, interrupting, as a fresh
+meal was placed upon the table and they were invited to their seats. The
+zeal with which they accepted and the fine appetites they displayed sent
+a satisfied smile to their host&#8217;s lips, and he nodded merrily to his
+wife:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No invalids among them! Glad of that! But youngsters, eat first,
+chatter afterwards! The wagons will be at the door very soon and I want
+to get in a good thirty miles before bedtime!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They tried to check their eager talk but they were all too excited for
+quiet, and presently rose from the table, ready for the ride, while Mr.
+Ford said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Erminie, wife, you do the pairing off of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>the youngsters, and
+arrange how we shall divide. First, count noses! Eight youngsters, three
+oldsters, two &#8216;boys&#8217;&mdash;thirteen passengers in all! Miss Milliken, did you
+ever &#8216;cross the plains&#8217; before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The prim little lady, who had been standing beside Mrs. Ford, appeared
+not to hear the gentleman&#8217;s question, but turned with an air of anxiety
+to ask in turn:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madam, did I hear there were &#8216;thirteen,&#8217; THIRTEEN?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Miss Milliken. Why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I think you&#8217;ll have to excuse me. I might follow you later if
+there were some way but I positively decline to make the thirteenth of
+any party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There certainly was nothing wormlike, or undecided, about the governess,
+whose lips had closed in such a thin line of obstinacy as changed her
+whole appearance, while her would-be hostess inquired with amusement:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you superstitious, Miss Milliken? Surely, with your culture and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Helena advanced with an air of authority:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Milliken, this is absurd! Please get back your common sense. Remember
+we are guests and have no right to object to anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The chaperon bridled, but kept silence, till Mr. Ford explained:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thirteen doesn&#8217;t mean the whole party. There&#8217;ll be three drivers,
+besides. Possibly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>more men picked up along the road. Moreover, thirteen
+is my &#8216;lucky number,&#8217; if &#8216;luck&#8217; is anything. Well, Mrs. Ford, have you
+arranged the company?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I cannot. I know them so slightly, as yet, and the best way is to
+draw lots. How many will the first buckboard carry?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Eight, all told. A dozen, if need be. Well, time&#8217;s precious! Here&#8217;s a
+lot of matches. The whole ones go in number one, the next lengths in
+wagon two, and the little ones in the last. See, I&#8217;ve snapped them off,
+and Miss Milliken, as head of the expedition, please draw first!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lady flushed and drew. Her lot was in the last and smallest
+buckboard which would carry but two more beside the driver; and it fell
+out that her companions would be Alfaretta and Monty Stark. The driver
+was known as Silent Pete, and it certainly was an odd combination which
+had resulted from the first &#8220;drawing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To the leading wagon the &#8220;lots&#8221; assigned the three Fords and Jedediah,
+their colored &#8220;boy,&#8221; with Molly, Helena and Herbert&mdash;their driver, Lem
+Hunt, the most talkative man at San Leon but, also, the crack whip of
+the ranch.</p>
+
+<p>The driver of the second team was &#8220;Tenderfoot Sorrel,&#8221; so called because
+of his red hair and his comparatively recent arrival from the east. He
+was less familiar with the country than the other two teamsters and had
+been assigned to the place <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>in the middle of the little cavalcade, so
+that &#8220;he can&#8217;t lose hisself afore or ahind, ary way,&#8221; as Lemuel
+explained it.</p>
+
+<p>Naturally, everybody was disappointed at the result of the lots, Mrs.
+Ford protesting that it was inhospitable to put all her family in one
+vehicle, and that the best, but that &#8220;a Ford should have been in each.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s change, then,&#8221; begged Monty, &#8220;and let one of the girls settle it
+as she knows we&#8217;d like it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Alfy gave him such a frown that he ducked his head, avoiding an
+imaginary blow, while Miss Milliken as vigorously declared:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mustn&#8217;t do that. Oh! don&#8217;t do that! &#8217;Twould be the very worst luck
+of all. Something would surely happen!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if there doesn&#8217;t I shall be disappointed! We&#8217;re all eager for
+adventures, and that&#8217;s why I took this long, roundabout way to the
+ranch. We could have gone there in next to no time, by rail, but that&#8217;s
+too humdrum a thing. Anyhow, I bow to Miss Milliken&#8217;s prejudices for the
+time being. We shall be in sight of each other all the time, I expect,
+and meet at Roderick&#8217;s for our suppers and beds! All off for San Leon
+that&#8217;s going!&#8221; cried Mr. Ford, in imitation of a steamboat steward, and
+taking his wife&#8217;s arm led her and her guests out of the hotel.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p><p>The trunks and heavier luggage had already gone ahead in other wagons
+and only suit-cases and hand-bags were on hand. These were hastily
+bestowed in the boxes of the two less crowded buckboards, and no
+attention paid to their ownership, since it was expected that all would
+meet at &#8220;Roderick&#8217;s,&#8221; where every traveller could find his own.</p>
+
+<p>With a blast on his coach horn, a crack of his long whip over his
+four-in-hand, proud Lemuel led the way along the city street, out of the
+town, and into the open country beyond.</p>
+
+<p>All the horses attached to the blackboards were the picked ones of the
+San Leon stables, with a record known as well in the far east as in that
+wide western land. As one spectator of this gallant start remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It goes without saying that Dan Ford will drive no second-rate
+horseflesh, any more &#8217;n he will a second-class railroad. My! See &#8217;em
+travel! At that gait they&#8217;ll pick up the stretch &#8217;twixt here and
+&#8216;Roderick&#8217;s&#8217; long before nightfall, or I&#8217;m no judge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Likely enough, likely enough. Only I don&#8217;t like the looks of that
+second span&mdash;I mean the one to the middle buckboard. Them blacks. The
+boys up to S&#8217; Leon hadn&#8217;t no right to trust a tenderfoot to drive them
+critters!&#8221; remarked another observer, as the fretful animals passed out
+of sight, following their leaders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p><p>Even Lem Hunt looked back once or twice, as they left the city limits,
+and waved a warning hand toward &#8220;T. Sorrel,&#8221; who merely tossed his red
+head and continued to draw upon the reins he should have loosened. Also,
+Silent Pete opened his lips for once and hallooed to the man ahead:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let &#8217;em out, you fool! Give &#8217;em their heads, I say!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then he relapsed into his normal condition, attending strictly to his
+own business and making himself deaf to the timid shrieks of Miss
+Milliken, from the rear seat. He was known to &#8220;hate silly women&#8221; and
+felt his fate a hard one in having to escort such a one as the
+governess. She, accustomed only to the sedate pace of the fat Montaigne
+steeds, felt that the spirited animals before that wagon were simply on
+the road to destruction and nowhere short of it! She clung to her
+seat-arm with one hand and clutched Pete&#8217;s coat collar with the other,
+frantically beseeching him:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do stop! Oh! you&mdash;man&mdash;just stop&mdash;and let me get my breath! I&mdash;I bump
+so&mdash;I&mdash;I can&#8217;t even think!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But this western jehu merely flicked her fingers off as he would a
+troublesome fly, while Monty coolly advised:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t try, Miss Milliken. Fast? Why, they call this mere walkin&#8217; out
+here. I&#8217;m going to take a nap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>He settled himself sidewise on his seat, folded his arms upon its back,
+dropped his face upon them and tried to sleep. He was cross. He had
+wanted to ride in the foremost vehicle with the fine four-in-hand. He
+hated being put at the tail end of the procession with stupid Alfaretta
+Babcock, a speechless man, and a nervous, half-hysterical woman for
+companions. But the chuckle that escaped him a moment later proved that
+his slumber was only a pretended one. At a particularly rough spot in
+the road and a particularly shrill scream from Miss Milliken, the angry
+ranchman faced about and rudely ordered: &#8220;Shut up!&#8221; Then his lips closed
+with a click and nothing further escaped them during all that drive.</p>
+
+<p>Alfaretta giggled; then strained her eyes again to pierce the distance
+which she had been studying for some time. Then she laid a hand on
+Monty&#8217;s head and shook it vigorously:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wake up, boy! Look ahead and see if either wagon is in sight! &#8217;Tisn&#8217;t
+so awful dark yet but I wish&mdash;I wish I could get a glimpse of Dolly and
+Jim. That fool driver might have taken the wrong road where it branched
+off a ways back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Silent Pete heard and guessed this was the truth, but he ventured no
+reply. His business was to drive his own horses and let the tenderfoot
+look out for himself. But Monty roused himself enough to assure Alfy:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;He wouldn&#8217;t do that! Why, that road is nothing but a trail through the
+woods. Dark as midnight. Don&#8217;t worry.&#8221; Then he settled himself to sleep
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Now the fact was that &#8220;T. Sorrel,&#8221; as his fellow ranchmen called him,
+had more conceit than common sense. He had heard that the branch road
+was a short cut to &#8220;Roderick&#8217;s,&#8221; but not that it was impassable for a
+team. A man on horseback might pass safely over it, by daylight and with
+a trustworthy mount. Not otherwise; and though the opening was fairly
+clear the trail entered a hopeless tangle of underbrush and fallen
+timber but a short way further on. To go forward then became impossible,
+and equally so the turning back. The lively blacks resented the
+scratching of briers and broken branches upon their tender limbs and
+pranced and fretted wildly. A molly cottontail scurried across the track
+before them and with a mutual, frenzied impulse they shied and sprang
+into the air.</p>
+
+<p>The buckboard flew upward, turned turtle, scattered its load in all
+directions, then settled into a broken heap, while the light traces
+yielded to the strength of the horses, and they rushed madly forward out
+of sight.</p>
+
+<p>At that very moment it had been, that Silent Pete and his wagon had
+passed the entrance of that trail; and even in that dusk his trained eye
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>had noted fresh wheel and hoof prints. But it was not his business to
+stop and investigate. He had been set to bring his party to
+&#8220;Roderick&#8217;s&#8221;, not to take care of a tenderfoot who ought to have a
+nurse, the fool!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MIDNIGHT SEARCHING PARTY</h3>
+
+<p>The night was growing late and there were anxious hearts at
+&#8220;Roderick&#8217;s.&#8221; The four-in-hand had arrived hours before, and Silent Pete
+had also brought his party safely in&mdash;to the mutual relief of himself
+and Miss Milliken, the latter really surprised to find she had arrived
+sound in body and limb. She had promptly retired to the little chamber
+assigned herself and Helena, only to reappear in fresh distress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My suit-case with my night-things! I can&#8217;t find it anywhere. The one
+they gave me has a lot of boys&#8217; things in it-all jumbled together. I&#8217;d
+like my suit-case, please. I&#8217;m worn out with that awful ride and if I&#8217;ve
+got to repeat it to-morrow, I must get to rest;&#8221; but as the buxom maid
+to whom she appealed paid her scant attention, she turned to Helena with
+her wail: &#8220;Oh, Miss Helena! <i>Won&#8217;t</i> you make them give me the right
+case?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The emphasis put on the &#8220;won&#8217;t&#8221; suggested a desperate need, but merely
+annoyed her young mistress, who requested:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t make a nuisance of yourself, Milly. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>loss of a suit-case is
+nothing compared to&mdash;Oh! if Dolly were only safely here!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She will be, of course. Haven&#8217;t I, with my nerves, lived through that
+ride? But, you don&#8217;t understand, dear, I <i>want my things</i>. I can&#8217;t wear
+a boy&#8217;s pajamas&mdash;all mussed up, at that. I want, I want to go to bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, for goodness&#8217; sake&mdash;go!&#8221; cried Monty Stark, who had come up to
+the pair. &#8220;That&#8217;ll give us a rest, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall have to sit up all night, then,&#8221; still moaned the lady, &#8220;for
+your case isn&#8217;t to be found either, Miss Helena.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then finding no greater sympathy from her mistress than from that saucy
+boy, the governess betook herself out of the way. She was the only one
+of the party which had so gaily left Denver that now cared for anything
+except the appearance down the road of the missing buckboard.</p>
+
+<p>Molly and Leslie, congenial spirits, had tried to laugh off their
+anxiety and to convince the others that everything was &#8220;all right, of
+course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Likely Dolly Doodles has discovered some new sort of flowers somewhere
+and has wandered off to get them. She&#8217;s always doing that kind of
+thing,&#8221; Molly assured her hostess, who had gently answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll hope it&#8217;s only that. But she&#8217;d scarcely look for wild flowers at
+night, nor do anything <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>to make us anxious by her delay. Our Dorothy is
+a very considerate girl and I wish&mdash;they would come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Linking her arm within Helena&#8217;s, the lady set her steps to suit the
+girl&#8217;s and resumed the pacing up and down the long piazza. The house was
+a one-storied building, stretching along the roadway to a size that was
+unusual for such a locality. It had been added to at different periods,
+as need arose; each addition being either a little lower or higher than
+its neighbor, according to the cash in hand, but invariably with the
+continuance of the comfortable piazza. This now afforded a long
+promenade, and all the people gathered at the wayside inn that night,
+were using it to walk off their impatience at the delay of &#8220;Tenderfoot
+Sorrel&#8221; to bring in his team.</p>
+
+<p>Supper had been put back till it was spoiled, and having been
+telegraphed for beforehand, good Mrs. Roderick had wasted her best
+efforts upon it. But, at last, seeing Monty and Molly peering through
+the kitchen windows in a hungry sort of way, Mr. Ford ordered it served
+and all repaired to the dining room, feeling that the meal would be a
+farce, yet something with which to kill time.</p>
+
+<p>However, the long ride in the keen air had given all a fine appetite and
+despite the landlady&#8217;s laments over the &#8220;dried-up stuff,&#8221; the table was
+nearly cleared of its food when they left it. Moreover, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>everyone felt
+better and brighter for the refreshment and so hopeful now for the
+speedy arrival of the laggards, that Mr. Ford suggested to the waitress:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just have a few things kept warm for the others. There&#8217;ll be four of
+them. If they aren&#8217;t here within a half-hour, now, I&#8217;ll go back in
+search of them. Something may have happened to the wagon and they left
+to come on a-foot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear, did you ask the man you call Silent Pete if he passed them
+anywhere along the road?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely, I did that the first thing. He had neither passed nor seen
+them, he said.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;m going to interview him again. Come on, Miss Molly, to the
+stable with me,&#8221; cried Leslie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Molly,&#8217; without the &#8216;Miss,&#8217; please, and I&#8217;m ready enough! It seems as
+if I must be doing something, for everybody is looking so worried,&#8221; she
+answered, catching his outstretched hand and racing with him down the
+long porch and around to the stables in the rear.</p>
+
+<p>Silent Pete had not gone to the loft where the workmen slept. He had
+wrapped himself in a blanket and, with another for a pillow, had settled
+himself in a corner of the loose box next the stalls where his team
+stood. He was so devoted to them that he couldn&#8217;t leave them alone in a
+strange stable, though from the snores which already <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>came from him he
+didn&#8217;t seem a great protection to anything.</p>
+
+<p>But Silent Pete was wily. He had heard the voices of the pair without
+the building, asking a groom to tell where Pete could be found, and had
+resented being disturbed. He had done his day&#8217;s work, he had no
+intention of joining in any search that might be made for the
+delinquents, and he promptly pretended slumber. But he hadn&#8217;t reckoned
+upon Leslie&#8217;s persistence nor his own uneasy conscience.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wake up there, Peter, if that&#8217;s your name! I&#8217;m your boss&#8217;s son, and I
+want a word with you. Wake up, man!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The snores deepened. Rarely had the nose of mortal man emitted such
+ear-splitting sounds as now issued from the nostrils of the ranchman, as
+Leslie shoved aside the sliding door of the loose box and stepped
+within.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, Molly-without-the-Miss, take the lantern and hold it so I can
+find the head inside that roll of blankets! Feet are big enough. Can&#8217;t
+miss them,&#8221; said the lad, stumbling over the protruding boots of the
+sleeper. &#8220;I&#8217;ll take this pitchfork and prod him up a bit. Hello, Pete! I
+say, Pete, you&#8217;ve earned your name one way&mdash;but you hardly deserve it
+another. &#8216;Silent!&#8217; You&#8217;ll certainly keep the horses awake and&mdash;Wake up,
+I say! You shall!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie thrust the pitchfork into the boards of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>floor so
+uncomfortably near that snoring nose that Pete hitched aside and so
+admitted himself awake. Molly ran into the box and held the lantern low,
+while the boy squatted at the teamster&#8217;s head and thumped it soundly.
+Both were giggling, which incensed their victim still further, and he
+suddenly tossed off his blanket with such force that it hit Molly&#8217;s face
+and made her jump away, while Leslie ordered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quit that! Don&#8217;t you know how to treat a lady?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, save a frown directed toward the laughing girl, and
+the lad demanded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re to open your lips and tell us what you think has happened to
+that tenderfoot driver and his team. Why doesn&#8217;t he come in? They say
+you&#8217;re the oldest driver round, know the most about the roads, or
+trails, and your opinion&#8217;s wanted. Give it quick, because&mdash;Well,
+there&#8217;ll be some thing doin&#8217; if you do know anything and don&#8217;t tell it.
+I don&#8217;t understand why I suspect you&#8217;re hiding things but I do; unless
+it&#8217;s that grudge I heard some men say you had against the &#8216;Sorrel&#8217;
+fellow. Now, you talk. Where do you think that buckboard is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gone to smash.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly screamed at this cool answer, and Leslie threatened his pitchfork.
+But it was neither of these things which moved Pete to tersely disclose
+his private opinion:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I know nothin&#8217;. I guess shortcut and destruction. Lem knows the trail.
+T. Sorrel ain&#8217;t wuth huntin&#8217;, nor them boys. Little gal&mdash;might&mdash;Talk to
+Lem. Clear out.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Having relieved his conscience of this much information the man buried
+his face again in his blanket and resumed his interrupted repose. Leslie
+wasted one moment of indignation upon him, as a heartless human being,
+then hurried out of the place and to his father.</p>
+
+<p>When consulted, Lem Hunt hesitated for an instant only, then advised:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Best get right a-doin&#8217; things! No wagons, but fresh hosses and as many
+of &#8217;em as want to go. Jiminy cricket! If T. Sorrel branched off where
+Pete thinks he did he&#8217;s done for hisself an&#8217; all consarned. Let&#8217;s be
+steppin&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, there were plenty of fresh horses at &#8220;Roderick&#8217;s&#8221; that
+night. A drove of them were corralled behind the inn, <i>en route</i> from a
+distant ranch to Denver, and thence eastward to market. All of them were
+well broken, to the saddle at least, and the best were promptly led out
+for Mr. Ford&#8217;s selection, leaving his own beasts to rest for the next
+day&#8217;s travel. Also, the drivers eagerly offered their own company,
+mounting without their saddles, which they insisted upon lending to the
+less experienced riders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p><p>Excitement followed Lemuel&#8217;s advice to &#8220;Be steppin&#8217;,&#8221; and a very few
+minutes&#8217; of bustling activity saw the cavalcade lined up before the inn
+with him for leader. It numbered Mr. Ford, Herbert and Monty, of that
+party; with Noll Roderick himself and three drovers. That Leslie had not
+joined the riders was due to his mother&#8217;s anxiety for his health, though
+his father had rather favored his going. The lad had been indignant at
+the &#8220;molly-coddling&#8221; and had hurt the tender heart of the Gray Lady by
+some angry words. Then he had walked away to the extreme end of the long
+piazza, whence he watched the disappearance of the rescuers down the
+moonlight road. As the horses&#8217; footfalls died in the distance, his
+grumblings were interrupted by a light touch on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come around this corner, boy! Hurry up!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He turned to find Molly Breckenridge beside him, her finger on her lip,
+and a wild light in her eyes. She was trembling with excitement and
+could scarcely wait to whisper:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going, too!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Girl, how can you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Horseback, course. Roderick&#8217;s daughter&#8217;s lending me her own pony.
+Mattie, her name is, and she was all for going with the others but her
+mother can&#8217;t spare her. I told her I was just crazy, thinking of my
+Dorothy; hurt maybe, lost anyway, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>and nobody but a lot of men to speak
+to, even if they find her. Do you s&#8217;pose I&#8217;ll desert her? That I love
+best of all the world? I guess not. I&#8217;m a Breckenridge! Good-by!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was mischief in her eyes as she turned to leave him and Leslie
+laughed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Course! You&#8217;re thoroughbred&mdash;I saw that right away. And you&#8217;re my
+guest! Could I, as a gentleman, let you ride off alone on a lonely road
+at night? Hurray! You&#8217;re A 1! You&#8217;re rippin&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly sped around the house. She wasn&#8217;t familiar, as yet, with Leslie&#8217;s
+&#8220;rippin&#8217;&#8221; but she knew he&#8217;d approved of her wild prank and would join
+her in it. She was a far better rider than he, for in her own southern
+home she had been reared to the saddle and was never happier than when
+she had a good horse at command. Mattie&#8217;s pony was swift and easy, and
+Molly sprang to its back with the feeling that now she was &#8220;really doing
+something,&#8221; and that very speedily she would have her arms about her
+missing friend and all would be well. She had also begged Mattie to get
+a mount for Leslie, forseeing that he would follow her&mdash;exactly as he
+did. Another instant, and the pair were off along a little by-path,
+toward the main road and the pursuit of the searching party. As they
+struck into the smoother going Molly touched the calico pony with her
+whip and called to Leslie:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Come on! Hurry up! We&#8217;ll have to ride like the wind to catch up with
+the rest!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right&mdash;I&#8217;ll do my best but&mdash;but this&mdash;old nag&mdash;wait a little bit!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly wheeled about and did so, but the delay made her extremely
+impatient, and with some contempt she remarked, as the lad came
+alongside:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I supposed you could ride! You looked like a boy who knew how!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I do! But this thing I&#8217;m on&mdash;Call this a horse? I&#8217;d rather have a
+mule! How dared they give me such a thing?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In her hurry Molly had not observed the animal which had stood saddled
+at the stable door, and that now seemed as ugly and tiresome a beast as
+her own little pony was fine. Pity then banished vexation and she
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You poor fellow! I don&#8217;t believe Matty meant you to have that beast.
+But, come on, anyway. Maybe he&#8217;ll warm up after a bit, and I&#8217;ll take
+that back&mdash;that I said about your riding. I reckon you&#8217;re all right.
+Anybody must be who can stick on the rack-o&#8217;-bones you&#8217;ve got. Touch him
+up a little&mdash;I&#8217;ll set the pace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Away she sped while the gaunt creature which Leslie bestrode planted his
+forefeet firmly on the ground and refused to lift them thence. Molly was
+fast passing around a curve in the road and would then be out of sight,
+and Leslie&#8217;s temper rose <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>to its height. He forgot everything except his
+own awkward position and the fact that his lively young guest could have
+the laugh on him when that night&#8217;s tale was told.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! you hateful beast! You won&#8217;t go, eh? Well, go you shall! Hear me?
+Take that&mdash;and that&mdash;and&mdash;THAT!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Blows rained hard and fast, till the lash of the whip gave out, and the
+butt took its place. Then, as if the astonished horse had just aroused
+to the state of things, it bolted! and the way its old heels picked up
+that road was the most amazing thing of all that evening&#8217;s happenings.</p>
+
+<p>Then, indeed, did Leslie prove himself a better horseman than he looked,
+and, for all time to come, his full ability to &#8220;stick.&#8221; Riding ahead at
+a smart pace, but not her pony&#8217;s best, Molly heard the footfalls behind
+her and swerved out of the way&mdash;not a minute too soon! Evidently, the
+maligned &#8220;rack-o&#8217;-bones&#8221; would otherwise have ridden her down. He passed
+her like a whirlwind and then&mdash;she after him. Followed, a race to be
+remembered! The big horse keeping the lead, the little &#8220;calico&#8221;
+pit-pattering along behind in a hopeless effort to get even.</p>
+
+<p>Thus for what seemed an endless time, the long dusty road was desolate
+of any travellers except this pair of runaways. Sometimes a coyote
+yelped in the distance; occasionally some creeping thing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>barred the
+track before them; and a screech owl sent its blood-curdling cries into
+their ears. Otherwise they were alone in the wilderness and the night,
+and beyond speaking distance even of one another.</p>
+
+<p>The effect was to set each culprit thinking. How wild a thing they had
+done! How thoughtless, how selfish! What fresh anxiety they had added to
+the troubled hearts back there at &#8220;Roderick&#8217;s,&#8221; as soon as their absence
+was discovered! How flat their jolly adventure had fallen!</p>
+
+<p>Molly had bound Mattie to secrecy, and there was that about the western
+girl that convinced the other that the secret would be kept. If Mrs.
+Roderick did guess what had become of them, and said so, it would be no
+comfort to Lady Gray and Helena; and the longer Molly pondered the
+matter, the more ashamed and terrified she felt. What would Aunt
+Lucretia say? And what her father&mdash;could he see his madcap at that
+moment?</p>
+
+<p>In a bitter reaction of feeling the girl dropped her head upon the
+pony&#8217;s neck, though still mechanically urging the willing creature to
+her utmost speed. Her thoughts were far away when, suddenly, she felt a
+check upon the rein and lifted her startled face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, Leslie! You scared me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Were you asleep?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What then? Your head was down. The &#8216;calico&#8217; was taking her own way.
+What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s none&mdash;I mean, if you must know, I was crying.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! horrors! Why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because I&#8217;ve done such a dreadful thing. It was wicked. I had no right
+and&mdash;and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I know. You were frightened. Well, I was, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly straightened her shoulders and pretended contempt, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t know as gentlemen&mdash;&#8216;thoroughbreds,&#8217; you know&mdash;western
+thoroughbreds ever were fr-fri-ghtened. What&mdash;was&mdash;that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A curious cry had reached them and Molly finished her speech in a
+whisper. The horses, also, had heard it and had thrust back their ears
+in fear.</p>
+
+<p>Just there the road skirted the edge of a forest and the cry had come
+from its depths. They peered into the shadows but could see nothing, and
+edging the pony close to Beelzebub, as Leslie&#8217;s mount was named, Molly
+repeated her question.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Likely a wild cat, puma, or wolf. I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; he answered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you heard it before? Was it that scared you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I was afraid something would happen to you, left behind, alone. I
+fancy we&#8217;re in no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>danger that way&mdash;&#8221; pointing forestward. &#8220;But&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;But&#8217;&mdash;what? If you thought about me why didn&#8217;t you come back to look
+for me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t. Once he got in motion this beast wouldn&#8217;t stop till he&mdash;ran
+down like a clock.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh! You should go to a riding school! Let&#8217;s go on, now, or else back.
+I can&#8217;t stop here with lions and panthers yelling at us! I&mdash;I&mdash;Oh! do
+come on! But keep tight hold of the pony&#8217;s rein. Don&#8217;t get away from me
+again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shan&#8217;t. I can&#8217;t.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! come!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I tell you I can&#8217;t. We&#8217;re planted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly&#8217;s lip quivered, but she restrained her tears and tremulously
+entreated:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Leslie, don&#8217;t! I can&#8217;t stand teasing now. This isn&#8217;t funny&mdash;not a
+bit. Shall we go back? Or try to overtake the others?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can&#8217;t do either one. I tell you we&#8217;re simply stuck. Settled down and
+gone to housekeeping. Beelzebub has finished. He won&#8217;t take another
+step. Fact. We&#8217;ve got to make the best of it. If that pony of yours was
+as big as a decent calf we might ride double and leave this wretch to
+starve and think it over at his leisure. I don&#8217;t see why that girl gave
+me such a creature. Let&#8217;s get off and sit down on that rock and wait.
+Something&#8217;s bound to happen&mdash;sometime&mdash;if we live long enough. The
+folks&#8217;ll come back this same road, course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p><p>He jumped to the ground and held out his hand to her but, for a moment,
+she would not dismount; then as he coolly left her and walked to the
+rock he had pointed out, she slipped from her saddle and followed him.
+But she still held fast to her bridle rein and the pony offered no
+resistance to the leading, though the big brute of the profane name
+remained in the middle of the road, his forefeet pointed forward, his
+hind ones backward, his whole attitude one of stubborn ugliness.</p>
+
+<p>Leslie had reached a point where the ludicrous side of things appeared
+and he remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks like the potato-horses I used to make when I was a kid, with
+matches stuck in for legs. I wonder how long he&#8217;ll stand there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly smiled faintly. At present there were no alarming sounds from the
+forest and the boy&#8217;s apparent indifference to their lonely situation
+relieved her own fears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, it&#8217;s an &#8216;ill wind that blows nobody good,&#8217; you know. That Beelzy
+thing is the toughest I ever rode. He&#8217;s bumped me up and down till I
+ache all over and this rock is actually soft in comparison. Here. I&#8217;ll
+put some of these big ferns for a cushion for you, and, after all, we&#8217;ll
+meet our folks just as soon by waiting as by going on. They must come
+back, you know, sure as fate. This is the only road leads to
+&#8216;Roderick&#8217;s&#8217;, I heard them say. Hello! Why&mdash;Beelzebub, good boy!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p><p>A whim had seized the obstinate animal to approach his late rider and
+fawn about his feet, nibbling the scant grass which grew there, as the
+pony was already doing. In surprise at this change both Leslie and Molly
+laughed and forgot, for the time, that they were in such a desolate
+place at so late an hour.</p>
+
+<p>The horse&#8217;s action reminded Molly of an animal her father had once owned
+and she began to tell stories about him; stories that the boy matched
+with marvelous ones of his own. That some of these were fiction made no
+difference. Molly disdained to believe them but they served to pass the
+time as well as any better ones might have done. Indeed, fear had now
+left them. The rest after their hard ride was pleasant and both felt
+that they were simply waiting for their friends&#8217; return.</p>
+
+<p>So they sat on, as composedly as if they were safe at home, till Molly&#8217;s
+eyes, fixed upon the distant road, suddenly grew startled again.</p>
+
+<p>Leslie&#8217;s latest yarn had been of an Indian outbreak, or uprising, of
+recent date and in this neighborhood. He had heard it that evening from
+the men at the inn and had not paused to consider how unlikely was such
+an incident so near to the city of Denver. In truth, the &#8220;boys&#8221; had
+invented the whole story, just for the sake of impressing the young
+&#8220;tenderfeet&#8221;&mdash;Monty, Herbert and Leslie; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>and it had satisfied the
+jokers that these youngsters &#8220;swallered it hull.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Leslie had a gift for dramatic recital and listening to him the
+affair seemed very real to the girl. The scene and the hour suggested a
+possible repetition of the occurrence; and as there now came to her ears
+the sound of distant hoofbeats on the road, and presently, to her eyes
+the sight of a company of horsemen approaching, she gave one terrified
+cry and darted into the forest behind her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Indians! The&mdash;Indians! They&#8217;ll kill us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Moved by his own eloquence and still believing the story he had been
+told, the boy followed her flight. He did not even turn to look where
+she had pointed but, with a headlong rush, dashed into the wood and into
+a mass of briars which threw him face downward in their midst. Also, at
+that same instant both the deserted horses set up a continued neighing,
+which confirmed the fears of their riders who, both now prone upon the
+ground, felt that their last hour had come.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WATCHERS AT RODERICK&#8217;S</h3>
+
+<p>As soon as Molly and Leslie had ridden away, Mattie Roderick disappeared
+within her own room and became deaf to all the inquiries made outside
+her door. She was a high-spirited, &#8220;wild western&#8221; girl, accustomed to
+obeying little else than her own impulses. She had a fine record as a
+horsewoman and had been disappointed that she could not go with the
+searching party. This being the case, it was next better to lend her
+pony to that other lively girl who was so like herself.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Roderick was certain that the missing Molly and Leslie had
+followed the first party and could give no comfort to anxious Mrs. Ford
+beyond the statement:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Things don&#8217;t happen often, &#8217;twixt here an&#8217; Denver. Been one or two
+hold-ups, of men known to carry money, but beyond a murder or so, ain&#8217;t
+been no excitement this long spell.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Murder!&#8221; cried Helena aghast, and folding her arm a bit more tightly
+about Gray Lady&#8217;s trembling body.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! yes&#8217;m. A few has been. But nobody&#8217;d touch to harm them children.
+You needn&#8217;t worry. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>They&#8217;ve thought it smart to take a hand in the
+business, that&#8217;s all. Mattie won&#8217;t say &#8216;yes&#8217; nor &#8216;no&#8217; to my askin&#8217;, but
+the &#8216;calico&#8217;s&#8217; out of the corral and Long Jim&#8217;s Belezebub ain&#8217;t hitched
+no longer. Ha, ha, ha! If either them kids tries to ride Beelzy&mdash;Hmm.
+But Chiquita, now, she&#8217;s little but she&#8217;s great. Pa and Matt claim she&#8217;s
+worth her weight in gold. She&#8217;s likely, anyway. An&#8217; don&#8217;t fret, lady.
+They&#8217;ll all be home to breakfast, an&#8217; seein&#8217;s I&#8217;ve got that to cook,
+I&#8217;ll hump myself to bed and advisin&#8217; you to do the same. If not, make
+yourselves comfortable&#8217;s you can, and good night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After the landlady&#8217;s departure the house became strangely quiet. The men
+who had been talking outside sought their own rest, and the anxious
+watchers missed the murmur of voices and the sense of protection which
+the presence of even these strangers gave.</p>
+
+<p>While Mrs. Ford was still restlessly pacing the long piazza, Alfy
+slipped within. With her keen observation of details, she had seen where
+the woodpile was and that the fire on the hearth in the main room of the
+house had about died out. This had been lighted for the guests&#8217;
+enjoyment, the inn folks caring nothing for it and therefore easily
+forgetting to replenish it. When she had gathered an armful of wood,
+Alfy carried it to the fireplace and lustily blew upon the embers till a
+little blaze started. Then she heaped the sticks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>upon this and
+presently had a roaring flame. At once the room grew cheerful, its
+bareness furnished, as it were, by this open fire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, dear Lady Gray, please come right inside. You&#8217;ll get your death
+out here in this night air, with not even your cloak on. Come, Helena,
+you both come in,&#8221; said Alfaretta, appearing on the porch.</p>
+
+<p>But her first words had started the mother&#8217;s tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lady Gray.&#8221; That had been her son&#8217;s pet name for her, its use still
+more frequent than &#8220;Mother,&#8221; and with a little cry she murmured:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! my boy! Shall I ever hear you say that again!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see why not,&#8221; said practical Alfaretta, nodding to Helena to
+help persuade the woman to take a needed rest. &#8220;You heard that landlady
+tellin&#8217; how &#8217;t they&#8217;d all be home to breakfast. Well, then, she knows.
+She&#8217;s lived here a power o&#8217; time and we&#8217;ve only just come. Say, Helena,
+let&#8217;s make a pot of coffee and set the table. I can do it right on them
+coals, after the fire burns down a mite. If I can&#8217;t there, &#8217;twon&#8217;t be
+the first cook stove I&#8217;ve tackled in my life, and I know one thing if I
+don&#8217;t any more: that is, when those searchers and Dolly an&#8217; Jim do come
+they&#8217;ll be so tearing hungry they could nigh eat ten-penny nails. Come
+on. Let&#8217;s get supper for &#8217;em. You boss the job, Mrs. Ford, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>and then
+it&#8217;ll be done right. I saw a lot of chickens in a back room, as I come
+through, all fixed to fry. Well now, you both know I can fry chicken to
+the queen&#8217;s taste, and I&#8217;ll just lay myself out this time!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her energy and cheerfulness were not to be resisted. Mrs. Ford followed
+the two girls inside and with a little shiver, from her exposure
+outside, drew a chair to the hearth and bent to its warmth. Then, as if
+she had been in her own home, Alfaretta whisked about, dragging small
+tables from the dining room into this larger one, ordering Helena to do
+this and that, and all with a haste that was almost as cheering as the
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Helena, here&#8217;s the dish-closet. You set the table. My! Ain&#8217;t these
+the heaviest plates and cups you ever saw? Ma Babcock&#8217;d admire to get
+some like &#8217;em; our children break such a lot of things. But Mis&#8217; Calvert
+wouldn&#8217;t think she could drink tea out of such. She wants her &#8217;n to be
+thin as thin! and she&#8217;s got one set, &#8217;t belonged to her
+grandmother&mdash;great-grandma, I guess it was&mdash;come over from England or
+somewhere&mdash;that she won&#8217;t let no hands except her own touch to wash. I
+wish you could see Aunt Betty wash dishes! &#8217;Twould set you laughing, fit
+to split, first off. It did me till I begun to see the other side of it,
+seems if. First, she must have a little porcelain tub, like a baby&#8217;s
+wash-tub, sort of&mdash;then a tiny mop, doll&#8217;s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>mop, I called it, and
+towels&mdash;Why, her best table napkins aren&#8217;t finer than them towels be.
+And dainty! My heart! &#8217;Tis the prettiest picture in the world when that
+&#8217;ristocratic old lady washes her heirloom-china! But this&mdash;your hands&#8217;d
+get tired enough if you had to do much of this. Hurry up! Don&#8217;t you know
+how to set a table yet, great girl like you? Well, do the best you can.
+I&#8217;m going into that kitchen to cook. I can&#8217;t wait for this fire to get
+low. I surely can&#8217;t, because, you see, they might be here any
+minute&mdash;any single minute&mdash;and nothing done yet, not even the table set.
+Mrs. Ford, you better cut the bread. Here&#8217;s a lot of it in a tin box,
+and a knife with it, sharp enough to cut a feller&#8217;s head off. You best
+not touch it, Helena, you&#8217;re so sort of clumsy with things. Now I&#8217;m off
+to boil &#8217;tatoes and fry chicken!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to retain gloomy forebodings while Alfy&#8217;s cheerful
+tongue was running on at this rate, and as she left the living-room for
+the kitchen at the rear both Lady Gray and Helena were laughing, partly
+at their own awkwardness at the tasks assigned them as well as at her
+glib remarks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never set a table in my life!&#8221; cried Helena, in glee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I never sliced a loaf of bread!&#8221; said Gray Lady; &#8220;though I&#8217;ll admit
+it is time I learned. Indeed, I&#8217;ve never had a home, you know, and I&#8217;m
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>looking forward to my housekeeping as eagerly as a child to her
+playhouse.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m wondering what the landlady will say, when she finds how we&#8217;ve
+invaded her pantry,&#8221; continued Helena, carefully arranging the coarse
+stone-china upon the oilcloth covered tables. She had begun very
+reluctantly but found that the labor was a delightful relief from worry,
+and, with the good sense she possessed, now went on with it as
+painstakingly as if she expected a fashionable and critical company.
+Indeed, her first table-setting, copied, as near as she could remember,
+from the careful appointments of her own mother&#8217;s board, was to be an
+object lesson to others besides herself.</p>
+
+<p>For presently there was the sound of voices in the kitchen; Alfaretta&#8217;s,
+of course, with another equally gay and girlish.</p>
+
+<p>Mattie Roderick had slept lightly. She had been excited over the arrival
+of the Ford party in the first place, and doubly so from the later
+events of the night. So as she lay sleepless and listening, she heard
+the rattle of cooking things in the kitchen below and soon the odor of
+frying. With a little grumble she got up and put on the few garments she
+had discarded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It can&#8217;t be near morning yet. I don&#8217;t see what&#8217;s set Ma to cooking,
+&#8217;less they&#8217;re on the road back and nigh starved. One thing I know! I
+shan&#8217;t marry no tavern-keeper! It&#8217;s nothin&#8217; but fry, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>roast, bake, an&#8217;
+bile, the hull endurin&#8217; time. I&#8217;m goin&#8217; to quit and go east fur as
+Denver, anyhow, soon&#8217;s I get my age. I&#8217;d like to look same&#8217;s them girls
+do, and they ain&#8217;t no prettier &#8217;n me. It&#8217;s only their clothes makes &#8217;em
+look it, and as for that Molly, they call her, that&#8217;s rid off on
+Chiquita, she&#8217;s just as plain and folksy as get out! So&#8217;s the red-headed
+one with the high-falutin&#8217; name, out of that song Pa sings about the
+&#8216;blue Juniata&#8217; and &#8216;bright Alfaretta,&#8217; or some such trash. Them
+boys&mdash;Well, they hain&#8217;t took no notice o&#8217; me yet&mdash;but I can show &#8217;em a
+thing or two. I bet I can shoot better than any of &#8217;em. I bet, if they
+don&#8217;t hurry off too early to-morrow, I&#8217;ll get up a match and teach &#8217;em
+how a Colorado girl can hit the bull&#8217;s-eye every time!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With these ambitious reflections the inn-keeper&#8217;s daughter arrived at
+the kitchen and the presence of the red-headed girl in it, instead of
+the portly form of her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What on earth does it mean?&#8221; demanded Mattie, scarcely believing her
+own eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It didn&#8217;t take Alfy long to explain, and she added the warning:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You keep it up! Don&#8217;t you let on to Mrs. Ford that there&#8217;s the least
+misdoubt in your mind but what them searchers will be back, right to
+once, same&#8217;s I&#8217;m pretending! Oh! I hope they do! I hope they do! I hope
+it so much I dassent hardly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>think and just have to keep talking to stop
+it. If I had hold that Molly Breckenridge I&#8217;d shake her well! The dear
+flighty little thing! To go addin&#8217; another scare to a big enough one
+before, and now about that Leslie. He&#8217;s a real nice boy&mdash;Leslie is&mdash;if
+you let him do exactly what he wants and don&#8217;t try to make him
+different. His ma just sets all her store by him. I never got the rights
+of it, exactly, Aunt Betty Calvert&mdash;she &#8217;t I&#8217;ve been hired out to&mdash;she
+never approved of gossip. She said that folks quarrellin&#8217; was just plain
+makin&#8217; fools of themselves, or words to that effect. The Fords had done
+it and now, course, they was thicker &#8217;n blueberries again and didn&#8217;t
+want to hear nothing about the time they wasn&#8217;t. Don&#8217;t leave them
+&#8217;tatoes in that water so long! Why, child o&#8217; grace, don&#8217;t you know yet,
+and you keepin&#8217; tavern, that soon&#8217;s a potato is cooked it ought to be
+snatched out the pot and set to steamin&#8217;, to get dry? Soggy potatoes
+gives you the dyspepsy and that&#8217;s a disease I ain&#8217;t sufferin&#8217; to catch.
+It makes folks so cross.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By this time Mattie had entered into the spirit of the thing and had
+never been happier in her life. This Alfaretta was so jolly, so
+friendly, so full of talk. So wholly satisfied in her conscience, too,
+now that &#8220;one of the family&#8221; was beside her to share the risk she had
+assumed of using other people&#8217;s provisions so recklessly.</p>
+
+<p>But in that she had misjudged her genial hosts. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>Nothing was too good
+for their guests, these or any others, and if the chickens meant for
+breakfast were pre-empted for this midnight meal, why there were plenty
+more in the hennery.</p>
+
+<p>So, secure in her better knowledge of the elder Rodericks, Miss Mattie
+sped about, flew in and out of the sitting-room, to tend the fire or add
+some delicacy to Helena&#8217;s daintily set table; the same that made her
+stare at its difference from ordinary. Didn&#8217;t seem possible that the
+mere arrangement of cups and saucers, of knives and forks, could give
+such an &#8220;air&#8221; to the whole place.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Like brook trout, Mis&#8217; Ford?&#8221; asked the girl, upon one entrance. &#8220;You
+men-folks like &#8217;em, too?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Assured that they were considered a great treat, Mattie advised:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you just wait! I know where there&#8217;s a lot, in a basket in the
+pool. Pa catched &#8217;em to have &#8217;em ready and I&#8217;ll hike after &#8217;em to onct.
+You like to go along, Helena?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Stately Helena smiled at the free masonry of the westerner and glanced
+at Mrs. Ford, in inquiry:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, dear, go with her. I shan&#8217;t be lonely, with Alfaretta left, flying
+in and out busily. I declare, those kitchen odors <i>are</i> savory! I hope
+the wanderers will soon be here, that this new meal won&#8217;t be kept till
+spoiled, as Mrs. Roderick complained of the other.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p><p>Helena noticed that the lady expressed no further doubt about the safety
+of the absentees and thus encouraged she gladly accepted Mattie&#8217;s
+invitation. Indeed, this whole trip was full of delightful novelty and
+all the affectations which had once made Helena Montaigne disagreeable
+to sensible people had been discarded, or outgrown.</p>
+
+<p>Mattie&#8217;s first preparation was to take off her shoes and stockings and
+she advised the other girl to do the same. &#8220;Else you&#8217;ll get &#8217;em all dirt
+going through the swamp to the pool. We don&#8217;t have none too much water
+hereabouts but what we have got is <i>wet</i>!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t go barefooted. My feet would hurt so. I&#8217;ll have to risk the
+shoes. I have others in my suit-case, wherever it is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, come on then. You can step light through the ma&#8217;sh and &#8217;twon&#8217;t be
+so bad. Wait till I fetch a lantern.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A lantern, in this moonlight?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sure. &#8217;Twon&#8217;t shine into the woods. The trees are awful thick and
+though I could go straight there and back, without stumbling once,
+you&#8217;re new to the way an&#8217; the light&#8217;s for you. I don&#8217;t want you to get
+hurt just goin&#8217; for a mess o&#8217; fish!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, Mattie. That is very considerate of you. Shall I carry it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mattie was pleased by the other girl&#8217;s &#8220;thank you.&#8221; Such small
+courtesies were almost unknown <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>to her, but she determined to remember
+how &#8220;good&#8221; it had made her feel and to experiment with it upon somebody
+else, sometime. Even as Helena&#8217;s table-setting had also been a lesson in
+neatness; and with her eagerness to learn she felt that she had been
+amply repaid for giving up her sleep. Chattering as if she had always
+known the stranger she led the way safely to the pool, deep in the
+woods; and Helena never forgot that scene. Except for the slight
+illumination of the lantern the blackness of the forest was intense, and
+the rustling of wild things among the tree-tops startled her.</p>
+
+<p>Mattie looked up and saw her fear, then laughed hilariously:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Two &#8217;fraid-cats together, you an&#8217; the birds! Likely, they never saw a
+lantern before and hate to be disturbed even more &#8217;n I did, listenin&#8217; to
+Alfaretta in the kitchen. But don&#8217;t you like it? Ain&#8217;t it awful solemn
+in such woods in the night-time? Makes a body think of all the hateful
+things she&#8217;s done and sort of wish she hadn&#8217;t done &#8217;em. But there ain&#8217;t
+no livin&#8217; thing in these woods&#8217;ll hurt you, nowadays, though onct they
+was chock full o&#8217; grizzlies an&#8217; such. Now I guess that&#8217;s enough. Don&#8217;t
+suppose your folks&#8217;d eat a bigger mess &#8217;n that, do you? &#8217;Cause I could
+take a few more if you say so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Helena looked at the big basket of trout and laughed, then shivered at
+the echo of her own <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>laughter in that place, which seemed full as
+&#8220;solemn&#8221; to her as it did to the more accustomed Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon back at the inn, Mattie at once proceeding to show
+Alfaretta that she could do some fine cooking herself; and between them
+they made Mrs. Roderick&#8217;s larder suffer, so eager was each to outdo the
+other and to suggest some further delicacy for that wonderful meal.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford paced in and out of the living-room, watchful and still
+anxious, though greatly amused at the doings of the three girls, and
+wondering, as well, how the landlady could sleep through all that din
+and chatter. For Helena, too, had gone into the kitchen and seizing a
+pitcher of cream Mattie was carrying to the table, demanded a chance to
+&#8220;whip&#8221; it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s such an improvement, or will be for that good coffee you&#8217;ve made,
+and Herbert likes it so much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mattie put her arms akimbo and stared; then demanded, in turn:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can&#8217;t you do anything sensibler than &#8216;whip&#8217; cream? As if it was bad.
+You make me laugh, though I don&#8217;t know what you mean.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Helena soon showed her, even with a two-tined steel fork beating the
+rich cream into a heaped-up, foamy mass, which Mattie declared was the
+&#8220;wonderfulest thing&#8221; she had ever seen. They were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>still discussing the
+matter, and each sampling the delicacy with relish, when Mrs. Ford&#8217;s
+excited voice was heard, calling:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re coming! Oh! they&#8217;re coming at last! Away down the road! I can
+hear them&mdash;beyond the turn of the road. Only it seems that they come
+slowly. Is it so? Or is it my own impatience?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Only Alfaretta stopped to push the pans and pots to the cool, safe end
+of the great stove, now glowing red in front from the hot fire they had
+made. The other girls rushed outward to see for themselves, and Alfy
+reached the piazza just in time to hear Mattie remark:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, they do travel powerful slow. They ain&#8217;t in no hurry to get here.
+Somethin&#8217;s happened. You can just believe me&mdash;somethin&#8217;s happened!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS</h3>
+
+<p>As the approaching company came around the bend of the road into sight
+of the inn, a &#8220;calico&#8221; pony detached itself from the group of riders and
+before those watching on the porch could hear her words, Molly was
+shouting to them:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re all right! Everybody is all right&mdash;except the one that isn&#8217;t! And
+he&mdash;Wait, I&#8217;m coming!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The three girls ran down the road to meet her, and even Lady Gray walked
+swiftly after, and in a moment more they had encircled the truant with
+their loving arms, forgetting that she had given them a needless
+anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They weren&#8217;t Indians at all. They were just our own folks, but Leslie
+and I were frightened half to death! I don&#8217;t know what would have become
+of us except the pony told our story. And he&#8217;s only smashed up a little
+some way. They had to hold him on the horse&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What! Leslie, my Leslie, my boy!&#8221; gasped Mrs. Ford.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Leslie? No, indeed! Nothing the matter with him only riding the
+rack-o&#8217;-bones. The &#8216;Tenderfoot&#8217; man, and the cowboys say it served him
+right. Only he got off too easy with just a broken collar bone, and a
+sprained ankle, and some teeth gone&mdash;and a few other trifles like that.
+He&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You can get off Chiquita now, Molly. I want to rub her down. Ain&#8217;t she
+the best ever?&#8221; said Mattie, calmly lifting the rider down from the
+saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed she is! And how strong you are, to lift a big girl like me!&#8221;
+cried Molly, eagerly. &#8220;I do believe your little Chiquita saved our
+lives, Leslie&#8217;s and mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell me what you mean, child. Where is Leslie?&#8221; demanded the Gray Lady,
+placing her hand on Molly&#8217;s shoulder and peering into her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why&mdash;I mean, what I say, course, Mrs. Ford. But Leslie&#8217;s all right now.
+He&#8217;s scratched with the briars and torn his clothes and has had to ride
+double with a cowboy, or drover, because he couldn&#8217;t stand Beelzebub
+again. Mr. Roderick is riding that creature and&mdash;Here, here they are!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once in sight of the house most of the party came up at a canter, Mr.
+Ford cheerfully saluting his wife, and the others waving their hats and
+showing off a few tricks of their steeds&mdash;while Dorothy was handed down
+from riding-pillion behind her host. Everybody&#8217;s tongue was loosened <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>at
+once and such a hubbub arose that Mrs. Ford clapped her hands to her
+ears, then caught hold of Leslie as he slid to the ground and ran like a
+girl to the house. She wanted a chance to kiss him before the rest came
+in and had learned long before this that her boy &#8220;hated coddling.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However, he submitted to a little of it that night with a better grace
+than usual, understanding that he had given his mother anxiety; and told
+her as briefly as possible the whole story.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see, Lady Gray, that &#8216;Sorrel Tenderfoot&#8217; was too smart, so came to
+grief.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A good lesson to remember, son.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Course. Well, he drove into a road, a trail, and got stuck. The horses
+bolted, the wagon went to smash and he was hurt. Pretty bad, I guess.
+The others weren&#8217;t at all, only frightened and sort of stunned. They
+were in a tight fix. So dark in there they didn&#8217;t know which way was out
+and made up their minds to stay till daylight. That Jim Barlow&mdash;I tell
+you he&#8217;s great!&mdash;he fixed a bed with the wagon cushions and laid
+&#8216;Sorrel&#8217; on it. Then he felt the man all over and saw his legs and arms
+were sound. After that he got the box of the buckboard right side up and
+made Dorothy get into that and lie down. He covered her with the robes
+and made Manuel promise to stay right beside her while he went back for
+help. Dorothy wouldn&#8217;t let him go, at first, till he made <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>her ashamed
+thinking about the &#8216;Tenderfoot.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He made his way back all that distance to the main road, just by
+noticing the branches that had been broken by their driving in. He was
+going to walk back to Denver for help, thinking that was the quickest
+way, but when he got out of the woods he couldn&#8217;t go any further. He&#8217;d
+hurt his arm some way&mdash;Dad says it&#8217;s broken&mdash;and the pain made him
+faint. We found him there&mdash;I mean the searchers did, and when he came to
+be told them the rest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lem Hunt and Roderick knew exactly where to look. They found the
+runaway blacks and captured them, or some of the cowboys did, and they
+made a litter of the wagon box, covered it with branches and carried him
+out of the woods. They&#8217;ve brought him all the way here for he insisted
+on coming. Said he&#8217;d be better cared for by Mrs. Roderick than at any
+hospital in Denver. He was sort of crazy and they didn&#8217;t dare oppose
+him. That&#8217;s why they are so slow. But they&#8217;ll be here soon and he&#8217;ll be
+put to bed. Lemuel says the man&#8217;ll take a blazed trail the rest of his
+life, and will have time to get over his smartness while his bones heal.
+But I think it&#8217;s too bad. I&#8217;m sorry for him, and so is Dad. Now, come.
+They&#8217;re going to table and I&#8217;m hungry as a bear. Isn&#8217;t it fine of Mrs.
+Roderick to get a meal this time of night, or day, or whatever hour it
+is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It wasn&#8217;t Mrs. Roderick. Alfy was the moving spirit and the other girls
+helped. But not one mouthful shall you have till you confess your own
+fault. Why did you, Leslie, run away into all that danger against my
+wishes?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, Molly&mdash;&#8221; began the lad, then checked himself for shame. &#8220;Why,
+Lady Gray, I couldn&#8217;t let a girl like Molly ride away alone, could I?
+And she would go&mdash;just would. And the funny part was&mdash;we heard &#8216;lions&#8217;
+or &#8216;panthers&#8217;, or something in the woods behind us. We&#8217;d stopped to rest
+and we thought so. Then we saw the searchers coming back and thought
+they were Indians! and the way we took to the woods would make you
+laugh. That&#8217;s how I got to look like this. We might have been in them
+yet if little Chiquita hadn&#8217;t stood like a post right beside the rock
+where we&#8217;d been sitting. Her being there, and Molly&#8217;s hat and jacket
+that she&#8217;d taken off because she was too warm, told the truth. Dorothy
+saw the hat and knew it at once. So when Roderick came up and recognized
+Chiquita they made another search and found&mdash;us. But I tell you, Lady
+Gray, I&#8217;ve had all the lecturing I need just now from the other head of
+the family. I think Dad would have liked me to ride with him, at first,
+but he gave me his opinion of a boy who would &#8216;sneak&#8217; off and &#8216;leave his
+mother unprotected in a strange house at night.&#8217; Just forgive me this
+once, motherkin, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>and I&#8217;ll be good in future; or till next time, any
+way. Now, come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Such a meal as followed had rarely been eaten even in that land of
+hungry people, where the clear air so sharpens appetite; and in the
+midst of it came the landlady herself, not even showing surprise, and
+certainly not offence, at the liberties which had been taken in her
+house. Fortunately, Jim&#8217;s arm had been bruised and strained, only; not
+broken as Mr. Ford had feared.</p>
+
+<p>Then to bed and a few hours of sleep; another breakfast, as good as the
+first; after which buckboards were driven round and horses saddled;
+Herbert, Jim, and Manuel electing to ride while Monty was to travel in
+the wagon with Silent Pete, as driver. He was the better suited thus
+because Mr. Ford and Leslie were to be his companions, the gentlemen
+having arranged matters this time without any casting of lots.</p>
+
+<p>Lemuel drove the four-in-hand as on the day before, having as passengers
+Mrs. Ford and Miss Milliken&mdash;who had slept soundly through all the
+events of the night&mdash;with the four girls. Jedediah, Mr. Ford&#8217;s colored
+&#8220;boy&#8221; also rode beside the driver, for the greater protection of the
+feminine travelers, should any need arise.</p>
+
+<p>But nothing did. All the untoward incidents of this journey to the
+Rockies had happened during its first stage. &#8220;Tenderfoot Sorrel&#8221; was
+left behind, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>of course, but he did not greatly regret that. He felt
+that he could more easily endure physical pain than the chaffing of his
+fellows at San Leon.</p>
+
+<p>As before, the start was made with a flourish of whip and horn, amid
+good wishes and farewells from the hosts of the Wayside Inn, and a sure
+promise to &#8220;come again!&#8221; Then a day&#8217;s journey steadily onward and
+upward, through river-fed valleys and rocky ravines, with a mid-day stop
+at another little hostelry, for a change of horses and a plain dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Then on again, following the sun till it sank behind a mountain range
+and they had climbed well nigh to the top. Here Mr. Ford ordered a brief
+halt, that the travellers might look behind them at the glorious
+landscape. When they had done so, till the scene was impressed upon
+their memories forever, again the order came:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Eyes front! but shut! No peeping till I say&mdash;Look!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Laughing, finding it ever so difficult to obey, but eager, indeed, the
+last ascent was made. Then the wheels seemed to have found a level
+stretch of smoother travelling and again came Mr. Ford&#8217;s cry:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All eyes front and&mdash;open! Welcome to San Leon!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Open they did. Upon one of the loveliest homes they had ever beheld. A
+long, low, roomy building, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>modelled in the Mission style that Lady Gray
+so greatly admired; whose spacious verandas and cloistered walks invited
+to delightful days out of doors; while everywhere were flowers in bloom,
+fountains playing, vine-clad arbors and countless cosy nooks, shadowed
+by magnificent trees. A lawn as smooth as velvet, dotted here and there
+by electric light poles whose radiance could turn night into day.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment nobody spoke; then admiration broke forth in wondering
+exclamations, while the host helped his wife to alight, asking:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Erminie, does it suit you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Suit? Dear, I never dreamed of anything better than a plain shack on a
+mountain side. That&#8217;s what you called it&mdash;but this&mdash;this is no shack.
+It&#8217;s more like a palace!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, the main thing is to make it a home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it as good as the &#8216;cabin,&#8217; father?&#8221; asked Leslie, coming up and
+laying his hand on Mr. Ford&#8217;s shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us hope it will be! If the first inmates are peace and good will.
+Peace and good will,&#8221; he repeated, gravely. Then his accustomed gayety
+replaced his seriousness and he waved his hand toward the entrance,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Queen Erminie, enter in and possess your kingdom! Your maids of honor
+with you!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My heart!&#8221; cried Alfaretta, following her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>hostess, like a girl in a
+dream. &#8220;I thought &#8217;twould be just another up-mounting sort of place, not
+near so nice as Deerhurst or the Towers, but it&#8217;s splendid more &#8217;n they
+are, either one or both together.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonderful, what money can do in this land of the free!&#8221; remarked
+Herbert, critically estimating the establishment. &#8220;Think of a man having
+his own electric light plant away up here! Why, if it weren&#8217;t for the
+mountains yonder one could fancy this is Newport or Long Branch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Without the sea, Bert. Even money can&#8217;t bring the sea to the
+mountain-tops,&#8221; said Helena, though her own face was aglow with
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It can do the next best thing to it. Look yonder,&#8221; said Monty, pointing
+where a glimmer of sunset-tinted water showed through a hedge of trees.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s go there. It certainly is water,&#8221; urged Jim Barlow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Leslie told me there was a strange waterfall near San Leon and I
+suppose the same money has pressed that into service. To think! That
+&#8216;Railroad Boss&#8217; earned his first quarter selling papers on the train! He
+was talking about the &#8216;cabin&#8217; as we came along. It had two rooms and he
+lived in it alone with his mother. By his talk they hadn&#8217;t always been
+so poor and she belonged to an old family, as &#8216;families go in America.&#8217;
+That was the way he put it, and it was his ambition to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>see his mother
+able to take &#8216;the place where she belonged.&#8217; That&#8217;s how he began; and
+now, look at this!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All the young people had now gathered around the pond, or lake, that had
+been made in a natural basin on the mountain side, for thinking that
+their host and hostess would better like to enter their new home with no
+strangers about them, Dorothy had suggested:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s follow the boys! Jim&#8217;s arm ought to be looked after, first thing,
+and I&#8217;ll remind him of it. He&#8217;d no business to come on horseback all
+that long way, but he never would take care of himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Has Leslie ever been here before?&#8221; asked Molly Breckenridge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. It is as much a surprise to him as to his mother. But he&#8217;s mighty
+proud of his father,&#8221; answered Dorothy. &#8220;Look, here he comes now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He came running across the sward and down the rocky path to the edge of
+the lake and clapped a hand on the shoulders of Herbert and Montmorency.
+He did not mean to be less cordial to Jim Barlow but he was. For two
+reasons: one that Dorothy had extolled her humble friend till he seemed
+a paragon of all the virtues; and secondly what he had learned of Jim&#8217;s
+eagerness for knowledge had made him ashamed of his own indifference to
+it. Even that day, his father had commended <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>the poorer boy for his keen
+observation of everything and read him a portion of a letter received
+from Dr. Sterling, the clergyman with whom James lived and studied.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor had written that the lad was already well versed in natural
+history and that his interest in geology was as great as the writer&#8217;s
+own. He felt that this invitation to his beloved prot&eacute;g&eacute; was a wonderful
+thing for the student, and that Mr. Ford might feel he was having a hand
+in the formation of a great scientist.</p>
+
+<p>There had been more of the same sort of praise and Leslie had looked
+with simple amazement at the tall, awkward youth, who had arrived in
+Denver with the rest of his young guests.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That fellow smart? Clever? Brainy? Well, he doesn&#8217;t look it. If ever I
+saw a regular clodhopper, he&#8217;s the chap. But that Herbert Montaigne,
+now, is rippin&#8217;! He has the right &#8216;air,&#8217; and so has the shorty, the fat
+Monty, only his figure is against him,&#8221; he had remarked to Mateo, who
+had instantly agreed with him. Indeed, the Mexican <i>never</i> disagreed
+with his &#8220;gracious excellency, Se&ntilde;or Leslie.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mateo&#8216;s service was an easy one and his salary good. Besides, he was
+really fond of his young master and formed all his opinions in
+accordance. So then he, too, cast a supercilious glance at Jim, and had
+caused that shy lad&#8217;s color to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>rise, though beyond that he took no
+notice.</p>
+
+<p>Already as they stood there gazing over the lake, crimson with the last
+rays of the sun, Jim was studying the rocks upon the farther side and
+squinting his eyes at something moving among them. It was with a
+startled return to his surroundings that he heard Leslie now say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My father wants to have you come in, Mr.&mdash;I mean James. The doctor is
+going to properly dress your arm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The doctor? Is there a doctor here?&#8221; asked Dorothy, slipping her hand
+under Jim&#8217;s uninjured arm, and conveying by that action her sympathy
+with his feeling of an alien.</p>
+
+<p>But he coolly drew aside. He wasn&#8217;t going to be humiliated by any girl&#8217;s
+cossetting, not even hers. He had never realized his poverty so
+bitterly, nor been more ashamed of that fact. Just because some richer
+boys looked down upon him was no reason he should look down upon
+himself. Also, it angered him that he really needed surgical attention.
+He had suffered intensely during the ride hither but he had kept that to
+himself. He meant to keep it to himself whatever happened, and to join
+in what was going on as if he were physically sound as the other boys.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s only my left arm, anyway. I&#8217;d be a poor stick of a thing if I
+couldn&#8217;t manage with the other,&#8221; he had thought, bravely, despite the
+pain. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>Now here was he being made the object of everybody&#8217;s notice; and,
+being Jim&mdash;he hated it! There was a surly look in his eyes as he replied
+to Leslie&#8217;s message:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess not. I mean&mdash;there isn&#8217;t any need&mdash;I&#8217;m all right. I&#8217;m all
+right, I say. I&#8217;m&mdash;Shucks! I&#8217;m bully!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was Dorothy who blushed this time, she was so mortified by the
+rudeness of her &#8220;paragon.&#8221; Whenever had he used such an expression? She
+flashed an indignant glance upon him, then coolly commanded him:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You come right straight along, James Barlow. You&#8217;re Mr. Ford&#8217;s guest
+now and must do what he wants, just the same as if he were Dr. Sterling.
+Besides, I know we all ought to be freshening ourselves before supper.
+Lady Gray hates untidy people. Come on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again she linked her arm in Jim&#8217;s and led the way up the slope toward
+the house, while at the mention of supper all the others fell into line
+behind her. And now Jim was already ashamed of his petulance with her.
+After all, she was the prettiest girl of them all; and, so far as he
+knew, the richest. She was &#8220;thoroughbred;&#8221; her family one of the oldest
+in its native State; and though the poorhouse boy had no family pride of
+his own he was loyal to old Maryland and his earliest friend. What had
+not Dolly been to him? His <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>first teacher, his loving companion, and the
+means of all that was good coming into his life.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Say, Dolly, I&#8217;m sorry I said that and shamed you. Sorry I&#8217;m such a
+conceited donkey as to hate being looked down on. You just keep me
+posted on what&#8217;s what, little girl, and I&#8217;ll try to behave myself. But
+it beats creation, to find such a place as this up here on the Rockies
+and to know one man&#8217;s done it. Kind of takes a feller&#8217;s breath away,
+don&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They were a little ahead of the rest of the party and able to talk
+freely, so Dorothy improved the chance to give &#8220;her boy Jim&#8221; a little
+lecture; suggesting that he must never stop short of accomplishing just
+as much as Daniel Ford had done.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What one poor lad can do, another can&mdash;if he will! <i>If he will</i>, James
+Barlow! It&#8217;s just the <i>will</i>, you see. There was a copy in my old
+writing-book: &#8216;What man has done, man can do.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shucks! I&#8217;m ambitious enough, but &#8217;tain&#8217;t along no money lines. What I
+want is learnin&#8217;&mdash;just plain knowledge. I wrote a copy once, too, and
+&#8217;twas that &#8216;Knowledge is Power.&#8217; I made them capitals the best I could
+so &#8217;t I never would forget &#8217;em.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! For such a wise young man you talk pretty common. There&#8217;s no need,
+Jim Barlow, for you to go back into all the bad grammar and chipped-off
+words just because you&#8217;re talking to&mdash;me. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>I notice you are very
+particular and careful when you speak to our hosts. Oh, Jim! isn&#8217;t this
+going to be just a glorious summer? Except when I think about Aunt Betty
+I&#8217;m almost too happy to breathe.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim had stumbled along beside her, unseeing the objects that were
+nearest&mdash;the lovely shrubbery, beautiful flowers, and quaint little
+furnishings of that grand lawn&mdash;but with his eyes fixed on a distant
+mountain peak, bare of verdure, and seemingly but a mass of vari-colored
+rock; and he now remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder how much of this country that Dan Ford owns! I wonder if he&#8217;s
+got a claim on the peaks yonder!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come back to earth, boy! Can&#8217;t you think anything, see anything
+but&mdash;stones? Here we are at the door and I fancy this gentleman is the
+doctor. Good evening, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is this the lad with the injured arm?&#8221; asked the gentleman meeting the
+pair, and glancing toward Jim&#8217;s bandaged arm, with the coat sleeve
+hanging loose above it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir, but it&#8217;s nothing. It doesn&#8217;t need any attention,&#8221; said Jim,
+ungraciously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Behave yourself, Jim. Yes, Doctor&mdash;I suppose you&#8217;re that?&mdash;he is so
+badly hurt that he&#8217;s cross. But it&#8217;s wonderful to find a doctor away up
+here,&#8221; said Dorothy. Her odd little air of authority over <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>the great,
+loutish lad, and her gay smile to himself, instantly won the stranger&#8217;s
+liking, and he answered warmly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonderful, maybe, but no more so than all of Dan Ford&#8217;s doings. Step
+this way, my son, and Miss, I fancy you&#8217;d best not follow just yet.
+Nurse Melton will assist me, if I need assistance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A nurse, too? How odd!&#8221; said Dorothy turning to join her mates.</p>
+
+<p>She did not see Jim Barlow again that night. When the examination was
+made the doctor found the injured arm in bad shape, swollen and inflamed
+to a degree that made great care a necessity unless much worse were to
+follow.</p>
+
+<p>So, for the first time in his healthy life, Jim found himself an
+invalid; sent to bed and ministered to by a frail, sweet-faced woman in
+a white uniform, whose presence on that far away ranch was a puzzle to
+him. Until, seeing his evident curiosity, she satisfied it by the
+explanation:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I&#8217;m merely another of Mr. Ford&#8217;s beneficiaries. My brother is an
+engineer on one of his railroads, and he heard that I was threatened
+with consumption. So he had me sent to Denver for a time, till San Leon
+was ready. Then I came here. I&#8217;m on hand to attend any sick folks who
+may need me, though you&#8217;re the first patient yet. I can tell you that
+you&#8217;re fortunate to number <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>Daniel Ford among your friends. He&#8217;s the
+grandest man in the world.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim lay quiet for a time, till his supper was brought in. But he could
+not taste that. The dressing of his wounded arm had been painful in
+extreme, though he had borne the pain without a groan, and for that been
+greatly admired by both the surgeon and the nurse. He was now feverish
+and discontented. The &#8220;happy summer&#8221; of which Dorothy had boasted was
+beginning anything but happily for him. He was angry against his own
+weakness and disappointed that he could not at once begin his work of
+studying the rocks of this region. To do so had been his chief reason
+for accepting Mr. Ford&#8217;s genial invitation, for his shyness shrank from
+meeting strangers and accepting favors from them. Dr. Sterling had
+talked him &#8220;out of his nonsense&#8221; for the time being, but he now wished
+himself back in his familiar room at Deerhurst lodge, with Hans and
+Griselda Roemer. They were humble folk and so was he. He had no business
+in this rich man&#8217;s &#8220;shack&#8221; that was, in reality, a palace; where
+pleasure was the rule and work the exception. Well&mdash;things might happen!
+He&#8217;d take care they should! He was among the mountains&mdash;for that part he
+was glad; only regretful of the debt to another which had brought him
+there.</p>
+
+<p>The hum of voices in and about the big house <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>ceased. Even the barking
+dogs were silent at last, and the music from the men&#8217;s quarters,
+stopped. There was where he, Jim belonged, by right. Out in some of the
+many buildings at the rear; so many, in fact, that they were like a
+village. He guessed he&#8217;d go there. Yes. In the morning, maybe the Boss
+would give him a job, and he could work to pay his keep. His thoughts
+grew wilder and more disordered, his head ached.</p>
+
+<p>The nurse was sitting silent in an adjoining room. Actual watching was
+unnecessary and she understood her patient&#8217;s mood, that her presence in
+his chamber worried him. It was his time&mdash;now or never. He crept from
+his bed and stepped out of the low window upon the wide porch.</p>
+
+<p>Even in his delirious confusion it struck him that he had never seen
+such wonderful moonlight, nor such a big, inviting world. The vagary of
+thought altered. He would not seek the workmen&#8217;s quarters, after all.
+The mountains were better. They called him. They did not seem far away.
+He would not feel so hot and then so shivery if he could lie down on
+their cool tops, with only the sky above him. Aye, they called him; and
+blindly answering to their silent summons the sick boy went. The things
+he prophesied had surely begun to &#8220;happen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>A MARTINET OF THE ROCKIES</h3>
+
+<p>San Leon ranch was a large one. The dwelling house and many outbuildings
+were upon a rich plateau topping a spur from the great mountain beyond.
+On one side, the land sloped to the valley of the Mismit, utilized for
+the sheep farming; and across the river, or run, rose grassy fields,
+climbing one above another till they ended in rocky, verdureless soil.
+Here were the cattle ranges, and here the herds of horses lived their
+free life. The extent of the property amazed the newcomers, even Lady
+Gray herself.</p>
+
+<p>She was exploring the premises escorted by Leslie and her young guests,
+and piloted by the talkative Lem Hunt. For once he had attentive
+listeners. There was no fellow ranchmen to ridicule his oft-told tales,
+but eager ears to which they were new; and eyes as eager to behold the
+scenes of these same marvellous stories.</p>
+
+<p>All began and ended with &#8220;The Boss, he.&#8221; Evidently, for old Lem, there
+existed but one man worth knowing and that was the &#8220;Boss, he.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I s&#8217;pose, Ma&#8217;am, you know how the Boss, he come to buy S&#8217; Leon. No? You
+don&#8217;t? By the Great Horned Spoon! Ain&#8217;t that great? Just like him. The
+Boss, he never brags of his doin&#8217;s, that&#8217;s why I have to do it for him.
+Well, Ma&#8217;am, I can&#8217;t help sayin&#8217; &#8217;twas a deed o&#8217; charity. Just a clean,
+simon-pure piece of charity. Yes, Ma&#8217;am, that&#8217;s what it was, and you can
+bite that off an&#8217; chew it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford smiled. She was always delighted to hear of her husband&#8217;s
+generous deeds but rarely heard of them from himself. Also, she had
+supposed that the purchase of San Leon had been a recent one and was
+amazed now to learn it had been owned by Mr. Ford for several years. Not
+as it then was, for no improvements had been made to the home-piece till
+after he had found her that last winter in San Diego. Then, at once,
+preparations had been made for this home-coming, with the result of all
+the beauty that now greeted her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell us, Lemuel. I&#8217;m anxious to hear.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lem switched some hay from a wagon seat, that stood upon the ground, and
+motioned the lady to be seated. The youngsters grouped about her, Lem
+cut off a fresh &#8220;chaw,&#8221; rubbed his hands and began. He stood with legs
+far apart, arms folded, an old sombrero pushed back on his head, a
+riding crop in hand, and an air of a king. Was he not a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>free-born
+American citizen, as good as could be found in all the country? Lemuel
+adored his &#8220;Boss&#8221; but he had not learned the manners which that &#8220;Boss&#8221;
+would have approved in the presence of the Gray Lady; who, by the way,
+was never more truly the &#8220;Lady&#8221; than in her intercourse then, and
+always, with the toilers at San Leon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, sir, Ma&#8217;am, I mean&mdash;&#8217;twas really a deed o&#8217; gift. There was
+another railroader, rich once, done somethin&#8217; he hadn&#8217;t ought to. I
+don&#8217;t rightly know what that was. The Boss never told, course, and it
+never leaked out otherwise. That&#8217;s no more here nor there. But he, the
+other feller, had his bottom dollar into S&#8217; Leon, and some dollars &#8217;t
+wasn&#8217;t his &#8217;n. He was countin&#8217; on this range bein&#8217; chock full o&#8217; silver
+an&#8217; he&#8217;d wheedled the rest to takin&#8217; his word for it. Silver? Not on
+your life. The sheriffs got after him. He hadn&#8217;t a friend in the world.
+He lit out a-foot and got as far as Denver city an&#8217; aboard a train.
+Leastwise, under a baggage car, stealin&#8217; a ride. Course he got hurt.
+Happened the Boss, he was on hand. He&#8217;s a way of bein&#8217; when other folks
+is in trouble. Heard the feller&#8217;s story. Had knowed him out east and
+&#8217;lowed he was more fool than knave. Long-short was&mdash;S&#8217; Leon swopped
+owners. The first named had had to take his medicine an&#8217; I&#8217;ve been told
+he took it like a little man. The Boss paid in full, on condition &#8217;t all
+hands round got <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>their level dues. Atterwards, the Boss made this a
+dumpin&#8217;-ground for all the down-in-the-world unfortunates he knew.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The doctor&#8217;s one. He was just dyin&#8217; back yonder, same as Miss
+Melton. Doc, he took the place o&#8217; book-keeper, sort o&#8217; manager&mdash;I
+claim to be that myself&mdash;but to do anything needed. The&#8217;s always
+somebody gettin&#8217; broke, legs, an&#8217; arms, and such. But as for gineral
+sickness, why there ain&#8217;t never been none o&#8217; that to San Leon. No
+wonder that Dan Ford&#8217;s a prosperous man! He lives his religion&mdash;he
+ain&#8217;t no preachin&#8217;-no-practice-sky-pilot, the Boss, he ain&#8217;t.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ma&#8217;am? Like to see where the boys hang out? Well, come along. If things
+ain&#8217;t the way I&#8217;d like to have &#8217;em, you c&#8217;n allow &#8217;t I&#8217;m the only one&#8217;s
+been in the ranks. Yes, Ma&#8217;am. I have that. Used to belong to a crack
+comp&#8217;ny out home and was one the picked men to shoot at Seagirt, New
+Jarsey. The National Rifle Range, Ma&#8217;am, as maybe you know. I&#8217;ve scored
+highest, more &#8217;n once. That&#8217;s how I come to sort o&#8217; set up in business
+out here. Shootin&#8217; an&#8217; hosses; them&#8217;s my business; and every tenderfoot
+strikes S&#8217; Leon comes under my teachin&#8217; first or last.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With that remark he cast a critical eye upon the assembled young folks
+and noted the kindling gleam of seven pairs of eyes. Only Jim Barlow&#8217;s
+blue orbs were missing; but, of course, that nurse <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>or doctor had made
+him stay in bed, which was a shame, the others thought, and Dorothy
+loyally expressed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Course! That&#8217;s one the things we&#8217;re all wild to do&mdash;learn to handle a
+rifle. But don&#8217;t let&#8217;s begin till Jim gets well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A curious expression passed over Mrs. Ford&#8217;s face. She was the only one
+present who knew of Jim&#8217;s midnight escape. The knowledge had almost
+miraculously been kept from Lemuel and by the master&#8217;s express orders.
+Whatever that talkative ranchman knew, all the world knew, as fast as
+his tongue could tell it.</p>
+
+<p>All had been so quiet in the sick room that the nurse had supposed her
+patient fallen asleep; and it was not till daybreak that she discovered
+his absence. She had immediately informed Dr. Jones, and he, in turn,
+the &#8220;Boss,&#8221; who understanding the shy nature of the truant and knowing
+how he would dislike to be talked about, had instituted a quiet but
+thorough search. Only the trustiest men had been set upon this search,
+Mr. Ford taking the most active part in it. By his request the matter
+had been kept from his young guests, also; and they were to be made as
+happy as possible in their ignorance. As he said to Lady Gray, before
+leaving her:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course, we shall find him in a very little while. He can&#8217;t have gone
+far afield, and we&#8217;ll <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>have him back in bed before any of those
+youngsters get wind of his performance. Nurse says he was flighty and
+feverish and I don&#8217;t wonder. Doctor claims he&#8217;d rather have had a clean,
+sharp break to mend than all those bruised and torn ligaments. However,
+don&#8217;t you worry. This party is going to be a success&mdash;don&#8217;t doubt. Sorry
+to leave you with seven young folks on your hands&mdash;a little world in
+themselves, of varying ideas and wills. They can easily spend this first
+half-day in inspecting the ranch and, if they&#8217;re as healthy and happy as
+they seem, will be too interested to give much thought to Master James.
+Good-by, don&#8217;t worry.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However, although they felt it would be well to wait for the injured Jim
+before beginning their lessons in shooting, Lemuel himself took the
+matter out of their hands, explaining:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve lived long enough to know there ain&#8217;t never but one time to do one
+thing, an&#8217; that if a feller don&#8217;t snatch it then, afore it gets out o&#8217;
+reach, he&#8217;ll be sorry forever atterwards. We&#8217;ll go inspect the boys&#8217;
+quarters first hand. That&#8217;s a part o&#8217; my business, anyway. Makes &#8217;em
+mad, sometimes, but it&#8217;s for their good. Nothin&#8217; like the army for
+trainin&#8217; folks right, an&#8217; so I tell &#8217;em. Get jawed for it a pretty
+consid&#8217;able, but Lemuel G. W. Hunt&mdash;I&#8217;m named for the Father of my
+Country, Ma&#8217;am&mdash;Lemuel G. W. Hunt always does his duty, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>let come what
+follers atterwards. Right this way, Ma&#8217;am. Hep, hep, hep, right face!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The odd fellow led off with a military step and catching his humor the
+boys did likewise. Then, the girls laughed and marched, Herbert
+gallantly escorting Mrs. Ford, as the eighth of the little &#8220;Company A,&#8221;
+as Leslie immediately named the new &#8220;awkward squad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I say, Lem, it&#8217;ll be just rippin&#8217; if you&#8217;ll drill us in regular
+&#8216;tactics.&#8217; Once a day, anyhow. I&#8217;ll get Dad to furnish the uniforms and
+it&#8217;ll be a help because, you know, I&#8217;m bound for West Point sometime,&#8221;
+cried Leslie.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray&#8217;s face resumed its look of anxiety that had passed for a
+moment, listening to Lemuel&#8217;s talk. This West Point ambition of her
+son&#8217;s was a sore subject with her, though his great desire for a
+military life had never been hidden from her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I can pass the physical exam., and the book one&mdash;either,&#8221; he added,
+with a grimace.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you&#8217;ll have to know a power more &#8217;n you do now, if you get into
+that place,&#8221; said truthful Alfy. &#8220;I&#8217;ve heard Mis&#8217; Judge Satterlee,
+up-mounting, tell &#8217;t her boy near studied his head off, an&#8217; then got
+shut out. It&#8217;s a terrible fine thing, though, if a body could. Why,
+up-mounting, we can hear the bands playin&#8217;, guns firin&#8217;, and Dolly
+there, she&#8217;s seen &#8217;em drill. Seen the battery-drill, she called it, and
+didn&#8217;t guess how in the world them gray-coated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>boys could hop
+on-an&#8217;-off their gun wagons like they did. When I get home, I mean to go
+over to the Point myself and see &#8217;em. If you should be there I&#8217;d take
+you something to eat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie was now much more interested in hearing about the place of his
+dreams than in the present inspection of San Leon; and encouraged by
+this Alfaretta made Dolly tell how she and Molly had once visited the
+Academy and Molly&#8217;s cadet cousin, Tom Hungerford.</p>
+
+<p>Molly interrupted the narrative with frequent comments and they all
+paused at the entrance to the Barracks, as Lemuel had named the long
+building of the workmen, while the story was told. Lemuel and Leslie
+were the most eager listeners, both faces alight with enthusiasm, as the
+two girls described their day at the military school.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tom got leave off, to show us around, and Aunt Betty with Mrs.
+Hungerford&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s Aunt Lucretia, Tom&#8217;s mother,&#8221; explained Molly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You tell it, Molly. You can do it better,&#8221; urged Dorothy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right. I&#8217;d rather. Well, we went down in the morning early, on the
+boat, to be in time for early drill. It was summer time and the darling
+cadets were all in their white uniforms, fresh as daisies. Do you know
+those poor lambs have to change their white suits every day? Some
+oftener, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>if they get a single speck of dirt on them. Their laundry
+bills are something terrible. Terrible! poor dears!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray laughed at the girl&#8217;s sympathy with the afflicted young
+soldiers, and Dolly took up the tale again:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, they needn&#8217;t worry. The Government pays for it, really. They just
+get a little salary each month and their expenses come out of that.
+Whatever else they have their own people give them. But, anyway, it was
+just lovely. If I were a boy and didn&#8217;t want to be a great scientist,
+like Jim does, or a banker like Monty, or&mdash;or anything else, I&#8217;d be an
+army man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bother what you&#8217;d be, Dolly. You&#8217;re only a girl. Go on with the story,&#8221;
+said impatient Leslie, while Lemuel nodded his head in satisfaction.
+Talk of soldiering touched the warmest spot in the old sharpshooter&#8217;s
+heart. &#8220;Do hurry up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, after all, there isn&#8217;t much to tell&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But there is,&#8221; cried Molly. &#8220;About the luncheon in the church. Listen.
+We went everywhere about the grounds, saw the riding-school, the
+mess-room, the dancing-hall and all, a lot of places. Oh! yes, the
+library, too. Then it got noon and hungry-time and we&#8217;d brought an
+elegant lunch. Cold chicken and sardines and sandwiches and early
+peaches&mdash;the nicest we could get, and Tom&#8217;s &#8216;leave&#8217; gave him a chance to
+eat it with us. We <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>asked him where we could and he thought a minute,
+then said in the church. Aunty Lu thought that was dreadful, to eat in a
+church! But Tom said it was the only place on the Point where we
+wouldn&#8217;t be stared at by others. Folks were everywhere else; cadets and
+visitors&mdash;and oh! It was so pretty. All the white tents on the campus
+and the darling boys walking about in their white&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nighties?&#8221; suggested Monty, maliciously. It had been an ambition of his
+own to enter the Academy; but his being under age, his size&mdash;and several
+other good reasons, including his utter want of fitness in the matter of
+book learning&mdash;had prevented the realization of this fine dream. His
+failure had rendered him skeptical of the charms of the famous
+institution, and he now always mentioned it as a place quite beneath his
+own notice.</p>
+
+<p>The story promised to be a long one and Lemuel thoughtfully produced a
+chair and placed it for Mrs. Ford&#8217;s use. Her eyes were on Leslie&#8217;s
+interested face and she would gladly have postponed the recital; for,
+even more than the disgruntled Monty, she disliked the very name of West
+Point. However, in this matter, as in many future ones, her own fancy
+was to be set aside by the eagerness of her young guests. So Dorothy
+went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There wasn&#8217;t anybody else in the church except ourselves. A few
+visitors came to the door <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>and peeped in, to see a famous painting over
+the chancel, but finding us there went away again. That old church is so
+interesting! Tablets to famous generals everywhere&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This isn&#8217;t a history lesson! Go on with the story!&#8221; cried Herbert, who
+was so familiar with West Point that he desired no fresh description.</p>
+
+<p>Molly made him a little mocking face and herself took up the tale:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we had our dinners there, sitting in some of the front pews, and
+the way Tom walked into that fried chicken and things would make you
+open your eyes. We were all hungry, course, after so early a breakfast,
+and the sail down, and all; but Tom was simply ravenous. He was so
+hungry he took away our own appetites, just watching. When he&#8217;d eaten
+all he could there was still a lot of stuff left; and Mrs. Calvert asked
+him if he knew any place where we could dispose of it; a garbage can,
+she meant, or some waste-box.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tom said yes he did, and if she&#8217;d excuse him he&#8217;d show her. It was what
+he called &#8216;slumgudgeon day.&#8217; &#8216;Slumgudgeon&#8217; is a kind of stew made up of
+the leavings of lots of other meals and the poor, darling cadets just
+hate it. He said &#8216;cold victuals&#8217; never came in as handy as ours did
+then. So he unbuttoned his jacket, that fitted him as if he&#8217;d been
+melted into it, and began to pad himself out with the leavings. Cake and
+chickens, pickles <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>and sardines, boiled eggs and fruit&mdash;you never saw
+such a mess! And the way he packed it in, so as to keep an even sort of
+front, was a caution. You know the poor dears have no pockets in their
+uniforms. Not allowed. So that was the only way he could take it. He
+wanted to share it with his cronies after we&#8217;d gone and told Aunty Lu
+that it would have been a perfectly wicked shame to have thrown it away,
+when it would do him so much good. Oh! we had a glorious time. I do just
+love West Point&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The cadets, you mean! I never saw a girl that liked the boys so well as
+you do, Molly Breckenridge. But I s&#8217;pose you can&#8217;t help it. If &#8217;t wasn&#8217;t
+for that you&#8217;d be just splendid, and <i>they</i> don&#8217;t seem to
+mind&mdash;much&mdash;anyway,&#8221; remarked Alfaretta, beaming upon pretty Molly with
+loving smiles. Molly&#8217;s liking for &#8220;boys&#8221; seemed to honest, sensible Alfy
+the one flaw in an otherwise lovely character.</p>
+
+<p>But Molly tossed her sunny head and laughed. Also, she flashed a
+mischievous glance into all the boyish faces turned toward her and on
+every one she saw a similar liking and admiration of herself. She was
+quite satisfied, was Jolly Molly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, if we are to &#8216;inspect&#8217; the &#8216;Barracks,&#8217; isn&#8217;t it time? So that we
+can get back to the house by the time James Barlow is ready to see us. I
+suppose the doctor won&#8217;t keep him in bed all day; do you, Mrs. Ford?&#8221;
+said Helena Montaigne.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p><p>She had already learned that the Gray Lady was bitterly opposed to
+Leslie&#8217;s plans for the future and wanted to put aside the unfortunate
+subject of West Point. To her surprise, instead of lightening, the
+lady&#8217;s face grew still more troubled, as she turned to scan the
+landscape behind her with a piercing gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That story was just rippin&#8217;! When I get to the Point the first place I
+shall go to see will be that church! Hear me, Dorothy Doodles?&#8221; demanded
+Leslie, catching her hand and swinging it lightly as he led her forward
+into the first room Lemuel had opened. &#8220;Will you come over there and
+bring me just another such a luncheon, girlie?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, yes. I don&#8217;t like to promise things but I guess this is safe
+enough. When you get there&mdash;<i>when you get there</i>&mdash;I&#8217;ll come, and you
+shall have the finest dinner Alfy and I can cook. We&#8217;ll do it all by
+ourselves&mdash;<i>when you get there to eat it</i>!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I&#8217;ll be there, never fear. My! isn&#8217;t this rippin&#8217;? How does the old
+soldier make the men keep such order, I wonder! Lem Hunt must be as
+great a martinet as he is talker. Look at him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The ranchman was in his element. He had long before marshalled the
+entire working force of San Leon into a &#8220;regiment.&#8221; Any newcomer who
+declined to join it was promptly &#8220;left out in the cold.&#8221; The &#8220;soldiers&#8221;
+were jolly company for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>themselves and none at all for any outsider who
+refused to obey the unwritten laws which honest old Lem had laid down
+for their benefit. &#8220;Captain Lem&#8221; was the neatest man of all, but he
+required the rest to come as near his standard as the disadvantages of
+previous bad training permitted.</p>
+
+<p>Now, in imitation of that West Point discipline he admired, he had
+pulled from his pocket a white linen handkerchief and was passing it
+gently but firmly over the few simple furnishings of this first
+apartment in the long row. It belonged to Silent Pete, just then engaged
+breaking to harness a spirited colt, exercising it around and around the
+smooth driveways of the &#8220;home piece.&#8221; He was not so far away that he
+could not perfectly see what was going on at the &#8220;Barracks,&#8221; and even at
+that distance his grizzled cheek flushed. He had risen late and been
+remiss in his room-cleaning. He hoped old Lem would forget to mention
+who was the occupant of that cell-like place, and, for once, he did.</p>
+
+<p>There was dust on the chest of drawers which held Peter&#8217;s belongings,
+the cot was just as he had crawled out of it at daybreak, a horsewhip
+and blankets littered the floor, and the &#8220;Martinet&#8221; was so ashamed of
+the whole appearance of things that, after one hasty test with the
+handkerchief, he withdrew carrying the company with him. Yet, before
+leaving, he had drawn a piece of chalk from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>the band of his sombrero
+and made a big cross upon the dusty chest. Silent Pete would know what
+that meant: mounting guard for three nights to come! and a grim smile
+twisted Lemuel&#8217;s lips, reflecting what that meant to one of his &#8220;Squad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The visitors had smiled, too, but with amusement at this odd old
+ranchman&#8217;s discipline; and Monty had whispered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What makes &#8217;em put up with it? What right has he to order them around?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Leslie, the young master of San Leon, was as much in the dark as any
+other stranger, and could only answer:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Suppose it&#8217;s because he&#8217;s a leader. Born that way, just as my father
+was, though it&#8217;s a different way, of course. Otherwise, I can&#8217;t guess.
+But I&#8217;m wild to get at the shooting lessons. I hope the rest of you are,
+too. The first step to becoming a real &#8216;wild westerner&#8217; is to know how
+to handle the &#8216;irons.&#8217; He&#8217;s rippin&#8217;, Lem is. But come on. He&#8217;s getting
+away from us. I wish poor old Jim was here. It&#8217;s a pity anybody has to
+be sick in such a place as this. I tell you, boys, I was never so proud
+of Dad as I am now, when I look around and see what a ranch he&#8217;s
+got&mdash;earned&mdash;right out of his own head-piece! I don&#8217;t see where he is! I
+wish he was here. I&#8217;d ask him about those uniforms and I&#8217;d get him to
+let old Lem off every other duty, just to teach us. Dad&#8217;s a sort of
+sharpshooter <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>himself. Once he&mdash;No matter. That story&#8217;ll keep. Lady Gray
+is calling us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had lingered to inspect some of the ranchmen&#8217;s belongings, as they
+passed from room to room, Lady Gray and the girls going forward in
+Lemuel&#8217;s company. She was beckoning her son and asked, as he came
+running up:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Please go across the lawn and ask Miss Milliken to join us. She went to
+her room to write letters, immediately after breakfast, but I see she&#8217;s
+come out now and I don&#8217;t want her to feel lonely nor neglected.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie darted away, but returned again to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She doesn&#8217;t want to come, just now. She wants Jim Barlow. Says she went
+to his room but the nurse said he wasn&#8217;t in. Jim knows about some books
+she wants to send for, when the mail-bag is sent out. Do you know where
+he is? Or father? &#8217;Tisn&#8217;t half-fun, this inspection of San Leon without
+Dad here to tell us things. I haven&#8217;t seen him this morning, any more
+than I have Jim. Do you know where they are?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Lady Gray was not much better at keeping secrets than old Lemuel
+was. She had had to put a great constraint upon herself not to reveal
+the anxiety which consumed her. Hours had now passed since Mr. Ford had
+ridden away, with a couple of men attending him. All the other men not
+absolutely required to look after the place had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>been despatched to
+search on foot. Their long-delayed return seemed to prove the matter of
+the sick boy&#8217;s disappearance a more serious one than at first imagined.
+Her answer was a sudden wringing of her white hands and the tremulous
+cry:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no, I don&#8217;t. Pray God, no tragedy marks the opening of our home!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>A RIFLE PRACTICE</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mother, what do you mean? Don&#8217;t turn so white and do speak! What
+&#8216;tragedy&#8217; could have happened up here in this lovely place?&#8221; demanded
+Leslie, putting his arm around the lady&#8217;s shoulders and wondering if she
+had suddenly become ill. She was slender but had never complained of any
+weakness, nor shown the least fatigue during her long care of him at San
+Diego. Since then, she had been like a happy girl with him and his
+father but something was amiss with her now.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment she had calmed herself and was already blaming herself for
+her disobedience to her husband&#8217;s request for silence. However, this
+last matter was a small one; for, if the missing lad was not soon found,
+all would have to know it. Indeed, it might be better that they did so
+now. They knew him better than his hosts did and possibly might give a
+clue to his whereabouts. So she told them all she knew, and the surmise
+that he had wandered away in a fit of delirium. The very telling
+restored her own courage, and, as yet, there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>was little fear showing
+upon the faces of her young guests.</p>
+
+<p>Except on Dorothy&#8217;s. Her brown eyes were staring wide and all the pretty
+color of her cheeks had faded. As if she saw a vision the others could
+not she stood clasping and unclasping her hands, and utterly sick at
+heart for the loss of her early friend. Longer than she had known any of
+these here about her she had known poor Jim. He had saved her life, or
+she believed so, in her childhood that now seemed far away. But for Jim,
+the poorhouse boy, she had never escaped from Mrs. Stott&#8217;s truck-farm
+when she had been kidnapped and hidden there. He had stood by her in all
+her little troubles, had praised and scolded her, and known her through
+and through. It was her talk about him which had made Mr. Ford invite
+him to San Leon&mdash;to his death, maybe.</p>
+
+<p>That thought was too much. Clinching her small hands and stamping her
+little foot she defied even death to hurt poor Jim, good Jim, brainy
+Jim, who was to astonish the world some day by his wisdom!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! If you&#8217;d only have told me before! I would have had him found long,
+long ago! To think of that poor fellow wandering around alone, sick,
+crazy, suffering&mdash;not knowing where he was or what he was doing! And we
+strolling around, looking at old &#8216;Barracks&#8217; and things, and telling
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>silly stories of silly picnics! It was cruel, cruel! Come, Alfy. You
+like him, too. You don&#8217;t look down on my poor boy&mdash;you come and help me
+find him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She seized her old friend&#8217;s hand and ran toward the house, which now
+looked anything save beautiful in her sight; and, turning, she saw the
+lake, gleaming in the noonday sun as it gleamed in the red rays of
+sunset with Jim there to admire it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The lake! He&#8217;s drowned! That&#8217;s where he is, our Jim! In the bottom of
+that horrible lake!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Catching Alfaretta&#8217;s hand more firmly she drew that frightened girl
+along with her to the edge of the pond and to a little boat that was
+moored there. Both lake and boat were merely toylike in proportion and
+the bottom of the pond was pebble-strewn and plainly visible through the
+clear, shallow water.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He ain&#8217;t&mdash;he&mdash;ain&#8217;t&mdash;he can&#8217;t&mdash;you could see&mdash;him&mdash;He isn&#8217;t&mdash;Oh! Dolly,
+Dolly Doodles! I&#8217;m sick! It makes me feel terrible queer!&#8221; wailed
+Alfaretta. &#8220;But Jim can&#8217;t&mdash;Jim can&#8217;t be drowned! <i>He can&#8217;t!</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes he can, too. Shut up. Help me untie that rope. Get in. Take an oar.
+Row&mdash;row, I tell you,&#8221; snapped Dorothy, distraught.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t. I dassent! I never touched to row an oar in my life. Not in my
+whole life long, and&mdash;I&mdash;I shan&#8217;t do it now!&#8221; retorted the mountaineer
+with equal crispness.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>But she had no need to try. The whole party had followed Dorothy to the
+water&#8217;s edge and had divined her intent. Not one believed that Jim was
+drowned, though they could have given no good reason for this disbelief.
+Only that was too horrible. Such a thing would not have been permitted!
+Yet Herbert, as the best oarsman there and also as the loyal friend of
+the missing lad, assumed the place Alfy would not take. Without a word
+he did what Dorothy desired. He slipped the painter from its post,
+helped the girl to take her seat in the little &#8220;Dorothy,&#8221; even smiling
+as he observed that it had been named for her, and quietly pushed out
+from shore.</p>
+
+<p>It was just as Alfy had said: the bottom of the lake was clearly visible
+everywhere, and no frightful object marred its beauty. Dorothy was
+utterly quiet now but her searching gaze never lifted from the water, as
+Herbert patiently rowed around and around. The group on the bank waited
+also in silence, though certain after that first circuit of the pond
+that Jim was not there.</p>
+
+<p>When they had gone around several times, and had crossed and
+criss-crossed in obedience to Dorothy&#8217;s nod, Herbert brought the boat
+back to the little landing and helped Dorothy out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He isn&#8217;t there, Gray Lady. May I go to the doctor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely. I&#8217;ll go with you. And don&#8217;t look so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>tragic, darling. The boy
+will certainly be found. There will nothing else be done at San Leon
+until he is. Both my husband and myself agree on that point&mdash;that Jim
+Barlow&#8217;s safety is our first consideration. He will probably be found
+near at hand, although&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hasn&#8217;t he been looked for &#8216;near at hand,&#8217; then, dear Gray Lady?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly. At the beginning. We didn&#8217;t think he could have wandered
+far, yet when they failed to find him on the home-grounds, the searchers
+spread out in all directions. Here is the doctor coming now, if you wish
+to speak with him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, I do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman came toward them and Dorothy ran to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! sir, have you found him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A negative shake of the head answered her. Then she plied him with all
+sorts of questions: how long could a sick boy live exposed to the night
+air, as Jim had been; without food or medicine; and couldn&#8217;t he think of
+some place that nobody else had searched, so she might go and try it?</p>
+
+<p>He laid his hand upon her head and gently asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Was he your brother, little girl?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. I haven&#8217;t any brother. I haven&#8217;t anybody but Jim, that has known me
+always, seems if, and&mdash;and dear Doctor, won&#8217;t you please, please find
+him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>Clasping her hands about his arm she looked up piteously into his face,
+and his own grew pitiful as he answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will do my utmost. What I hope is that he will wander back, of his
+own will, just as he wandered away. Be sure I shall keep a sharp
+lookout, but it is Mr. Ford&#8217;s wish that I do not leave the home-place
+till&mdash;at present. If he is found, I mean <i>when</i> he is found, he will
+need my care and it wouldn&#8217;t do for me to be away then. Else I should
+have gone out with one of the searching parties.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>That &#8220;when he is found&#8221; was reassuring. Evidently, the doctor expected
+the speedy return of the lad and all were relieved, even Dorothy.
+Alfaretta expressed her own feeling by saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Out here in this Colorado, seems if there wasn&#8217;t anything but folks
+gettin&#8217; lost and other folks searching for &#8217;em. I never heard anything
+like it,&#8221; she finished with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>The sigh was echoed by all the rest; then Mrs. Ford suggested:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us have luncheon now, then call on Lemuel to give us our first
+lesson in rifle-firing.&#8221; She assumed a cheerfulness she did not really
+feel, but felt that the happiness of so many should not be spoiled by
+the absence of one.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Lady Gray, will you practice with us?&#8221; asked Leslie, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To be sure. I&#8217;m going to &#8216;play pretend,&#8217; as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>children say, that I&#8217;m
+just as young as any of you. In my busy life I&#8217;ve not had much time for
+&#8216;playing&#8217; but I mean to make up for lost time. Come, I&#8217;m sure that Wun
+Sing has made something nice for us. He&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wun Sing! <i>Wun Sing?</i> Why that was the name of Aunt Betty&#8217;s cook at <i>El
+Paraiso</i>! How odd that yours should have the same name!&#8221; exclaimed
+Dorothy, forgetting her troubles for the moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not so odd, dearie, because it is the same man. He came to Mr. Ford one
+day while we were still in San Diego and confessed his regret for his
+behavior at Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s home. And my good Daniel can never turn his
+back upon any penitent; so the result is the Chinaman reigns in our
+kitchen here. Doubtless he&#8217;ll be pleased to see Alfaretta who taught him
+so many fine dishes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! good! May we go see him, Mrs. Ford?&#8221; demanded that young person,
+eager not only to see Wun Sing because he was one more familiar
+acquaintance but because she wished to settle a few old scores. &#8220;I&#8217;m so
+glad! I&#8217;ll make him toe the mark here, see if I don&#8217;t. Come on, Dolly
+Doodles, he&#8217;s an old friend of yours, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy&#8217;s eagerness infected even anxious Dorothy and gave an agreeable
+turn to the thoughts of all. So, at a nod of consent, the girls sped
+along the cloister, seeking the great kitchen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>and the salaaming
+grinning Chinaman within it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! how good you look, Wunny! Same old purple sack! same old shoes;
+same old twisted cue around your same old shiny black head! Same old
+nasty messes cooking! and same old Alfaretta to get after you with a
+sharp stick!&#8221; cried Leslie bursting in with all the others.</p>
+
+<p>Even Dorothy was laughing now, Jim quite forgot, while the cook held
+such a reception as had never been his before. Leslie went through some
+formal introductions, beginning with the lady of the mansion and ending
+with Miss Milliken, who had followed unseen till now.</p>
+
+<p>Wun Sing&#8217;s back must have ached, so often and so low he bowed, while his
+tongue mumbled compliments to the most gracious and honorable visitors;
+but a look of real delight was on his swarthy face and one of great
+affection for smiling Alfaretta.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My heart! Ain&#8217;t it just grand to find an old friend up here on the
+mountains! I declare, it does beat the Dutch!&#8221; and to this, her
+expression of greatest wonderment, Leslie added his own:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just downright rippin&#8217;! He&#8217;s worth all he costs just to make our Dolly
+forget that horrid Jim Barlow. I can&#8217;t forgive him for running away and
+stirring up all this mess, sending Dad off on a tiresome ride and
+spoiling sport this way. He was good enough, I&#8217;d have treated him
+decent, all <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>right, but I wish now he&#8217;d never been heard of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the most of this was whispered in his mother&#8217;s ear, as he stood
+beside her, his hand upon her shoulder, in that familiar, loving
+attitude which always made her so happy.</p>
+
+<p>Then she demanded of the proud <i>chef</i> how soon he could have lunch
+ready, and he replied with another gesture of profound respect:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Light away, this instlant! By my honorable forefathers it is fittee for
+the most bleautiful!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then he bowed them out of the place and they wandered to the pretty room
+where the meal would be served, and which because of its simple,
+cloister-like effect, Helena at once named &#8220;The Refectory.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It had been a trifling incident, but it had had a happy effect. All
+tongues were talking now, planning, anticipating, wondering over the
+things they meant to do and to learn; while a man was sent across to the
+&#8220;Barracks&#8221; to tell Lemuel that they would like to begin their rifle
+lessons that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford suggested naps for everybody, on account of their previous
+long journeys but none wished to sleep just then.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How can anybody be tired in this glorious air?&#8221; asked Helena, burying
+her nose in a beautiful bunch of wild flowers somebody had placed beside
+her plate.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p><p>Even Miss Milliken was wide awake now and as happy as she ever could be
+anywhere. Her one complaint was that it was &#8220;so far from civilization.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you knew that, Milly, before you came. Mamma stated everything to
+you as plainly as could be. You knew you were going to an isolated ranch
+on a mountain, so how could you expect daily papers, visitors, and such
+things? You&#8217;ve always said you loved quiet and, now you&#8217;ve got it, do be
+satisfied,&#8221; begged Helena. She was really fond of the nervous little
+governess but sometimes lost patience with her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, dear, but suppose&mdash;suppose something happened? Illness at home, or
+something serious.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray gently interposed, and made, also, her little speech. It was
+her first and last advice, or request, to her guests and most of them
+were impressed by it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear Miss Milliken, don&#8217;t be troubled by &#8216;being so far from
+civilization.&#8217; You aren&#8217;t that, at all. My husband has brought
+civilization with him. I am amazed at all he has accomplished. We have a
+telegraph line&mdash;that he found necessary for his business, but that can
+be used by any of us. Bad news travels fast. Be sure if &#8216;anything
+happens&#8217; we shall hear of it all too soon. And now I have but one
+suggestion to make for our life together, and I mean to apply it to
+myself first of all. It is: Let us put everything unpleasant under our
+feet, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>as far as possible, and each do his and her share to make this a
+wholly joyous summer. I&#8217;m inclined to &#8216;worry&#8217; and it&#8217;s a most
+unfortunate inclination. This is the first time I have had a chance to
+make a &#8216;home&#8217; for Daniel and Leslie and I want it to be perfect. Will
+you all help me? Will you all take my dear husband&#8217;s words for a summer
+text and make life at this dear San Leon a synonym of &#8216;Peace and Good
+Will&#8217;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray&#8217;s beautiful face was very earnest, there was even a suspicion
+of tears in her long-lashed eyes, but they did not fall, and, after a
+moment&#8217;s silence, Leslie sprang to his feet with a:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hip, hip, hurra, for the Gray Lady and her maiden speech! All in favor
+of following her lead, say &#8216;Aye&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All the company rose and the deafening &#8220;Ayes&#8221; which those young throats
+emitted were as flattering as confusing to the &#8220;speech&#8221; maker. Then she
+waved them back to their chairs and Wun Sing&#8217;s perfection lunch was
+served.</p>
+
+<p>Of course they all missed their jolly host, and their hearts were still
+troubled because of the missing Jim; but each strove with the other to
+keep these feelings out of sight. This was hardest for Dorothy, who
+guessed that the lady&#8217;s suggestion was meant for her most of all; yet
+she bravely tried to smile at every witticism made by her mates and to
+respond in sort as far as she could. They had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>been a little company of
+eight and because one was away should the seven be made to suffer? She
+would try not, and contented herself with one final question, as the
+hostess rose from the table and, the others hurrying &#8220;Barracks&#8221;-ward,
+she could whisper:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even if they don&#8217;t find my poor boy right away, you won&#8217;t let them give
+up looking, will you, dearest Gray Lady?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford drew the child close into her arms and kissed her tenderly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t fear that, for a moment, darling. As if James Barlow were our own
+Leslie, the search for him would never be given up till he were found.
+Scouts will be looking for him everywhere; though, of course he&#8217;s sure
+to be found near home and soon. Now, my dear little girl, shorten up
+that long face and trust to older heads to do the right thing. Your
+business now, as it has always seemed to be, is to make your playmates
+happy. Jim shall be found; and soon&mdash;I do believe. You&#8217;ve heard the men
+say that whatever &#8216;Dan Ford, Railroad Boss&#8217; undertook he accomplished.
+Now let&#8217;s put that matter aside and learn how to handle a rifle.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Lem&#8221; had made great preparations for his &#8220;shooting school.&#8221; He
+had called upon his own company, as far as he could find it, to help
+him. Most of the &#8220;boys&#8221; had gone searching, but the few who were left
+soon had a row of benches set <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>out, a target placed, and the finest guns
+available stacked in readiness. It was really a very business like
+arrangement and the would-be students soon found Lemuel&#8217;s rule was
+business only. For the boys he had placed arm-rests and they were to
+fire from the ground, aided by these slight supports.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The females can stand and shoot, on account o&#8217; their petticoats
+worryin&#8217; &#8217;em, lyin&#8217;. An&#8217; as I can&#8217;t do nothin&#8217; unless it&#8217;s by rule an&#8217;
+rod, I lay it this way: Mrs. Ford, bein&#8217; she&#8217;s the eldest&mdash;though she
+don&#8217;t look it, Ma&#8217;am!&mdash;she&#8217;ll begin. Nobody can have more &#8217;n two tries
+to a round. Then Number Two takes it. The schoolma&#8217;am next, an&#8217; mebbe I
+mistook in that matter of age. But that&#8217;s not here nor there. Mrs. Ford,
+Number One; the schoolma&#8217;am, Two; the rest the females follerin&#8217; in
+order. Then the boys. One, two, three&mdash;attention! Step right here, lady,
+and I&#8217;ll show you the first position&mdash;how to hold your rifle.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lem had put on a rusty uniform, a relic of former grandeur &#8220;back
+home,&#8221; and carried his bent shoulders with a military precision that
+quite transformed him. He gave Gray Lady a salute, moved forward and
+placed her &#8220;in position&#8221; and handed her the rifle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold it just this way, scholar, and sight your bull&#8217;s-eye. Keep your
+eye on that, allowin&#8217; for a little play in the carryin&#8217;, and now&mdash;pull
+your trigger&mdash;let her go!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p><p>Mrs. Ford obeyed, or thought she did. The result was that the gun
+kicked, she screamed, and threw it as far from her as she could. What
+became of the bullet she never knew, but she firmly declined any further
+lessons in the fine art of sharpshooting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look at Lem&#8217;s face!&#8221; whispered Herbert to Molly who giggled and
+returned:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait till it comes my turn, I&#8217;ll show him something!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Captain, as they henceforth called him tried to hide his look of
+disgust by turning his back upon the group, and asking in a sarcastic
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Any more females want to take a try? The schoolma&#8217;am lady, for
+instance?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She ignored his question and sat down by her hostess to soothe that now
+abashed person for her failure. Captain Lem had withered even the lady
+of the ranch by his contempt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Helena next!&#8221; cried Molly, fairly dancing about in her impatience.</p>
+
+<p>So Helena tried and made out fairly well. That is she succeeded in
+keeping the rifle in hand, she did not scream at the discharge, and she
+came within a hundred feet of the target. The lads applauded, noisily,
+and she mocked back at their pretended admiration, though she made one
+effort only and subsided on the bench beside the ladies.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All the same it&#8217;s wonderfully exciting! And I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>mean to try again,
+to-morrow, if they&#8217;ll let me,&#8221; she remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let some of the boys try before we do, so we can see how it&#8217;s done. Or
+you, Captain Hunt, you show us!&#8221; begged Molly.</p>
+
+<p>This was what he had waited for. With a strut he marched across the
+space between them and the target and carried that much further back. He
+longed for a target bearing an arrangement of letters that he could hit
+and cause to disappear, as at his boasted Seagirt, instead of a plain
+affair such as this he had to use.</p>
+
+<p>Strutting back to them he lay down, wriggled himself into position,
+muttered something about the sun in his eyes, hemmed and hawed, took
+final aim and&mdash;let her go!</p>
+
+<p>But she didn&#8217;t go&mdash;not in the least. All unconsciously, he had taken an
+unloaded piece!</p>
+
+<p>There was no strut left in him as he rose to his feet, rather slowly,
+and faced his laughing audience; but he rallied after a moment and
+good-naturedly joined in the laugh against himself.</p>
+
+<p>However, discipline was over for that lesson. Without regard to any
+rules the youngsters rushed to the stack and took whatever gun was
+fancied. Then began an indiscriminate firing till Mrs. Ford grew
+frightened and implored them to stop. They did so, all but Alfaretta and
+Molly, who had both been fascinated by the sport and felt sure that
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>they could hit the bull&#8217;s-eye&mdash;which nobody else had done.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come on, Alfy! Let&#8217;s get down on our tummy, same&#8217;s all marksmen do,
+let&#8217;s!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Down they flung themselves and now, as eager for their success as they
+were, old Lem handed each a fresh rifle and sang out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let her go! A silver dollar to the gal that wins!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They fired&mdash;and the unexpected happened. Alfaretta&#8217;s untaught hands
+succeeded where greater skill had failed. Her bullet went straight into
+the bull&#8217;s-eye, into its very centre.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By the Great Horned Spoon! What an eye you&#8217;ve got, child of mortality!
+Why I couldn&#8217;t ha&#8217; done better myself! Glory be!&#8221; shouted the excited
+ranchman, fairly dancing in his pride and glee. Then he helped Alfy up
+from the ground, where she still lay, wondering at the excitement about
+her, and peered critically into her blue orbs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;However could you see it? That fur away?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why&mdash;why, I didn&#8217;t see it at all. I got scared and shut my eyes when I
+pulled that thing on it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lem staggered as if he had been hit instead of the target and
+softly marvelled:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Such&mdash;dum&mdash;luck! She done it&mdash;with her eyes&mdash;shut!
+She&mdash;done&mdash;it&mdash;with&mdash;her&mdash;eyes&mdash;shut! Somebody take me out and lay me
+down. I&#8217;m beat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p><p>His ludicrous manner amused the others but frightened the too successful
+Alfaretta. Also, her attention was claimed by Molly&#8217;s expression. That
+ambitious young person was looking very white about the lips, and was
+clasping and unclasping her hands in evident distress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Molly, what&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; cried Alfy, shaking her partner in the
+affair.</p>
+
+<p>Molly lifted one shaking finger and pointed into the distance:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&mdash;I hit something, too!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Other eyes than Alfy&#8217;s followed the pointing finger and a groan of
+horror burst from more than one throat.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, and all too surely, Molly had &#8220;hit something, too!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A CONCERT IN THE MOONLIGHT</h3>
+
+<p>Night fell on San Leon; and the searching party which had gone out in
+the morning, sure of prompt success, returned tired and dispirited. But
+their places were immediately taken by fresh recruits, Mr. Ford
+announcing that the matter would not be dropped, night or day, until all
+hope had to be given up.</p>
+
+<p>Except that Jim&#8217;s clothes had been left in his room it might have seemed
+that the lad had run away, feeling himself out of place at San Leon. But
+the folded garments placed on the chair beside his empty bed told a
+different tale.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, he has wandered off unknowing what he did. Well, when he comes back
+he shall find his place ready for him and the warmest of welcomes
+waiting. While we have tried&mdash;and will still&mdash;to visit every cabin and
+ranch within reasonable reach, there are many such little shacks dropped
+here and there among the mountains; and we have probably overlooked the
+one in which he is sheltered. Open hospitality is a feature of the west.
+Anybody who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>comes across the boy will be good to him. Now, let&#8217;s have a
+little music and then to bed. A whole day in the saddle tires me, though
+I&#8217;m bound to get used to it yet, and so shall all of you. Come, Erminie,
+give me a song; and Dorothy dear, get out your violin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Thus said Mr. Ford, when their evening dinner had been enjoyed and they
+had all gone out to sit upon the wide veranda, the moonlight flooding
+the beautiful grounds, and the soft spring air playing about them.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy felt that she could not play a note, and even Alfaretta was
+quietly crying in the retired corner she had sought, in the shadow of a
+pillar. But Mrs. Ford at once obeyed her husband&#8217;s wish, and as her
+wonderful voice floated over them it banished every thought save the
+delight of listening.</p>
+
+<p>The &#8220;boys&#8221; came over from their &#8220;Barracks&#8221; and sprawled on the grass,
+entranced. Hitherto, their life on the ranch had been one of toil,
+lightened by sports almost as rough, with the evening diversion of
+swopping stories over their pipes. They hadn&#8217;t been greatly pleased at
+the prospect of a lot of strangers living so near them, but already all
+that was changed; and though they didn&#8217;t know, till Lemuel informed
+them, and this singer was one of a few famous <i>artistes</i>, they were
+moved and touched by the marvellous beauty of her voice.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You know, boys, it&#8217;d be worth ten dollars a ticket&mdash;gallery seats, at
+that&mdash;just to get into an opery house an&#8217; hark to yonder lady. An&#8217; now
+you&#8217;re just gettin&#8217; it for nothin&#8217;, free, clear gratis, take it or leave
+it, ary one. Fact. The &#8216;Boss&#8217;s&#8217; lady is an A 1 singer if she is a&mdash;I
+mean, a poor show at a rifle.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The songs went on till the Gray Lady dared sing no more. Like all
+trained singers she was careful of her throat and unused, as yet, to the
+air of this region at night. But when she laughingly declared:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No more this time; not if I&#8217;m to sing again,&#8221; there was a murmur of
+dissatisfaction from the group of men about the fountain; and old
+Captain Lem begged, in their name:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just one more, lady, to sleep on. That kind o&#8217; music makes a feller
+hungry for more and sort-of-kind-of sets him thinkin&#8217; &#8217;bout things back
+home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Ford interposed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, Captain, not to-night! I want to have a lot of just such concerts
+so we mustn&#8217;t put the <i>prima donna</i> out of condition. But I&#8217;ve a little
+girl here with a fiddle and I tell you she can just make it talk! Come
+farther forward, Dolly dear, and stand close to me. Then &#8216;rosin your
+bow&#8217; and get to work. Show these cowboys what a little girl-tenderfoot
+can do. Maybe, too, who knows? <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>Maybe our Jim will hear it wherever he
+is and hurry back. At it, child, and call him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Gray feared this was a trifle unkind to the girl, who she wished
+might wholly forget the boy, but the master felt it not so. He knew that
+nothing would more thoroughly inspire her than this possibility.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! do you think so? Then I&#8217;ll play as I never did before&mdash;I will, I
+will!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She stepped out from the veranda upon the broad walk before it, and with
+the moonlight pouring down upon her white-clad little figure, her face
+uplifted to the sky, and her precious violin beneath her chin, she
+played, indeed, &#8220;as she had never done before.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>On and on she played; one ranchman after another softly suggesting some
+desired melody, and her eager little fingers rendering it upon the
+instant. The men ceased sprawling and sat up. If they had found the Gray
+Lady&#8217;s voice a marvel, here was a greater. That any child&mdash;a despised
+&#8220;female&#8221; child&mdash;could evoke such music seemed past belief; and when, at
+length, Mr. Ford bade her render the beloved &#8220;Home, Sweet Home&#8221; as a
+finale, there was a reluctant rising of the audience to its feet,
+ordered to it by the Captain who, in rather husky tones, stated:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ladies and gentlemen, and mostly the little gal, I give the sentiments
+o&#8217; my regiment, to a man, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>when I say all you tenderfoots is welcome to
+S&#8217; Leon. We wasn&#8217;t very tickled before, thinkin&#8217; all our free livin&#8217;s an&#8217;
+doin&#8217;s was to be interfered with, but we are now. Three cheers for the
+company an&#8217; the treat they&#8217;ve give us, more especial for the Little One,
+and&mdash;Long may she wave! Hip, hip, hurrar!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The cheer was given with a will, and then again came the Captain&#8217;s
+order:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fall into line. Right about face. March! hep, hep, hep&mdash;hep!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But as they filed away Dorothy had another inspiration and, acting upon
+it, sent the delighted cowboys marching to the lively air of &#8220;Yankee,
+Doodle, Doodle Doo.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now to bed!&#8221; advised the hostess. So within a very few moments all
+were in their rooms, tired and happy despite the worries of the day, and
+sure that all would come right at last.</p>
+
+<p>The four girls shared two rooms, facing one another and with two dainty
+beds in each. Milliken&#8217;s chamber was at the end of the long passage
+beyond theirs, and those of the rest of the household across a wide hall
+which cut this wing of the house in two. In structure the building was
+very like <i>El Paraiso</i>, which the Gray Lady had admired and where the
+happiness of reunion had come to her; and it seemed to those who had
+wintered in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>the old adobe that they had but stepped into another home.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, sleep did not come at once. Four girls, even if together all
+day long, find much to chatter about at night, and this had been a day
+of &#8220;happenings&#8221; indeed.</p>
+
+<p>Dolly and Alfy came across to sit on Helena&#8217;s bed and watch her dainty,
+slow preparations for retiring. Molly was already perched in the middle
+of her own white bed, hugging her knees and proclaiming for the
+twentieth time, at least:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I am such a thankful girl! After I fired that rifle and saw that
+purple mass of stuff lying on the ground I thought I was a murderer! I
+did so. Yet I was mad, too, to think Wun Sing had been such an idiot as
+to go between me and the target.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Herbert claims the safest place for others, when a girl shoots, is
+right behind the target. But it wasn&#8217;t when Alfy hit the bull&#8217;s-eye. How
+did you do it, child? It was wonderful and at that distance&mdash;which
+Captain Lemuel fixed for himself!&#8221; said Helena, brushing out her hair
+preparatory to loosely braiding it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Nell, you&#8217;re lovely that way! In that soft nightie&mdash;you do have
+such lovely, lacey things. I wish Aunt Betty would buy me some like
+them, but she won&#8217;t. She&#8217;s too sensible, and oh! dear! I wish I had my
+arms around her neck this minute!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Put them around mine, Dolly Doodles, and quit <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>wishin&#8217; for things you
+can&#8217;t get. Do you s&#8217;pose I&#8217;ll ever do it again?&#8221; asked Alfaretta,
+drawing one of Dorothy&#8217;s arms about her own shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do what again, child?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Child, yourself. I mean fire right into the middle of the thing, and
+&#8216;honest Injun&#8217;, I did do it with my eyes shut. I wonder if that ain&#8217;t
+the rightest way to sharpshoot, anyway. The rest of you couldn&#8217;t hit it
+anywheres near, with your eyes open. What say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Molly yawned and stretched herself luxuriously, and Helena remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Molly, you make me think of a Persian kitten! She does just that when
+she feels particularly good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I ought to feel good. I didn&#8217;t kill Wun Sing. I just made a hole
+in his old purple blouse and I can give him another new one. If I can
+find one like it, and have money enough, and&mdash;and other things. If I had
+shot him instead of his clothes what would they have done to me? Would I
+have been hung by the neck till you are dead and the Lord have mercy on
+your soul? Would I?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Molly, how horrible and how wicked! That&#8217;s swearing!&#8221; cried
+indignant Dorothy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I like that! I mean I don&#8217;t! I never swore a swore in my life and
+you&#8217;re horrid, just horrid, Dorothy Calvert, to say so,&#8221; retorted Molly,
+suddenly sitting up and flashing a look of scorn at her beloved chum.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It was really swearing, you know, though you didn&#8217;t mean it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s what the Judge says&mdash;my poor father&#8217;s one&mdash;when a man is condemned
+to death.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aunt Betty says that any taking of the Lord&#8217;s name <i>in vain</i> is
+swearing and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Foreseeing a childish squabble, due to over-excitement and fatigue,
+Helena gently interposed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s enough. Neither of you knows what she is talking about. They
+don&#8217;t hang people nowadays, they electrocute them, and Wun Sing wasn&#8217;t
+hurt. He was only badly scared and will keep a good distance from our
+rifle-range hereafter. Alfy did hit the bull&#8217;s-eye, no matter whether
+she meant to do it or not. We&#8217;ve had a perfectly lovely evening and a
+perfectly lovely summer is before us. I mean to get up, to-morrow, and
+see the sun rise, so&mdash;off with you, girls. Molly and I are sleepy. Good
+night to both of you. What friends we shall be before this summer ends!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I thought we was now. I&#8217;m sure I don&#8217;t feel much above any of you,
+even if I can shoot better &#8217;n the rest,&#8221; said practical Alfaretta,
+moving slowly toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>A shout of laughter greeted her words and Molly indignantly retorted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You aren&#8217;t one bit smarter than I am. You only hit an old target and I
+hit a man, and we didn&#8217;t either of us mean to do it. But good night,
+good <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>night. Wake early, &#8217;cause Leslie says we&#8217;ve a great doin&#8217;s before
+us, to-morrow. Something better than waking up to see the sun rise.
+Helena&#8217;ll get over that, though. Such fine resolutions don&#8217;t last.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll see. I&mdash;I think I shall keep a diary. Take notes of what happens
+up here on the Rockies. If I succeed I may&mdash;I <i>may</i> write a book,
+sometime,&#8221; said Helena.</p>
+
+<p>Molly and Dolly stared, seized with sudden awe of this ambitious young
+person, and Alfy stared, too; but she was not impressed and her comment
+was a not unkindly but perfectly sincere remark:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, Nell, you couldn&#8217;t do that. It takes brains to&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Young ladies! I am amazed at your disturbing the house like this, after
+retiring hours! Lights out, or off, silence at once!&#8221; ordered Miss
+Milliken, appearing in their midst. And at this apparition silence did
+follow.</p>
+
+<p>Back in their own room, Dorothy and Alfaretta pushed their little beds
+close together and knelt down to say their prayers. In the heart of each
+was an earnest petition for &#8220;poor Jim,&#8221; Dolly&#8217;s ending with the words:
+&#8220;And let me see his face the first thing in the morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Alfy reproved this.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We haven&#8217;t any right to set times for things to be done and prayers to
+be answered, Dolly Doodles, and don&#8217;t say no more. It&#8217;s sort of saucy
+seems if, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>to ask for things and then keep thinkin&#8217; in your insides that
+they won&#8217;t be give. You&#8217;ve asked and the Lord&#8217;s heard you&mdash;now get up
+and go to bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Alfy! I wish you had&mdash;had&mdash;a little more spiritually!&#8221; wailed
+Dorothy, rather stumbling over the long word but obediently rising from
+her knees and creeping between the snowy sheets. &#8220;And I don&#8217;t feel as if
+there was any use going to bed, any way. I know I shan&#8217;t sleep a wink.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fiddlesticks! You just do beat the Dutch! As if great Jim Barlow hadn&#8217;t
+a decent head on his shoulders and needed the use o&#8217; your &#8217;n! He
+wouldn&#8217;t thank you for makin&#8217; him out such a fool. Good night. I&#8217;m goin&#8217;
+to sleep.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy felt that this was simply heartless and sighed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wish I could! But I can&#8217;t!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then she drew the covers about her shoulders, stared through the open
+window at the moonlit ground, felt the scene a trifle dazzling, and
+closed her lids just to rest her eyes a minute.</p>
+
+<p>When she opened them again Alfaretta&#8217;s bed was empty and neatly spread.
+Except her own belongings the room was in perfect order for the day, the
+sun shone where the moonlight had been, and the cathedral clock on the
+cloister wall was striking&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Oh! It&#8217;s morning! It&#8217;s <i>late</i> morning, too, that&#8217;s six, seven, nine
+o&#8217;clock! Oh! how could I sleep so? I never did before in all my
+life&mdash;except<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>&mdash;well, sometimes, but I&#8217;m ashamed, I&#8217;m awfully ashamed of
+myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As she sprang to her feet there was a tap at the door and a
+white-capped, white-aproned maid appeared, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good morning, Se&ntilde;orita. The Se&ntilde;ora sent me to serve you and help you
+about your bath. It is ready, yes, and the other se&ntilde;oritas have
+breakfasted and gone out, <i>si</i>. By my Lady&#8217;s orders you were not to be
+awakened till you roused yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! but I am sorry. I didn&#8217;t mean to do this, for I know one of Mr.
+Ford&#8217;s rules is early rising. I found that out at <i>El Paraiso</i> and&mdash;yes,
+yes, please do help me. But tell me, what shall I call you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anita, ni&ntilde;a. Anita Mantez I am, from the dear City of the Angels, <i>si</i>.
+This way, <i>carita</i>, do not fear displeasure. They are all beloved, the
+fair young things, but you are nearest, dearest, so my Lady tells. For
+you will never be blamed, believe me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy made short work of her toilet and felt so refreshed by her night
+of sound sleep and her delightful morning bath, that the world outside
+seemed even lovelier than she remembered it. Also, she was hungry&mdash;so
+hungry! It was quite as Mr. Ford had said; that the mountain air made
+people almost ravenous, at first. Afterwards, one&#8217;s appetite sank to the
+normal and to be out and doing was the one great desire of life.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p><p>Anita led her to the refectory and served her with a dainty breakfast,
+disposed on exquisite &#8220;individual&#8221; dishes, and oddly enough, bearing the
+initial &#8220;D.&#8221; Dolly lifted a cup and stared at it, wondering while Anita
+glibly explained in her patois of Spanish-English, that yes, indeed, it
+was the Se&ntilde;orita&#8217;s own.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy&#8217;s heart was touched and grateful. Charming as her hosts were to
+all their guests, in many little ways they had singled her out as in
+this; and she understood without explanation from them that it was
+because of the part she had played in bringing together the once divided
+family. Very humbly and gravely she accepted these attentions, thankful
+in her deepest heart that she had been &#8220;inspired,&#8221; on that past winter
+day, to lead the father and son across the mesa to the little cabin
+where Gray Lady dwelt alone. It had been a daring thing to do&mdash;an
+&#8220;assisting Providence&#8221;&mdash;such as wise Aunt Betty wholly disapproved; but
+that time it had been a fortunate one for all concerned.</p>
+
+<p>Now as the girl sipped her cocoa, turning the egg-shell like cup to
+catch the light, she wondered what she could still do to help her dear
+Gray Lady and to prove her own love. Then her dreaming was cut short by
+a hubbub of merry voices without, and, a moment later, a crowd of young
+folks tumbled through the big window, laughing, teasing, exhorting:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Lazy girl! Just eating breakfast and it&#8217;s nearly time for lunch, seems
+if!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! The loveliest thing in the world!&#8221; cried Molly, clapping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; said Dolly, demurely, lifting her face for the other to
+kiss.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! not you, Miss Vanity, but a beautiful thing on four legs!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re to take our choice and the white one&#8217;s <i>mine</i>, for&mdash;&#8221; declared
+Alfaretta.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No white one for me! Dad says we&#8217;re to do our own grooming and white
+ones have to be washed just like a poodle dog and&mdash;&#8221; began Leslie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had one once. His name was &#8216;Goodenough,&#8217; and he was good enough, too.
+Could walk on its hind legs&mdash;&#8221; interrupted Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Dorothy! If you aren&#8217;t going to finish that buttered toast, do give
+it to me! I never was so hungry in all my life. I simply can&#8217;t get
+filled up, and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Montmorency Vavasour-Stark! You ought to be ashamed! After eating four
+chops, three boiled eggs, five helpings of potato, to say nothing of
+coffee enough for the regiment, and strawberries&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Mistress Molly Breckenridge, I don&#8217;t know who set you to keep
+tally on my appetite! and I hate to see good things wasted. Want the
+rest of those berries, girlie? I know you don&#8217;t. You&#8217;re real unselfish,
+you are; and you wouldn&#8217;t <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>eat all the
+nice-ripe-red-strawberries-raised-under-glass-ripe-red-strawberries and
+give your neighbor none. And give your neighbor none,
+you-shan&#8217;t-have-any-of-my-nice-ripe-red-strawberries-who-gives-his-neighbor&mdash;Molly,
+give it back! Aw, now, Molly! You wouldn&#8217;t eat all the nice-ripe&mdash;Hold
+on! Bert Montaigne, that&#8217;s a beastly shame! After I had to warble in
+that dulcet way for a plate of poor, left-over, second-hand
+strawberries, to have &#8217;em grabbed by you and Molly&mdash;that&#8217;s too much.
+Just one drop too much to fill my bucket, but I say, &#8216;Little One,&#8217; I
+wish you&#8217;d get up late every morning, and have just such a superfine
+breakfast as this saved for you, and not be hungry at all yourself, but
+save it for a poor starved little boy who hasn&#8217;t had a mouthful in an
+hour&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Monty was running on in this absurd way, yet holding his own in a three
+cornered scramble for possession of a dish of berries he had pre-empted
+from Dorothy&#8217;s table; till, without saying anything, Helena calmly
+walked up, took the disputed dish from the contestants and, shoving
+Dolly aside to give up half her chair, sat down and began to eat them
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Two spoons with but a single dish! How touching!&#8221; cried Herbert, posing
+in pretended admiration of the pair, yet covertly watching his chance to
+add a third spoon to the two and get his own taste of the luxury.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p><p>Not but that all had been served likewise, at the regular meal earlier
+in the day, and Monty&#8217;s boasted appetite was but a part of the happy
+foolishness of their youth and high spirits.</p>
+
+<p>For they were all evidently greatly excited over something, and the talk
+fell back upon &#8220;choice&#8221; and &#8220;points&#8221; and &#8220;colors&#8221; with a comparison of
+manes and tails, till Dorothy sprang up, clapped her hands over her
+ears, and demanded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One at a time! One at a time! Do tell me what you&#8217;re all jabbering
+about and be quick! Just because I was lazy&mdash;I admit it, all right&mdash;I
+don&#8217;t want to miss all the fun! Tell me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But her answer did not come from any of the lively group about her. A
+shadow fell across the floor and Captain Lem appeared at the window.
+Leaning his elbows on the low sill he surveyed the interior with a
+quizzical smile, then observed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If everybody&#8217;s et all they can and has got time for somethin&#8217; elst,
+please to step over to the corral behind the Barracks. Time there was
+somethin&#8217; doin&#8217;! Come on, Little One. I&#8217;d like to have you head the
+procesh, for &#8217;twas the Boss&#8217;s orders, first pick for you. Hep, hep,
+hep&mdash;march!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>A MODERN HORSE FAIR</h3>
+
+<p>They departed as they had entered, by way of the window, Dorothy lifted
+through it by her admiring Captain Lem, whose heart she had wholly won
+by her music the night before, and by the deference she paid to his
+talk. She was eager to find out the cause of all this excitement and
+placed herself alongside him, as he led off with a military tread and
+tensely squared shoulders. It wasn&#8217;t for him to admit that rheumatism
+commonly bowed those same shoulders, when he was &#8220;off duty&#8221; and secure
+in the shelter of his own room.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hep, hep, hep,&mdash;hep,&#8221; said the Captain marking time, and scowling at
+the irregular pace of the excited youngsters behind her. At which
+Dorothy promptly echoed his &#8220;Hep, hep, hep,&#8221; and the others took the
+hint, pairing off into a compact little company and following their
+leader like soldiers on parade.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lemuel smiled and nodded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good, Little One! &#8217;Tis you has the head of sense, and fingers for the
+fiddle bow. The boys are <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>all just proud to have you up at S&#8217; Leon, and
+anything you want done&mdash;say the word! All I want is to see you shoot
+well as you can fiddle. Ride, eh? Can you ride a horse, Little One?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My name is Dorothy, Captain Lemuel, and I can&mdash;a little. Helena, too,
+is fine on horseback. She&#8217;s the yellow-haired girl, you know. But why?
+What makes you ask?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had come across the grass as far as the end of the Barracks, and
+still drilling his &#8220;awkward squad,&#8221; the old ranchman wheeled about and
+ordered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt! About&mdash;face!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy giggled, but seeing the faces of all the rest, especially
+Dorothy&#8217;s, sober and set in imitation of the Captain&#8217;s, she stopped
+laughing and applied herself to the business in hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hep, hep, hep&mdash;March!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They might have been veterans, instead of an awkward squad, so perfectly
+they now kept step and so fully they entered into the old man&#8217;s whim.
+For only a whim they supposed this drilling to be, though in reality he
+had taken note of all their figures and, with the exception of Herbert&#8217;s
+and Dorothy&#8217;s, saw that each could be improved. Especially was there
+need of this in Leslie&#8217;s case; and having been told of the lad&#8217;s
+delicacy by his beloved &#8220;Boss,&#8221; he had conceived this scheme of drill.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You see, Boss, I can easy enough cure that boy by &#8216;whipping him over
+the others&#8217; shoulders,&#8217; so to speak. You&#8217;ve heard tell of that before, I
+&#8217;low. He&#8217;s all right. He&#8217;s a real likely, well-growed lad; and that West
+Point &#8217;t he&#8217;s hankerin&#8217; for&#8217;d be the best thing ever happened to him.
+Exceptin&#8217; course &#8217;t it would nigh break his mother&#8217;s heart, so he told
+me. Well, that&#8217;s no more here nor there. A little drillin&#8217; in this
+Colorady air&#8217;ll do &#8217;em all good and set him up to a dandy shape. Yes,
+siree! You or your lady best just drop the hint to that there little
+fiddler-girl, &#8217;t seems to lead the rest of &#8217;em round by the nose&mdash;though
+they like it, they like it an&#8217; her too! Couldn&#8217;t help it, you see.
+Nobody could; eh, what?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed not! A daughter of our own could scarcely be dearer than little
+Dorothy. I&#8217;ll have Mrs. Ford speak to her, and I&#8217;ll make it worth your
+while, Captain, to do your utmost for Leslie&#8217;s improvement. He has lost
+his cough; he does seem to be well, now; but&mdash;there is still enough
+delicacy about his appearance to make us anxious. You do your best, Lem,
+and so will I.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The captain had drawn himself up with a little pride, but with an
+adoring look in his old eyes, and had answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Drop that, Boss, drop it! Of all the unfortunate, down-on-their-luck
+fellers &#8217;t this S&#8217; Leon ranch shelters now, I was the downdest! I ain&#8217;t
+never forgot <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>what you done for me, takin&#8217; me out the gutter, so to
+speak, and settin&#8217; me on my pins again. And if there&#8217;s a single mortal
+thing &#8217;t I can do for you&mdash;that debt&#8217;s paid an&#8217; overpaid, a hundred
+thousand times. A hundred thousand times, sir, yes, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A hundred thousand is a sizable number, Lem&mdash;but we understand each
+other. Shake hands and&mdash;God speed your efforts!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This little talk had taken place on the night before, and Lady Gray had
+taken an opportunity to relate it to Dorothy. This was why she so
+eagerly fell in with Captain Lemuel&#8217;s idea, though she forebore to
+mention it to any of the other young folks at San Leon. Lady Gray had
+warned her:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would rather Leslie did not himself know, and if the others did he&#8217;d
+be sure to find it out. It would make him conspicuous, maybe worry him
+and set him brooding over himself, so I&#8217;m trusting you to keep it
+secret. And, in any case, what better amusement could you have? The
+regular exercise in this perfect air will be as good for you girls as
+for the boys.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now as Dorothy fell into step with the Captain, she realized that here
+was one thing, however slight, that she could do to prove her love for
+sweet Lady Gray. She could use her influence to keep up what the others
+considered a temporary game, entered into merely to gratify the vanity
+of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>an ex-sharpshooter; and as she now marched along by his side, she
+begged:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do please, Captain, set a regular hour for this drill, and make us
+stick to it, just as in the regular army. I promise I&#8217;ll not oversleep
+again&mdash;I&#8217;ll try not, I mean. Will you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sure, Little One, and I&#8217;ll app&#8217;int you First Leftenant, Company B, San
+Leon Life Guards. Halt!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He stopped and faced his followers:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has been proposed &#8217;t we make this a regular company, same as
+Company A, of the boys. I second the proposition. I&#8217;d be proud to
+train ye, if so be you&#8217;ll hold up your end the musket. I mean, no
+shirkin&#8217; duty and bein&#8217; marched to the guard house, or sentinel
+work, for bad behavior. Put on your thinkin&#8217; caps and keep &#8217;em on a
+minute. Down to West Point, where some of us is hankerin&#8217; to be,
+they don&#8217;t allow no lyin&#8217;. A broken promise is the worst kind of a
+lie. So before you pledge your word, gals and boys alike,
+you&mdash;<i>think</i>. Think hard, think deep. I&#8217;ll time ye. When one minute
+is up, to the second, I&#8217;ll call for your answer. Everybody turn
+their eyes inside themselves and&mdash;<i>think</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With that the wise and shrewd old fellow pulled his silver time-piece
+from his pocket and placed it in the hollow of his hand. Then he fixed
+his eyes upon its white face and stood motionless, watching the second
+hand make its little circuit. When the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>sixty seconds had been counted,
+he held up his hand with profound gravity and called:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All in favor of forming a new Company, say &#8216;Aye!&#8217; Contrary &#8216;No!&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Every hand went up&mdash;but Leslie&#8217;s. Every voice uttered an earnest &#8220;Aye!&#8221;
+save his, and Dorothy flashed an indignant, as well as disappointed
+glance upon him, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! What a mean&mdash;I mean, what a rude boy! When all your guests are just
+suffering to be soldiers, you go and spoil the whole business. Why do
+you do that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lad flushed. He had been duly instructed by both parents in the
+duties of a host, even a young one; and he knew it was his business to
+see that all his guests were helped to enjoy themselves as they, not he,
+desired. It was the first time that he had had any responsibility of
+this sort and it didn&#8217;t greatly please him. Now when he found they were
+all looking at him in that aggrieved way he tossed his head, thrust his
+hands into his pockets, and answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know I proposed it and thought I&#8217;d like it, but I&#8217;ve changed my mind
+and now think it would get to be a confounded nuisance. I&#8217;ve never done
+anything, regularly, as you talk about, and I don&#8217;t see any use in
+beginning at this late day when&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When you&#8217;re getting so old and infirm, poor dear!&#8221; said Molly,
+interrupting. In reality she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>cared little what they did at San Leon, so
+long as they were all together and having a good time. But she saw on
+Dorothy&#8217;s expressive face a keener disappointment than the affair seemed
+to warrant and loyally placed herself in support of her chum.</p>
+
+<p>Leslie went on as if she hadn&#8217;t spoken, though he glanced her way with a
+promise in his eyes to &#8220;get even&#8221; with her for that mockery:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re up here on the mountains for a summer holiday. What&#8217;s the use of
+making it a work day, then? It would be work&mdash;sure enough. There&#8217;d be
+lots of mornings when every one of us would hate it. Oh! you needn&#8217;t
+look that way. You all would, sure. What&#8217;s fun when you feel like it is
+quite the other thing when you don&#8217;t. And nine o&#8217;clock comes pretty
+early in the morning. Doesn&#8217;t it, Miss Dorothy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The laugh was upon her and she joined in it. Yet she hadn&#8217;t one whit
+abandoned her plan of helping Leslie against himself. But there was no
+use in arguing, and, small woman that she was, she tried strategy
+instead.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Leslie, you make me think of Mr. Seth Winter&#8217;s story about the
+eleven contrary jurymen. All &#8216;contrary&#8217; except the one who couldn&#8217;t get
+his own way. No matter, nobody wants to force you into hard work. Though
+I suppose you&#8217;ll be willing, we, your guests, shall do as we please?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly,&#8221; he replied with an absurdly profound <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>bow, to which Dorothy
+merrily returned a sweeping courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then the rest of us who have given our word will keep it. We will be on
+hand every morning, Captain, to be drilled in the noble tactics of the
+soldier. Aunt Betty says everybody always finds use for all the
+knowledge he possesses. Aunt Betty knows. She&#8217;s lived almost as long as
+all our ages put together, and she&#8217;s the very happiest person I ever
+saw. I don&#8217;t know anything about soldiering yet but I&#8217;m going to learn
+what I can with this splendid teacher to instruct me&mdash;&#8221; here she made
+another profound obeisance to Captain Lem, who returned the courtesy by
+his finest military salute, mentally appraising the earnest little girl
+as the best of them all.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that I shall have one more thing to put in my knowledge-box, ready
+to use if I ever need it. And while we are drilling you can amuse
+yourself otherwise, Leslie dear. Now, Captain, can&#8217;t we go on and find
+out what wonderful thing is hidden in that corral behind these
+Barracks?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sure. Forward, march!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He faced forward again and even Leslie fell into step behind the others,
+willing to join in such &#8220;foolishness&#8221; as a temporary amusement.</p>
+
+<p>In fine order they reached the further end of the long building, marched
+around its rear, and came upon what Dorothy thought was a most beautiful
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>sight. Within the wide paddock, or corral, as these westerners called
+it, was a small herd of young, thoroughbred horses. From a little stand
+outside the paling, Mr. and Mrs. Ford were watching the handsome
+creatures and talking with the grooms that attended them, concerning
+their good, and possibly, bad qualities.</p>
+
+<p>But at the sound of the approaching &#8220;squad&#8221; Lady Gray turned an eager
+face and called out, reprovingly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! my dears, how slow you have been! If I were your age and had been
+promised a horse for my very own, I shouldn&#8217;t have tarried on the way!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our very own? What do you mean, dear Mrs. Ford?&#8221; asked Dorothy,
+hastening to bid her tardy &#8220;Good morning,&#8221; before she more than glanced
+across the fence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just what I say, dear. Mr. Ford has had eight horses brought in for you
+young folks to use. Each is to make a choice for herself or himself,
+subject to change if any necessity for it. Your choice is to be your own
+property and I hope will give you lots of pleasure. Captain Lem and some
+of the other good horsemen will teach you anything you need to know.
+Why, my dears! How astonished you look! Didn&#8217;t you understand? Didn&#8217;t
+Leslie tell you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For, indeed, surprise had kept them silent. None had guessed of having a
+horse of her &#8220;own,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>supposing from Leslie&#8217;s words that they were only
+to have the loan of an animal during their stay at San Leon. Alfaretta
+broke the silence, explaining:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, he didn&#8217;t say any such thing. He said we was to come choose horses
+to ride, and when he said one was white I picked that out at once.
+I&mdash;can&#8217;t really believe you mean it, Mrs. Ford, though&mdash;course&mdash;Ma
+Babcock&mdash;I never heard o&#8217; such folks&mdash;never&mdash;never&mdash;in my life. It
+certainly does beat the Dutch. I&mdash;Alfy Babcock&mdash;Dolly Doodles&mdash;Jolly
+Molly&mdash;Helena&mdash;to have horses of our own&mdash;it makes me cry! I, Alfy
+Babcock, ownin&#8217; a whole horse! Oh! My!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I shall be very, very sorry the idea ever entered my husband&#8217;s
+mind, of making such a gift. We don&#8217;t want tears&mdash;we just want
+happiness, perfect happiness, up here at San Leon!&#8221; said beautiful Gray
+Lady, smiling, and looking fairer than ever in this new delight of
+making gifts, as freely as she wished. Her own life had grown so much
+happier, these last months, that she longed only to &#8220;pass on&#8221; happiness
+to all whom she knew. Alfy&#8217;s tears really hurt her, for a moment, till
+Dolly explained, with an arm about the weeper&#8217;s waist:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I reckon these must be what I&#8217;ve heard of as &#8216;happy tears,&#8217; dear Lady
+Gray. Alfy is too pleased to do anything else&mdash;even to say &#8216;thank
+you&#8217;&mdash;yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Queer little Alfy had dropped her head on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>Dorothy&#8217;s shoulder and was
+repeating in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A whole horse of my own! Mine, Alfy Babcock&#8217;s! A whole horse&mdash;a
+whole&mdash;livin&#8217;&mdash;horse&mdash;A&mdash;whole&mdash;horse!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you wouldn&#8217;t want a half one, would you, Miss Babcock? Nor one
+that wasn&#8217;t living?&#8221; demanded Monty, laughing. &#8220;Quit crying and let&#8217;s
+choose, for that&#8217;s what Leslie said we were to do. Is that correct, Mr.
+Ford?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Entirely. But&mdash;see to it that your choice falls each on a different
+animal! Suppose you begin, alphabetically. Alfaretta first.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Such a group of radiant faces as now peered over the paling! while
+without a second&#8217;s hesitation, Alfaretta announced:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I choose that pure white one for mine!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right. Captain Lem, lead out Blanca and put on her side saddle,&#8221;
+directed Mr. Ford.</p>
+
+<p>A passage was opened in the paling and the beautiful Blanca was led
+forth, amid a murmur of admiration from everybody, except the girl
+herself. She could only stand, clasping and unclasping her hands, and
+gazing with dim eyes at this wonderful possession. The handsome saddle
+cloth was marked Blanca, and Mr. Ford explained that each animal was
+registered and its name had been chosen by its breeder. Most of these
+names were Spanish and suited well; as that Blanca meant &#8220;white,&#8221; which
+the gentle little mare certainly was. To another <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>corner of the saddle
+cloth, Captain Lem slowly attached the initial &#8220;A,&#8221; as mark of
+ownership, then beckoned to Alfy that she should mount.</p>
+
+<p>All her mates watched her curiously, expecting to see her timid and
+reluctant. She treated them to a fine surprise; first by running to Lady
+Gray and rapturously kissing her hand, then returning to Lemuel, and
+letting him swing her up to the saddle, without an instant&#8217;s hesitation.
+Dorothy stared, amazed; but she needn&#8217;t have done so: Alfy was &#8220;her
+mother&#8217;s daughter&#8221; as the saying goes, and inherited that good woman&#8217;s
+love of horseflesh and fearlessness; and as she settled herself and
+received the bridle reins she kept murmuring the marvellous fact:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A whole horse&mdash;mine! And Ma Babcock&#8217;s only got Barnaby!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who is &#8216;Barnaby,&#8217; Alfy?&#8221; asked Leslie, going round to her side and
+critically inspecting her treasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh&mdash;he&mdash;Why, he&#8217;s a mule!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A shout of laughter greeted this announcement and Lemuel moved away. He
+was disappointed that the beautiful Blanca had not fallen to Dorothy&#8217;s
+share, for he believed the white filly to be the best as well as the
+handsomest creature in the corral. However, her turn was next, and he
+listened anxiously to hear what it might be. He wished she wouldn&#8217;t be
+so over-generous in offering the choice <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>to her mates, and in saying
+that if she disappointed them she wanted to change.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All are so fine. It can&#8217;t make a bit of difference to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Choose! Choose! You dear old slow-poke, for I&#8217;m just dying to do so,
+too. I can&#8217;t wait&mdash;do choose!&#8221; cried impatient Molly, skipping about and
+trying to cut short Dorothy&#8217;s hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, then. I choose the &#8216;calico&#8217;. She&#8217;s so like another Portia
+that I used to ride &#8216;back home.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Zaraza, for Dolly. A Spanish title, too, dear, and means &#8216;chintz&#8217;&mdash;a
+&#8216;calico&#8217;, if you please. Lead her out, Lem!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The pretty creature was brought out, arching her graceful neck and
+lifting her dainty hoofs as if she were dancing to music, as she was now
+to the clapping of hands and lusty cheers of healthy young throats. Then
+she was saddled, a decorative &#8220;D&#8221; attached to her saddle-cloth, Dorothy
+put upon her back, to take her stand beside Alfaretta on Blanca, while
+the others chose and were mounted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has been a real ceremony and a delightful one! Here&#8217;s to the health
+and happiness of our young equestrians! Hip, hip, hurra!&#8221; cried the
+master of the ranch, with a boyish heartiness that sent the hats of the
+ranchmen from their heads and their voices echoing the gay &#8220;Hip, hip,
+hurra!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But, despite her happiness, Dorothy&#8217;s face was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>thoughtful. There had
+been eight horses in the corral, as there had been, at first, eight
+young guests at San Leon. To Helena had been allotted a fine bay, big
+and powerful as well as comely, by name Benito; to Herbert a black,
+chosen by him for its resemblance to his own &#8220;Bucephalus,&#8221; &#8220;back home&#8221;
+where Portia was, and from a sentiment similar to Dolly&#8217;s. Then Lady
+Gray was asked to choose for the absent James Barlow, and did so as
+calmly as if he had but stepped around the corner and had deputed her to
+act for him.</p>
+
+<p>But it was noticeable that of all the splendid thoroughbreds within the
+paddock one was by far the finest. That was a dappled gray, perfect in
+every, point, and looking as if he were king of that four-footed
+company.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For Jim, I choose Azul, the Gray! You all know I love gray in color and
+I love the &#8216;blue,&#8217; as his Spanish owners named him. Captain Lemuel,
+please saddle Azul for Jim Barlow, and, Daniel, will you use him,
+please, till Jim comes back?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy flashed a grateful look upon her hostess, then glanced at
+Alfaretta, sure of finding sympathy in that girl&#8217;s honest eyes. But Alfy
+nodded, well pleased, and Mr. Ford rode to the head of the little
+cavalcade and took his place at Dorothy&#8217;s side, while the others
+followed, two by two, to make a circuit of the grounds and test their
+mounts.</p>
+
+<p>The men cheered again and again as the procession <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>started, Mr. Ford and
+Dorothy leading; then Leslie on the sorrel, C&aelig;sar, with Alfy on Blanca;
+Helena on Benito, with Monty on the chestnut, Juan&mdash;a mount well suited
+to his stature and requirements. Last rode Molly on Juana, another
+chestnut, and a perfect match for her brother&mdash;Monty&#8217;s Juan; while
+Herbert&#8217;s Blackamoor finished the caravan, last but by no means least in
+the creature&#8217;s own proud estimation.</p>
+
+<p>They paced and they cantered, they trotted and they galloped, even the
+most inexperienced without fear, because of the vigilant attendants who
+raced beside them, as well as the high spirits of the others. Around and
+around the spacious grounds they rode, Captain Lem pointing out several
+fences and hedges he would have them leap, later on, and finally
+bringing up before the stately front of the house to dismount.</p>
+
+<p>As they did so Dorothy noticed a queerly dressed little boy sitting
+beside the fountain holding a basket in his hand and eagerly watching
+the cavalcade. Nobody else seemed to observe him, amid all the clatter
+and laughter. He looked to the sympathetic girl as if he were very tired
+and, leaving the rest, she crossed to him and asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you, little boy? Do you want something?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Instantly, he offered her the basket, and as instantly vanished.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE</h3>
+
+<p>Dorothy looked after the fleeing little figure as it disappeared behind
+a clump of shrubbery in the direction of the laundry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A child of one of the workmen, I suppose, but such an odd, quaint
+looking child,&#8221; she thought, and rejoined her mates. They were still
+standing beside the cloistered walk, talking, planning the wonderful
+trips which would be open to them now that they owned horses; comparing
+notes upon the points of each that they fancied they had already
+learned, while Mr. Ford declared:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This really is the most wonderful affair! Not that you have the horses,
+but that you show no jealousy about them. So far as I can see each of
+you is perfectly satisfied with his own choice and sure it was the
+wisest. I only hope our good James Barlow will like his Azul as well.
+Heigho, Dolly Doodles! What a quaint little basket! An Indian one and
+fine. Where did you get that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A little boy gave it to me. I suppose it is for Lady Gray, and here she
+comes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lady had walked across from the Barracks, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>slowly, sauntering over
+the beautiful grounds, so fully in accord with them and the glorious day
+that she was humming an aria from pure lightness of heart. She had not
+forgotten the missing lad for whom she had chosen the best horse in the
+herd, but it did not seem now that anything could be really amiss. He
+would surely soon be back, safe and well, and oh! how good life was! How
+dear the world, and how gracious that tender Providence which had
+crowned her life with joy! In this mood she came up to the group
+awaiting her and Dorothy put the basket into her hands.</p>
+
+<p>She hadn&#8217;t expected anything of weight and nearly dropped it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, dearie, what an exquisite basket! But how heavy it is!
+What&mdash;here&mdash;why? See how oddly it&#8217;s fastened with rushes or something
+like them. I&#8217;ll sit right here while one of you open it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She seated herself upon a carved bench beside a sun-dial and Leslie cut
+the rushes which were bound tightly about the basket. As he did so a
+plaintive little wail issued from it, and Lady Gray and he both jumped.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A baby! A foundling!&#8221; laughed Mr. Ford, pretending to be greatly
+frightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Open it, open it quick, please! I can&#8217;t wait!&#8221; cried Molly.</p>
+
+<p>At the slightest touch now the lid fell off and there, lying on a mat of
+softest grass, was a tiny, new-born lamb. Ohs! and Ahs! and laughter
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>greeted it, to which the small creature answered by another feeble
+&#8220;Ma-a-a!&#8221; then curled itself to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a pretty present! Who could have sent it?&#8221; wondered Lady Gray.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One of the shepherds, likely; sheep herders they call them here. And
+it&#8217;s the first time I ever saw a lamb &#8216;snow white.&#8217; The comparison,
+&#8216;white as a lamb&#8217; is generally wrong, for they&#8217;re a dirty gray. This one
+has been washed within an inch of its life&mdash;literally. Some of you girls
+better take it to the dairy and give it some milk,&#8221; said Mr. Ford.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe there somebody will know about it or we&#8217;ll find the little boy
+again. He was so cute! Like a small Indian, he looked.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He might easily be one, Dorothy. There are still many bands of them
+roaming the mountains. Quite often, the &#8216;boys&#8217; say, some come to San
+Leon. A peaceable lot, though, mostly, unless they get hold of liquor.
+But liquor turns even cultivated white men into brutes. Not likely we
+shall see any of them at this time of year, when life in the forest is
+pleasant.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Daniel, don&#8217;t talk of Indians at all! I don&#8217;t like them,&#8221; protested
+Mrs. Ford, with a little shudder. &#8220;I hope that child wasn&#8217;t one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we don&#8217;t know that he was. There are many people belonging to San
+Leon and other neighboring ranches and a child more or less isn&#8217;t enough
+to set us worrying. Hmm. Here comes the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>operator with a telegram. I was
+in hopes that I might escape them for a few weeks. News, Mr. Robson?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The clerk&#8217;s face was grave and the young folks walked away; Dorothy
+carrying the basket with the lamb, the others following&mdash;with
+mischievous Molly prodding the little creature with her forefinger &#8220;to
+make it talk.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the boys were not interested in &#8220;young mutton&#8221; as Monty called it,
+and sought the ranchmen at their quarters to learn when they could go
+fishing, or what was better, hunting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see what you want to kill things for!&#8221; pouted Molly, while
+Helena answered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because they are&mdash;just boys! I only hope they won&#8217;t be allowed to
+handle firearms, except for rifle practice under the trainer&#8217;s care. So
+this is the dairy! What a fine one and away up here, where Milliken said
+there was &#8216;no civilization!&#8217; Do you know, Papa is getting quite anxious
+for a stock farm? We think it&#8217;s so queer for a man who knows nothing but
+banking, but some doctor told him it would be fine for his health. If he
+has cattle, I suppose we&#8217;ll have a dairy. I mean now to find out all I
+can about such things because I know whatever Mr. Ford does will be the
+best possible. Odd! up here the dairymaids are dairymen! How spotlessly
+clean that one yonder looks, in his white uniform! I&#8217;m going to ask what
+he is doing now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p><p>She left the other girls to do so and from another worker in this
+up-to-date, sweet-smelling place, Dorothy begged a basin of milk for
+their new pet. It still remained in the basket, which was so soft and of
+such exquisite fineness that it could be folded like a cloth.</p>
+
+<p>Alfaretta still held the soft cover, which had slipped off when Leslie
+cut the rushes binding it on, turning it idly in her hands. Suddenly she
+stopped and stared at its inner side, then excitedly stooped where
+Dorothy was feeding the lamb and pointed, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For the land sakes, Dolly Doodles, look at that!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take care, Alfy! You&#8217;re scaring this timid little thing so it won&#8217;t
+drink. It hardly knows how, anyway. What? What do you say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say look a there! <i>Jim! Jim!</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy snatched the cover from Alfy&#8217;s hand and there, surely enough,
+was the letter D done in the curious handwriting which James Barlow had
+acquired; quite different both girls knew from that of any other they
+had ever seen. Then they stared at one another, not knowing whether to
+be glad or sorry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What does it mean?&#8221; cried Dorothy at last, while Molly drew near to
+learn what had happened to surprise them. For answer Alfaretta handed
+her the cover and fairly gasped out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Jim&mdash;our Jim&mdash;wrote that&mdash;or painted it&mdash;or&mdash;or&mdash;It&#8217;s Jim, true as
+preachin&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Huh! then all I can say is that this paragon of a Jim has a mighty poor
+style of writing. Looks more as if that lamb had bumped its
+itsy&mdash;witsy&mdash;heady&mdash;and made it bleed. That&#8217;s some Indian &#8216;mark&#8217; that
+the maker of the basket put on it. Don&#8217;t try to get up any excitement
+over that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy shook her head but Dorothy did not look up. She was searching the
+soft, wilted grass that lined the basket; and, in the bottom, tied to a
+bunch of faded flowers was a little glistening stone. The pebble was
+marked by another D, traced in the red juice of some plant.</p>
+
+<p>The basket went one way, the lamb another as Dorothy sprang to her feet
+and danced for very joy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, it&#8217;s from Jim&mdash;it&#8217;s from Jim! And he&#8217;s alive&mdash;somewhere he is
+alive! Oh! I am so glad, so glad!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy was glad, too, of this reminder of the lad&#8217;s existence, but she was
+also ashamed of him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! I don&#8217;t see what there&#8217;s to be so tickled over, for my part! Jim
+Barlow&#8217;s actin&#8217; like a regular simpleton. And he&#8217;s mean, too. He&#8217;s
+meaner &#8217;n pussley, makin&#8217; everybody such a lot of trouble. Folks riding
+night and day to hunt for him&mdash;some out scourin&#8217; round this very
+minute&mdash;and him just stayin&#8217; away &#8217;cause&mdash;&#8217;cause&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8217;Cause what, Alfaretta Babcock?&#8221; demanded Molly sternly. As always she
+was loyal to her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>beloved Dorothy whose joy Alfy was rapidly spoiling by
+her contempt for the truant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8217;Cause, I s&#8217;pose he hasn&#8217;t any decent clothes to come home in. He
+didn&#8217;t take his with him and clothes don&#8217;t grow on trees, even in
+Colorado. But&mdash;if I knew where he was I&#8217;d take &#8217;em to him and give him a
+piece o&#8217; my mind along with &#8217;em.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Give it to me, instead, missy. I&#8217;m kind of sort of hungry for it!&#8221; said
+a familiar voice behind them, and there was Captain Lem leaning on the
+sill of the dairy window and looking at them with that amused expression
+of his. He seemed to find a lot of young folks the most entertaining
+company in the world. He had hated their coming and had instantly veered
+around to be thankful for it. Already his mates were teasing him about
+it and prophesying that Lem had done his last job on the ranch.
+Hereafter, if he was missed, all the &#8220;boys&#8221; would have to do would be to
+hunt up Dorothy, or her chums, and find him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s a doin&#8217;, younkers? Hope your ridin&#8217; round didn&#8217;t tire ye none.
+Hello! Gone to raisin&#8217; sheep, have ye? Mighty pretty little creatur&#8217;,
+that one is. Where&#8217;d you find it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Even Helena left off learning dairy work and hurried with the others to
+the window to learn his opinion.</p>
+
+<p>He took the cover and the stone and carefully studied the inscriptions
+on them. Cocked his head <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>sidewise, put on his spectacles, screwed up
+his eyebrows and his lips, and ejaculated:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a poor fist&mdash;whoever done it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it is; but both Alfaretta and I recognized it at once. You see
+poor Jim almost taught himself to write. He&#8217;d begun that even before I
+first saw him and it&#8217;s hard to unlearn things, you know. Else, Jim&#8217;s so
+smart he&#8217;d have written better than any of us by this time. Yes, indeed!
+Poor Jim is very, very clever!&#8221; said Dolly warmly.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lemuel shook his head, and remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I &#8217;low you call him that by way o&#8217; compliment. But back home when we
+called a feller &#8216;clever&#8217; it meant he hadn&#8217;t much sense. I&#8217;ve seen that
+sort, &#8216;clever&#8217; souls &#8217;t scurcely knew enough to come in out the rain.
+This here one &#8217;peared the same to me. Course, I hadn&#8217;t been acquainted
+with him longer &#8217;n next to no time but if he was so smart, as I s&#8217;pose
+you&#8217;re meanin&#8217; to state, he hid it amazin&#8217; well. Hmm. But&mdash;but&mdash;if this
+is a handwrite o&#8217; his &#8217;n, our business is to take it straight to the
+&#8216;Boss.&#8217; What you goin&#8217; to name your lamb, Little One?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy lifted the little animal and gave it to him through the window.
+He caressed it tenderly enough in his strong hands, for he loved all
+animals, though horses best.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I hadn&#8217;t thought. I mean we hadn&#8217;t. And it isn&#8217;t ours, anyway, if
+it was sent to the Gray Lady.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your Gray Lady&#8217;s name don&#8217;t begin with a D. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>It&#8217;s plain as the nose on
+your face who it&#8217;s meant for,&#8221; he answered, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then if it is really mine&mdash;how lovely!&mdash;I&#8217;ll just call it Snowball.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pshaw, Dolly Doodles! If I had a lamb sent to me by a poor lost feller
+like Jim, I&#8217;d name it after him and not so silly like that. Do call it
+Jim, junior,&#8221; argued Alfy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sissy, but&mdash;but it ain&#8217;t that kind of a lamb,&#8221; observed the
+Captain, siding with his favorite at once.</p>
+
+<p>Molly giggled and even Helena smiled, but Alfy simply pouted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! Well, then if Jim won&#8217;t do, call her Jiminetta&mdash;that&#8217;d be after me
+and him, too, same&#8217;s I&#8217;m Alfaretta.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy laughed, too, now, and stopped studying the rude letters traced
+on the cover and the stone. They but deepened the mystery of Jim&#8217;s
+disappearance and present whereabouts. She remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t often enough take time to say your whole name, child. It&#8217;s
+generally &#8216;Alfy.&#8217; Let&#8217;s compromise and call our lamb Netty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good enough! And if the little creatur&#8217; takes after most Colorady folks
+or flocks, she won&#8217;t care a mite what name she has so she ain&#8217;t called
+late to dinner. Haw, haw, haw!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Laughing at his own ancient witticism, Captain Lem started houseward
+with &#8220;Netty&#8221; in his arms, the little thing nestling down in them as if
+it knew <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>it had found a friend. But his face was troubled. He didn&#8217;t
+like this secret signal from the missing James and he liked less the
+fact that the lad&#8217;s messenger had been a small Indian. However, this
+seemed a small matter to what was awaiting him, as Mr. Ford came toward
+him, walking rapidly, and, apparently, in deep thought.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lem, do you think you can run San Leon without me for a few days?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain saluted his &#8220;chief&#8221; and replied, a trifle testily: &#8220;That&#8217;s what
+I have been doin&#8217; for a purty consid&#8217;able spell, ain&#8217;t it, Boss?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but you hadn&#8217;t eight youngsters on your hands then, to keep happy
+and out of mischief. Boys you know, Lem&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know. I&#8217;ve been one. Wish &#8217;t I was again. What&#8217;s up, Boss?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The girls had followed the Captain, slowly, and eagerly discussing Jim&#8217;s
+message&mdash;if it was such&mdash;and its probable meaning; but they paused at a
+little distance, not wishing to interrupt the men&#8217;s interview which,
+from the expression of their faces, was a serious one.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Ford saw them and beckoned them to come up; and then explained
+to them as well as to the old ranchman:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have had telegrams that call us east. Away east, as far as New York.
+I feel that we must leave you young folks&mdash;for a few days&mdash;as few as we
+can possibly make them. It isn&#8217;t business or I&#8217;d <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>depute somebody else
+to act for me. It&#8217;s this: A wireless dispatch has been received that a
+very old lady, an aunt of Erminie&#8217;s, will arrive in that city on the
+steamer which is due in just three days. She has lived abroad for many
+years and is now very feeble, helpless, in fact, from paralysis or
+something of that nature. She brought Erminie up and has been the best
+and truest friend my wife ever had. We owe her everything, and feel that
+we cannot leave her to land in a strange city, broken in mind and body,
+without her &#8216;daughter&#8217; to care for her. We must go, for I don&#8217;t want
+Lady Gray to take the trip and responsibility without me. If all goes
+well, we should be back in less than a fortnight&mdash;could be much sooner
+except that Lady Gray wants to bring Aunt Rachel to San Leon; and we
+will have to make the return journey by very easy stages, as her
+strength will allow. It is trying, too, that, having learned of our trip
+east, Miss Milliken insists upon returning with us. She hasn&#8217;t been
+happy here and I find she&#8217;s worrying about her heart. The altitude of
+San Leon is bad for her, she thinks, and since she puts it on that
+ground neither Erminie nor I can urge her to remain. But&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;But,&#8217; don&#8217;t you worry a minute, dear Uncle Dan!&#8221; cried Dorothy,
+clasping her hands around his arm and using the title he had asked for
+many times, though she had rarely done so before. All along, despite his
+great generosity and kindness, she had stood just a little in awe of the
+&#8220;Railroad <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>Boss,&#8221; and he had been simply &#8220;Mr. Ford&#8221; to her as well as to
+all his other young guests. But it needed only one look of anxiety on
+his noble face to rouse all her loving sympathy. She repeated: &#8220;Don&#8217;t
+you, nor sweet Lady Gray, worry one single minute about us or things up
+here at San Leon. We&#8217;ll be as good as good! Helena, here, is a better
+caretaker than poor Miss Milly. Between ourselves, we&#8217;re glad she&#8217;s
+going. She&#8217;s been a burden to Nell, all the time, instead of a help. I&#8217;m
+sorry about her heart but&mdash;I&#8217;m glad she&#8217;s going. Now&mdash;when do you start?
+Isn&#8217;t there something I&mdash;we&mdash;can do to help you off? Do let us help!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman&#8217;s face had lightened. His girl guests had accepted the
+situation beautifully, and he could but hope as much for the lads. In
+any case he must go; and, indeed, at once. He was so pressed for time
+that they disliked to trouble him with the message the lamb had brought,
+and watched him walk swiftly away without a further word.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! He needn&#8217;t be afraid we&#8217;ll do anything we oughtn&#8217;t! And I don&#8217;t
+see as we&#8217;re going to be so much alone, after all. There&#8217;s the trained
+nurse, and though the doctor&#8217;s gone to Denver he&#8217;ll come back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She&#8217;s sick herself, this last day or so, Alfy. We mustn&#8217;t count on her
+nor on Dr. Jones. But there&#8217;s Mr. Robson, Captain Lem, Anita, Wun
+Sing&mdash;and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>lots of ranchmen left. Oh! we&#8217;ll be all right!&#8221; said Dorothy.
+&#8220;But the Captain has walked off with &#8216;Netty&#8217;&mdash;forgotten all about her, I
+guess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I must go to poor Milly. She never can keep her head when
+anything happens suddenly, like this. She has complained, incessantly,
+that she could hardly breathe up here and I&#8217;m glad she has the chance to
+go now. But I can fancy my dear mother&#8217;s face, when Milly walks into the
+Towers without me!&#8221; said Helena, hurrying away.</p>
+
+<p>A half-hour of activity followed, the girls taking Lady Gray&#8217;s simple
+packing out of her hands, although that much-travelled <i>prima donna</i> was
+never disturbed by sudden changes from place to place. Indeed, she was
+happy over this coming trip, under her husband&#8217;s escort, and to meet her
+dearly loved Aunt Rachel.</p>
+
+<p>Jedediah had his master&#8217;s suit-case ready in even shorter time and it
+was only Miss Milliken who delayed matters by her fussiness.</p>
+
+<p>However, the buckboard came around, Silent Pete holding the reins over
+the four-in-hand, and Captain Lem rather jealously regarding him; until
+his eye fell upon his &#8220;awkward squad&#8221; and he remembered the greater
+responsibility placed upon himself. Then he was reconciled to see
+another man drive his horses, reflecting:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I needn&#8217;t grumble, I&#8217;m the one Boss <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>trusted most. Seven
+youngsters in hand and one in the bush&mdash;land knows where!&mdash;is a bigger
+job &#8217;n just drivin&#8217; a four-footed team. I ain&#8217;t no call to feel lonesome
+but just to feel sot up. Funny, ain&#8217;t it, Lem! You a regular,
+dyed-in-the-wool old bach to find yourself suddenly playin&#8217; daddy to
+seven strappin&#8217; boys an&#8217; gals! Seven an&#8217; there&#8217;d ought to be eight.
+Ought to be&mdash;<i>must be</i>&mdash;that&#8217;s what it spells to Captain Lemuel Hunt.
+For if&mdash;if&mdash;as I reasonably suspicion&mdash;that there Jim Barlow, poor
+writer, has fell into the hands of a passel of Injuns, his cake&#8217;s dough,
+lessen I can rake it out their oven into mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The departure of the buckboard, with solemn Silent Pete in charge, had a
+depressing effect upon the group left watching it. Everything would go
+on just as usual, of course. Why should there be any difference?
+But&mdash;how lonesome it was! How they would miss Lady Gray&#8217;s sweet voice
+and presence, and the &#8220;Boss&#8217;s&#8221; jokes and laughter!</p>
+
+<p>The thought was too much for tender-hearted Alfy, and after a
+spluttering, and sniffling to stem her own grief, she burst into an
+audible boo-hoo, that promptly started Molly&#8217;s tears, though she shed
+them silently. All, indeed, were very sober and Leslie&#8217;s face was pale.
+He hadn&#8217;t realized till now how necessary his mother had become to his
+happiness, and he felt sorely inclined to follow the example of the
+weeping girls though rather indignant <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>against them. It wasn&#8217;t their
+Lady Gray who had left, nor their beloved Dad. He exclaimed, testily:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Girls, quit that! I&#8217;m your host now and I say&mdash;no crying! What I
+propose is&mdash;do something. Let&#8217;s ride to Bald Eagle Peak&mdash;or Rock. You&#8217;ll
+need clear eyes to follow that trail, but there&#8217;ll be just time enough
+to do it before bedtime. Hurray for &#8216;Boots and Saddles!&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lem answered quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lad, you can&#8217;t do that! You mustn&#8217;t take that road till you know more
+about ridin&#8217; &#8217;n you do now, nor unless you start by daybreak. I wouldn&#8217;t
+try it myself, old mountaineer as I am, at this hour, lessen it was a
+case of life and death. No, you can&#8217;t go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie&#8217;s temper rose and he retorted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m &#8216;Boss&#8217; here now and don&#8217;t you dare say &#8216;mustn&#8217;t&#8217; to me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sharpshooter laughed ironically; and this enraged the boy still
+further. His riding whip was in his hand and, with a furious look at the
+Captain, he lifted it and brought it down upon the old man&#8217;s head&mdash;who
+staggered backward, then fell to the ground as if he were dead.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Leslie! Leslie!&#8221; shrieked the onlookers, &#8220;what have you done?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Killed him&mdash;I&mdash;guess!&#8221; he gasped and threw himself beside the prostrate
+ranchman.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SHEEP HERDER&#8217;S CABIN</h3>
+
+<p>When, in the delirium of fever, Jim Barlow strayed from his room at San
+Leon, the one idea in his mind was that the mountains called him. One
+distant peak, in especial, seemed imbued with life, using human speech
+and gesture&mdash;warning him to come, and come at once, lest some terrible
+thing befall him. He must obey! He must&mdash;he must!</p>
+
+<p>He set off at a run, his bare feet unconsciously seeking the smooth
+driveway of the home-piece, and following it at breakneck speed till it
+ended in the road below the mesa. There the rougher going hindered him
+somewhat, but not greatly, and he kept to the highway till it reached a
+river and a bridge.</p>
+
+<p>Beyond the bridge the road divided into three forks, the northern one
+ascending steadily toward the peak to which his fancy still fixed itself
+and he struck off upon this. How long he travelled he did not know,
+though his unnatural strength due to his fever must have lasted for
+hours. Gradually, that fierce, inward excitement that drove him on gave
+place to a sudden weariness, and he dropped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>like a stone on the spot
+where it overcame him.</p>
+
+<p>As the morning rose, clear and bright, a company of horsemen, riding in
+single file toward a distant pass, came upon a prostrate, nearly naked
+figure lying in their path. The horsemen were Ute Indians, and like many
+of their white brothers, were prospecting for gold. All sorts of
+precious metals were to be found in these Rocky mountains, and were
+their own rightful inheritance. They were peaceably inclined to share
+and share alike with the pale faces. For years there had been friendship
+between them and the red men had learned many things from the white. Not
+the least had been this craving for gold; and where once they would have
+toiled only in the chase, to shoot and kill the game with which the
+mountains abounded, they now longed for the glittering stones hidden
+within them.</p>
+
+<p>But they were in no haste. The gold was hidden&mdash;it would keep, and they
+had ridden all night long. So, at sight of poor Jim, lying motionless,
+they dismounted and discussed him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is dead,&#8221; said the foremost, in his own tongue which, of course, the
+lad would not have understood, even if he had heard.</p>
+
+<p>Another stooped down and turned the boy&#8217;s face upward. It was scratched
+with the underbrush through which he had made his way and the light
+garments he wore were in shreds. His feet were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>swollen and bruised and
+the bandages had been torn from his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not dead. Might as well be. Heap bad,&#8221; said another Indian, gravely
+shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>There were four in the party and one of them filled a cup at a nearby
+spring and dashed the water over the lad&#8217;s face. His fit of exhaustion
+was about over, anyway, and the shock of the ice-cold water revived him,
+so that he opened his eyes and looked into the dark face bent above him.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no intelligence in this look and presently his lids
+drooped and he was once more oblivious to all about him.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians held a consultation. Three were for going on, after they had
+breakfasted, and leaving the vagrant to his fate. One was for giving
+help and, being the leader of the party as well as a red-skinned &#8220;Good
+Samaritan,&#8221; his counsel prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>When they resumed the trail, Jim Barlow was carried with them, very much
+like a sack of meal across a saddle bow. But carried&mdash;not left to die.</p>
+
+<p>When he again opened his eyes, and this time with consciousness in them,
+he was in a small shanty, rude in the extreme; and his bed a pile of
+hemlock boughs spread with a woollen blanket. He lay for some time
+trying to think where he was and what had happened to him, and idly
+watching the bent figure of a man sitting just outside the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>doorway of
+the hut. The man was smoking and a little boy was playing in the sand at
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>Jim couldn&#8217;t see anything interesting in these two strangers nor in the
+cabin itself and, with a feeling of great weakness, closed his eyes once
+more, and for many hours of sound, refreshing sleep. When for the third
+time he awoke his senses had returned and only the weakness remained. He
+tried to speak and after several efforts succeeded in asking, audibly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where am I?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At sound of his voice the man outside rose and came to the boy, nodding
+his head in satisfaction but in silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where&mdash;am&mdash;I?&#8221; asked Jim, again.</p>
+
+<p>The man shook his head. By his appearance he was Mexican, but he wore an
+Indian costume of buckskin, once gaily decorated and fringed but now
+worn and very dirty. His straight black hair hung low over his forehead
+and his hands looked as if they had never seen water. His face was not
+ugly, neither was it kind; and he seemed more stolid than stupid.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where&mdash;am&mdash;I? Who are you?&#8221; again demanded Jim, trying to get up, but
+instantly sinking back from utter weakness.</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer; but, after a long contemplation of his guest, the
+Mexican crossed to a little stove, wherein a few sticks were burning.
+From <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>a rusty coffee pot which stood upon it, he poured some liquid into
+a tin cup and brought it to the lad.</p>
+
+<p>Jim tried to sit up and take the cup into his own hand but he could not;
+so, with unexpected gentleness, the man slipped his arm under his
+patient&#8217;s shoulders and raised him to a half-sitting posture. Then he
+held the cup to Jim&#8217;s lips, who drank eagerly, the muddy coffee seeming
+like nectar to his dry, parched throat.</p>
+
+<p>The drink refreshed him but he was still too weak to rise, or even care
+to do so. Dozing and waking, wondering a little over his situation yet
+mostly indifferent to everything, the hours passed.</p>
+
+<p>Jim&#8217;s interest was next aroused by the man&#8217;s dressing of his arm. He did
+this with real skill, removing the big leaves of some healing plant,
+with which it had been bound, and replacing these with fresh ones,
+confining them in place by long strips of split reeds.</p>
+
+<p>The soft, cool leaves were wonderfully comforting and with the easing of
+the pain serious thoughts came. To the injured lad everything now seemed
+a blank from the evening meal at San Leon, after his arrival there,
+until now. Why he had left that ranch and why he had come to this queer
+place he could not imagine; but the picture of the beautiful,
+mission-like house was distinct, and of Dorothy walking across its lawn
+beside him.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy! It seemed a long time since he had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>seen her or heard her sweet
+voice chide him for his misdoings. Why&mdash;now he remembered&mdash;he hadn&#8217;t
+said good-night to Dorothy, his first faithful friend. But it is
+needless to follow the gropings of Jim&#8217;s mind back to the realization of
+his present situation. Yet the first and strongest feeling which
+possessed him was that he must tell Dorothy where he was. Dolly was such
+a hand to worry, silly Dolly! And she was his best, earliest friend.</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican brought him his breakfast of bacon and corn bread, with
+another cup of that coffee which always stood upon the stove. A child
+came with the man and gazed at Jim with solemn, wondering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Jim returned the stare with interest. This was the first small Indian he
+had ever seen and to judge by the little fellow&#8217;s face he might have
+been an old, old man&mdash;he was so grave and dignified.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How are you, sonny?&#8221; said Jim.</p>
+
+<p>The midget simply blinked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can&#8217;t you talk, kid?&#8221; again questioned the stranger, holding out his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>The little boy did not answer, save by placing his own chubby, extremely
+dirty hand on Jim&#8217;s extended palm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good. You&#8217;re friendly, if you are dumb. Sort of needs washin&#8217;, don&#8217;t
+it? Water. Can you bring me some water? I&#8217;m thirsty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The child walked to a big tank, or half-barrel, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>outside the door and
+dipped the tin coffee cup within it. But he was too short to reach the
+low supply and giving himself an extra hitch upwards, over the edge, the
+better to obtain the draught, he lost his balance and fell in head
+first.</p>
+
+<p>Jim&#8217;s low bed commanded a view of this and he started to rescue the
+youngster, but the man was before him. He treated the accident as if it
+were an ordinary occurrence, pulling the child out by the seat of his
+leather breeches, shaking him as one might a wet puppy, and setting him
+on his feet without a word. Indeed, words seemed the most precious
+commodity in that queer shanty, so rarely were they used. But the
+father, if such he were, himself filled the cup with the stale water and
+gave it to the child, who carried it to Jim as calmly as if no trouble
+had attended his getting it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, boy. What&#8217;s your name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Name&mdash;Jos&eacute;,&#8221; said the man answering for him. He pronounced it &#8220;Ho-say,&#8221;
+and Jim was pleased. Knowing that he might meet people who spoke
+Spanish, in this trip west, the studious lad had brought a Spanish
+grammar along with him on the train and had glanced into it whenever he
+had a chance. Of course, he could not speak it himself, nor understand
+it well, nor was the dialect here in use very much like the correct
+language of the grammar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Jos&eacute;, where is this place?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p><p>The child stared. Then suddenly went out of doors and returned with a
+baby lamb in his arms. He plumped this down upon Jim&#8217;s breast and smiled
+for the first time. The lamb was his latest, greatest treasure and, in
+his childish sympathy, he offered it to the &#8220;hurted man.&#8221; With his good
+arm, Jim made the little animal more comfortable, while Jos&eacute; vanished
+without again. This time he returned with a fine basket of Indian
+workmanship, and this was filled in part by glittering stones and in
+part by flowers. All these he deposited on the bed beside the lamb, and
+folded his arms behind him in profound satisfaction. He had done his
+very best. He had given the sick one all his things. If that didn&#8217;t cure
+him it would be no further business of Jos&eacute;&#8217;s.</p>
+
+<p>The man of the house had now seated himself beside the stove. He placed
+an earthen pan beside him on the clay floor and laid a bundle of rushes
+beside it. Also, he took down from a peg in the wall an unfinished
+basket, and reseating himself, proceeded to weave upon it. He used only
+the finest of splits, torn from the reeds, almost like thread in their
+delicacy and he worked very slowly. From time to time he held the basket
+from him, studying its appearance with half-closed eyes, as an artist
+studies a picture. Frequently, he lifted the coffee pot to his lips and
+drank from its spout.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p><p>Jim watched him in silent admiration of his deftness with the weaving
+and in disgust at his use of the coffee pot&mdash;thinking he would want no
+more draughts from it himself. All the time his mind grew clearer and he
+began to form plans for telling Dorothy where he was&mdash;though he didn&#8217;t
+know that, himself; but, at least, of letting her know he was alive. She
+would have to guess at the rest and she would surely trust him to come
+back when he could.</p>
+
+<p>When the weaver looked up again Jim beckoned him to approach. Rather
+reluctantly, he did so. For his own part he was getting tired of this
+helpless lad, left in his hut by White Feather, his Ute brother-in-law.
+If Moon Face were living, the Ute maiden who had been his wife and
+little Jos&eacute;&#8217;s mother, it wouldn&#8217;t have mattered. To her would have
+fallen the care. Nothing had gone right with him, Alaric, the sheep
+herder, since Moon Face fell ill and died, though he went often to that
+far place in the forest where her body had been secretly buried in the
+crevice of a great rock. Moon Face had left him for a few days&#8217; visit to
+a camp of her relatives and there had taken the small-pox and died,
+despite the fact that she had been treated by the wisest medicine men
+and immersed in the sweat-box, the Indian cure for all ills. If he had
+been near enough to such a thing, or had had energy enough to prepare it
+up here at his home, Alaric <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>would promptly have subjected poor Jim to
+similar treatment.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, the isolation of Alaric&#8217;s hut and his laziness saved the
+wanderer from this. Now, as he obeyed the boy&#8217;s summons, he was brooding
+over his misfortunes and was more grim even than usual.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, young man?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim was surprised. The man had been so silent, hitherto, that he
+imagined they two had no language in common.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you speak English! That makes it easy. I want to send a message to
+the place I&mdash;I left. Will you take it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alaric shook his head, firmly declining.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t get ugly. If you won&#8217;t go, will you send somebody?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican pretended that his English did not go so far as this. He
+obstinately would not understand.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed a long argument which greatly wearied Jim and simply
+failed of its object. At last, he named &#8220;San Leon&#8221; and Alaric&#8217;s
+expression brightened. That was the place where there was plenty of
+money and the sheep herder loved money. He had been there. It was not
+far away, by a road he knew, yet he did not care to go there again,
+himself. There had been a transaction of horses that wasn&#8217;t pleasant to
+remember. Old Lem Hunt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>had accused him of being a thief, once on a
+time, when some thoroughbreds had been missing from the San Leon
+corrals, and Alaric had had hard work to prove his innocence. He had
+been obliged to prove it because, in Colorado, men were still sometimes
+inclined to take justice in their own hands and not wait for the law to
+do it for them.</p>
+
+<p>The truth was that the sheep herder had not, personally, taken a single
+steed from San Leon. He had merely &#8220;assisted&#8221; some of his Indian friends
+to do so. He had even carefully kept all knowledge of the affair from
+the ears of his brother-in-law, White Feather; a man who indeed loved
+fine horseflesh, as all the Utes did, but preferred to increase his
+herds by legitimate trading.</p>
+
+<p>The other Indians, whom Alaric had &#8220;assisted,&#8221; had paid their assistant
+in honest gold&mdash;he wouldn&#8217;t take any other sort of payment&mdash;and there
+had been more gold changing hands in order to secure the real thieves.
+And because he loved the gold Alaric had thus assisted both sides and
+received double pay. Also, he had left an unsavory memory of himself at
+San Leon as well as offended his Ute relatives; and White Feather not
+only prevented harm being done to his Mexican brother-in-law, but also
+used the occasion to make Alaric subject to himself. Thus it was that he
+had made the sheep herder take in the sick lad he had found on the trail
+and swear to be kind to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;San Lean? <i>Si</i>.... <i>En verdad</i>. Well, se&ntilde;or?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>If this injured, half-naked youth had hailed from that rich man&#8217;s ranch
+it might be worth while to hearken to what he wished.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to tell a girl there that I am not dead. I want to send just
+that message, till I can go there myself. Do this for me and I
+will&mdash;will pay you&mdash;when I can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alaric considered. From present appearances there seemed small chance of
+Jim&#8217;s ever paying anybody for any service. Yet&mdash;there was White Feather
+to please and there was possible payment at San Leon. He nodded
+acquiescence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then get me somethin&#8217; to write on!&#8221; begged Jim, vastly excited by this
+chance to set himself right with his friends.</p>
+
+<p>He might as well have asked for the moon. Writing was not an
+accomplishment of Alaric&#8217;s and he had never owned a scrap of paper fit
+for such use. Yet the longer he pondered the matter the more willing the
+man became. Finally, he took Jos&eacute; upon his knee, and, emphasizing each
+word of instruction by a stern forefinger and a threat of fearful
+punishment for disobedience, he instilled into the little fellow&#8217;s mind
+the fact that he was to go to San Leon ranch; to find there a pretty
+girl in a white dress; a girl with big brown eyes and dark curly hair. A
+girl who was always laughing and who always wore a red bow on her head.
+He, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>Alaric, would go with his son as far as the cypress hedge,
+bordering the west side of the lake. There he would wait for the child
+to do his errand and return, and would himself be out of sight of that
+old sharpshooter, whom he feared.</p>
+
+<p>He had another inspiration&mdash;of generosity and greed commingled. That
+lamb of Jos&eacute;&#8217;s. He could afford to give that away because it wasn&#8217;t his
+own, nor even really the little one&#8217;s. It belonged to the rich ranch
+owner whose sheep he herded, up here on the lonely mountain. The girl
+for whom this sick boy wished a message might like the lamb and give the
+papoose money for it. Money would be far better for Jos&eacute; than any pet.</p>
+
+<p>After this course of silent reasoning, Alaric bestirred himself to
+action. He had often had to make his &#8220;mark&#8221; upon some paper of
+agreement, the nearest to writing that he could come. He understood that
+Jim wished to make his own now. So, selecting a bit of glittering stone
+that was fairly smooth, he handed it to the lad, and afterward crushed
+the stem of a plant which exuded a red juice. With this other sharp
+pointed bit of stone dipped in this juice, anybody might make as many
+&#8220;marks&#8221; as he chose upon the flat stone.</p>
+
+<p>Jim was quick to understand the suggestion but real writing was out of
+the question. The best he could accomplish was that D which was in his
+peculiar hand. By signs, more than words, Alaric <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>expressed the whole
+matter; and Jim eagerly caught at the suggestion. The lamb would be a
+pretty gift for Dorothy and would tell her better than words that he
+remembered her and was safe. Only&mdash;the little animal was like everything
+else seen in this cabin&mdash;so dirty! He couldn&#8217;t send it to dainty Dorothy
+in such condition. In a few words he explained to the shepherd his ideas
+about it and was amused by the infinite contempt shown on Alaric&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>However, he made short work of that matter. He was now impatient to be
+off, the sooner to get that possible payment of gold; and remembered
+that White Feather had commanded him to serve the sick stranger to the
+best of his ability. With a flippant gesture he seized the lamb and
+carried it to the tank outside the door; and sousing it up and down till
+its dusty fleece was white and itself nearly drowned, he threw it on
+Jim&#8217;s bed to dry.</p>
+
+<p>Jos&eacute; found his voice and jabbered in a mixture of Spanish and Indian,
+expressing his pity for his pet; then brought handfuls of grass and
+leaves to rub it with. This vigorous attention, in which Jim used his
+own sound arm, soon restored the lambkin to a beauty that surprised them
+all. More grass and flowers were put in the bottom of the basket with
+the marked stone, the lamb upon this cushion, and the cover fastened on.</p>
+
+<p>Alaric informed Jim that such a basket was worth a great deal of money.
+He had learned the art of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>making such from Moon Face, who had travelled
+sometimes to the distant railway line and sold them to tourists. It was
+so tightly woven it would hold water; and in his pride over his
+handiwork the weaver would have poured a dipper of it into the basket to
+prove his statement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no! The poor little thing has had more than its share of water!
+Best save the rest for yourself!&#8221; protested Jim, with a feeble attempt
+at a joke.</p>
+
+<p>Alaric desisted then, hung the dipper back on the tank, seized the
+basket in one hand and Jos&eacute; in the other and strode away. The last
+glimpse Jim had of them showed poor little Jos&eacute;&#8217;s fat legs being swung
+along, touching the ground only now and then, as they utterly failed to
+keep up with his father&#8217;s pace.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, Jim lay still a long time, idly fingering some bits of rock
+which the child had scattered upon his blanket. He felt very cold; and
+again, in another moment, he seemed to be burning up. He thought of the
+water in the tank. He was desperately thirsty, his throat growing dry,
+his lips swelling; and alternately he longed to dip his head in that
+barrel and drink&mdash;drink&mdash;drink! then shivered with disgust remembering
+the various uses the stale fluid had been put to. Finally, sleep, or
+unconsciousness, overcame him and for many days he knew no more.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>PLAY THAT WAS WORK AND WORK THAT WAS PLAY</h3>
+
+<p>The silence that followed Leslie&#8217;s frightened cry, as he hurled himself
+to the ground beside the old man he had struck, lasted but an instant.
+Then, recovering their scattered wits, Herbert and Monty stooped and
+lifted the Captain&#8217;s head.</p>
+
+<p>The movement roused him and he opened his eyes, drawing a long breath as
+he did so and trying to speak. But he couldn&#8217;t do that yet; nor, indeed,
+till Dorothy had come back with a glass of water, for which she had
+instantly run to the house as Captain Lemuel fell.</p>
+
+<p>Dipping her fingers in the water she moistened his lips, and when he
+parted them as if demanding more, she gently dropped some between them.
+He swallowed with an effort but, presently, his strength returned and he
+tried to rise. The lads helped him and were overjoyed when he said,
+quite clearly and with a touch of his native humor:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ain&#8217;t so tough as I thought. Eh, what? Lessen a little tenderfoot
+like&mdash;Why, what&#8217;s he down for? Tried it on himself?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p><p>At the sound of his victim&#8217;s voice an infinite relief surged through
+Leslie&#8217;s heart and he lifted a very white face to look at the ranchman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Captain Lem! I&mdash;I was wild to do that! I beg your pardon&mdash;please
+forgive me&mdash;if you can!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The petition ended with a sob, that was really a gasp for breath, due to
+the excitement of his rage, and the anger of his mates changed to pity
+for him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His weak heart! How ill he has made himself!&#8221; thought Helena,
+compassionately putting her hand under his arm and helping him to his
+feet, where he stood trembling and still breathing with much difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy had told her of this weakness of the lad&#8217;s and that his parents
+had been somewhat doubtful if he could endure the rarefied air of that
+high region. If he could it would cure that other weakness of his lungs
+and they hoped for the best. She was frightened by his appearance and
+inwardly resolved to oppose any sort of fun which might bring on a
+return of this attack. She had already heard her brother and Monty
+proposing a bear hunt on the more distant peaks of the mountains and
+decided that it should never take place.</p>
+
+<p>But Captain Lem was answering the boy and she listened to his words:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Course, sonny, I shan&#8217;t lay it up again&#8217; you. An&#8217; I allow &#8217;t there&#8217;s
+one thing decent about you: if you&#8217;re quick to get r&#8217;iled you&#8217;re just as
+quick to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>own yourself in fault. I&#8217;m willin&#8217; to wash the slate all clean
+now, an&#8217; start over again with any little problems we may meet, same&#8217;s
+when I was a little shaver, an&#8217; &#8217;tended deestrict school an&#8217; got my sums
+wrong, the teacher made me do. I&#8217;m no hand to lay up malice just &#8217;cause
+a feller&#8217;s got more &#8217;n his share o&#8217; temper, specially not again&#8217; your
+father&#8217;s son. Anybody &#8217;t spells his name Ford can do most as he&#8217;s a mind
+to with Lemuel Hunt. Only&mdash;<i>don&#8217;t you dast to do it again</i>; &#8217;cause I&#8217;m
+some on the temper myself, an&#8217; I ain&#8217;t much used to bein&#8217; struck.
+So&mdash;so&mdash;just don&#8217;t show off any more o&#8217; that there little playfulness
+again. That&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Too proud to show how really shaken and miserable he felt, the
+sharpshooter retired to his own quarters at the Barracks and was seen no
+more that night: but he sent word to Dorothy, the &#8220;Little One,&#8221; that
+Netty, the lamb, had been given a soft bed close to his own and would be
+carefully attended.</p>
+
+<p>The hours passed quietly till bedtime, which all the young strangers at
+San Leon felt inclined to make early that night. Seven young people,
+with all the means of enjoyment at hand which these had, should have
+been very merry, but these were not. The absence of their hosts made the
+great house seem very empty. Nobody had heart for any music, though
+Dorothy bravely brought out her violin and Helena took her place at the
+piano, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>ready to accompany. But, unfortunately, the first melody which
+came to Dolly&#8217;s mind was one that Father John, Aunt Betty, and poor Jim
+had each loved best&mdash;&#8220;Auld Lang Syne.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She mastered a few strains and the tears rose to her eyes. She suddenly
+felt lonely and helpless, so far from all who had hitherto made her
+happy world. So, rather than break down completely and let the tears
+fall, she nodded to Helena and put her beloved Cremona &#8220;to bed,&#8221; as she
+called its placing in its case.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s play &#8216;Authors,&#8217;&#8221; suggested Molly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Authors&#8217; is the dullest game going,&#8221; objected Monty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s because you&#8217;re not well read. If you knew as much about books as
+Jim Barlow&mdash;&#8221; she retorted, teasing, then stopped abruptly. That was an
+unfortunate reference, for who, alas! could tell if that too studious
+youth were alive or dead?</p>
+
+<p>Alfaretta hurried to cover this mention by demanding:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s sing &#8216;rounds,&#8217; &#8216;Scotland&#8217;s burning,&#8217; or &#8216;Three Blind Mice.&#8217; Now
+don&#8217;t stop to object or say nothin&#8217; but <i>just begin</i>. I will, and Nell,
+you follow. Then the boys, if any of &#8217;em can sing a note. Sometimes
+their voices go &#8217;way up in Q and sometimes &#8217;way down suller. But they
+can try. Now&mdash;here she goes: &#8216;Three Blind Mice&mdash;Three Blind Mice&mdash;For
+mercy&#8217;s sake, Helena Montaigne, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>why don&#8217;t you take it up? I sing one
+line, you know, then you sing the same one over&mdash;and we each do it three
+times then change to
+&#8216;They&mdash;all&mdash;run&mdash;after&mdash;the&mdash;butcher&#8217;s&mdash;wife&mdash;who&mdash;cut&mdash;off&mdash;their&mdash;tails&mdash;with&mdash;a&mdash;carving&mdash;kni-i-ife!&mdash;You&mdash;never&mdash;see&mdash;such&mdash;a&mdash;sight&mdash;in&mdash;your&mdash;life&mdash;as&mdash;Three&mdash;Blind
+Mice!&#8217; By that time Dolly&#8217;ll be ready, over cryin&#8217;. She can sing real
+nice if she&#8217;s a mind to. Listen! Everybody do it real solemn, no
+giggling, no forgettin&#8217; your parts, where you go in and come out at and
+doin&#8217; that part about the butcher&#8217;s wife and the tails just as fast as
+you can speak it and the end&mdash;as&mdash;s-l-o-w&mdash;a-s&mdash;s-l-o-w. Begin!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy&#8217;s rich, though untrained voice, started the song and Helena
+followed on time, singing very sweetly, indeed, until she came to that
+tragic part about the tails, when she burst out in a giggle and a vain
+effort to race along as rapidly as Alfy had done.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert could sing well. He helped Alfaretta carry the thing through to
+a triumphant finale, they two alone; for all the others had laughed
+themselves out of place and tune, with Monty interspersing the melody by
+outrageous cat calls and screechings of &#8220;Maria Maouw, come and catch
+these Three Blind Mice!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maria! Maria! Pussy, pussy cat Maria&mdash;Come to supper!&#8221; echoed Leslie,
+laughing as he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>rarely laughed. To him this company of young people was
+wholly delightful&mdash;except when he felt it his duty to entertain them.
+When they were thus willing to entertain him everything was all right.
+He had had so few young intimates in his life that each of these
+youngsters seemed wonderful to him. Their nonsense and good natured
+chaffing of one another kept him amused at all times and was doubly
+pleasant to him that night.</p>
+
+<p>For, like Dorothy, he felt oddly forlorn and deserted in this great
+beautiful home that was practically his own; and he wished as he had
+done before that he might step into that cottage of the Babcock&#8217;s,
+&#8220;up-mounting&#8221; where Alfaretta belonged and where she said everyone was
+as jolly as the day was long. He hadn&#8217;t liked Alfy at first and he still
+rather looked down upon her. She wasn&#8217;t of his station in life, she
+<i>would</i> not see that money made such a great difference, whether one had
+it or had not. She was greatly lacking in delicacy of speech, but she
+was honest to a fault. Not honester than Dolly, perhaps, but in another
+way. She hadn&#8217;t hesitated to give him one of those generous &#8220;pieces of
+her mind&#8221; with which she regaled anyone she considered at fault; and the
+&#8220;piece&#8221; she had cut for him that day had been:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Leslie Ford, if bein&#8217; rich as Croesus&mdash;whoever he was&mdash;or havin&#8217;
+all creation to wait on you can&#8217;t make you no better &#8217;n a coward&mdash;I pity
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>you. Yes, I do. That was the lowest-down, orneriest trick to hit an old
+man like Captain Lem, without givin&#8217; him a chance to help himself. Why,
+a boy that hadn&#8217;t a cent, an&#8217; never looked to have, couldn&#8217;t ha&#8217; been no
+meaner. An&#8217; just sayin&#8217; &#8216;Forgive me&#8217; don&#8217;t undo that job. Worst is, you
+raised a bigger welt on your own insides, on that thing Mr. Winters
+calls your conscience, &#8217;n you did on his old head, an&#8217; it won&#8217;t heal so
+quick, neither. I sure was ashamed of you, I sure was.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This lecture had been in response to his appeal, as they chanced to
+stand together in the cloistered walk, waiting for supper:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t think very badly of me, do you, Alfaretta, for getting so
+angry?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lad was very unhappy and very ashamed. He hoped to recover his own
+self-respect by hearing his mates declare the recent affair had been
+&#8220;nothing.&#8221; Herbert had gone so far, indeed, as to say that he, too,
+would have resented being told &#8220;must&#8221; and &#8220;mustn&#8217;t&#8221; by a mere hired man,
+but Leslie knew that Herbert would never have struck anybody under any
+provocation; and Monty had simply remarked: &#8220;Well, if you really liked
+to soil your hands that way, all right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy was the first of the girls he had interviewed, though he had
+gratefully recognized Helena&#8217;s compassion and Dorothy&#8217;s distress&mdash;for
+himself. Molly&mdash;he guessed he wouldn&#8217;t question Molly. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>That young
+person had a flippant tongue and she was always inclined to &#8220;call a
+spade a spade.&#8221; He couldn&#8217;t imagine her calling a coward a hero&mdash;and his
+own heart told him he had not been that. But Alfy was poor and intensely
+grateful for all his parents were doing for her. She would be the one to
+soothe his self-esteem and overlook the episode, he thought, and so he
+appealed to her.</p>
+
+<p>Alfy&#8217;s opening remark had been:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t say I think very well. You might ha&#8217; done worse, course, you
+might have used that pistol I saw you cocking round, this morning, if
+you&#8217;d had it handy; and that you&#8217;ve got no more use for than a cat for
+two tails. You beat the Dutch, Leslie Ford. You&#8217;re feelin&#8217; mean as
+pussley and you&#8217;re coaxin&#8217; me to contradict you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then had followed that larger &#8220;slice&#8221; of the girl&#8217;s opinion, recorded
+above. It hadn&#8217;t left a very pleasant &#8220;taste&#8221; in the lad&#8217;s &#8220;mouth.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Summons to supper was an agreeable sound, just then, and nobody referred
+to the event again. Yet, as has been told, the evening was a dull one
+for most of the party, the singing of the &#8220;rounds&#8221; its greatest
+amusement. Just as this ended, Dr. Jones appeared to read family
+prayers.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford had instituted this on her arrival at San Leon, and Mr. Ford
+had conducted the little service with a dignified sincerity which could
+not fail to impress his young guests. On leaving, he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>had requested the
+doctor to take his place, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No ceremony that will help to bring a blessing on our home must be
+omitted just because I am away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But, to-night, they missed the master&#8217;s earnest voice and Gray Lady&#8217;s
+wonderful singing of just the familiar, common hymn which everybody
+knew. The house-servants, and such of the ranchmen as would, filed into
+the spacious music-room and took their seats in reverent quiet. This was
+new business to most of those rough westerners and they came partly from
+curiosity, partly from admiration of &#8220;Dan Ford, Railroad Boss&#8221;; so great
+a man in their opinion that whatever he did they felt must have some
+merit in it.</p>
+
+<p>Helena took her place at the piano and the other girls stood beside her;
+and Herbert, obeying a nod from Dorothy also came forward. Monty and
+Leslie reluctantly followed. They had grouped themselves thus when the
+master was present but had hesitated now from a foolish shame before
+these untutored workmen.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy&#8217;s face lighted with gratitude and between the lines of the hymn
+Molly murmured, &#8220;Good boys,&#8221; while Alfy sang with even greater vim than
+her beloved &#8220;rounds.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then swift good nights and rest. It had been a busy, an exciting day;
+and Dorothy was soon asleep, though again her mind had been full of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>wonder concerning absent Jim and she had meant to lie awake and, as
+Alfy expressed it: &#8220;Cipher out where he could be.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But still she could not worry greatly. The arrival of the lamb with his
+message assured her that he was alive and, she argued, must be well
+since he had not forgotten her.</p>
+
+<p>But in one room there was no desire for sleep. Leslie was still restless
+and excited. His heart bothered him. He missed his parents more than he
+would acknowledge even to himself. He was fractious and tried Mateo&#8217;s
+patience sorely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, Mateo, I shan&#8217;t go to bed till I get ready. No matter if my mother
+did say ten o&#8217;clock, it was because she didn&#8217;t understand. You can&#8217;t go,
+either. I want you to talk.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly, se&ntilde;or.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But when silence followed Leslie impatiently inquired:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, why don&#8217;t you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Mateo sighed. Commonly his tongue would run so fast that his young
+master would order him to be quiet. Now, when requested, the valet could
+find no word to say. He stood behind his master&#8217;s chair, idly turning
+with his foot the corners of a mighty bear skin which lay upon the
+floor. It was the skin of an enormous grizzly, that had been shot by
+Captain Lem and another <i>caballero</i>, or horse trainer and had been
+mounted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>by themselves with infinite care, as a gift to their employer.
+The head was stuffed to the contour of life, and the paws outspread and
+perfect. It was, indeed, a most valuable skin and Leslie had admired it
+so greatly that it had been spread as a rug upon his floor. It annoyed
+him now to see Mateo toying with it and he bade him stop.</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican flushed and sighed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is that <i>el se&ntilde;or</i> is not well, <i>si</i>?&#8221; he suggested, suavely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I am well, too,&#8221; retorted the boy, who felt wretched, with a
+curious oppression on his chest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Imagine, Se&ntilde;or Leslie, what it must be to kill, to slaughter such a
+monster!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! a monster, indeed! But I shall kill just such another, you&#8217;ll see.
+What&#8217;s the use of a ranch on the Rockies and not go bear hunting? They
+can&#8217;t keep me done up in cotton wool just because I used to cough a
+little.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly not, se&ntilde;or.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! shut up with your everlasting &#8216;certainly nots!&#8217; You&#8217;re as tiresome
+as an old woman. I wish you&#8217;d stayed in San Diego, where you belong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mateo was amazed. He was really devoted to Leslie and they had rarely
+disagreed. He scarcely knew the lad in such a mood as this and realized
+that something must be done to give a pleasanter turn to things. A bear
+hunt? Was that what the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>young se&ntilde;or had set his heart upon and been
+denied? An inspiration came to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Caramba!</i> Behold! I have a fine thought, me. Will it please <i>el se&ntilde;or</i>
+to listen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course. That&#8217;s what I said to do&mdash;to talk.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then Mateo did talk. For five, ten minutes, with many a gesture and
+mixture of Spanish and English, till his listener&#8217;s face grew radiant
+and he sprang from his chair with a hip, hip, hurra! All his crossness
+was over and he now allowed Manuel to settle him for the night with a
+good nature not to be exceeded by anybody.</p>
+
+<p>The morning found all the young folks happier than they had been on the
+night before; and, nobody was late for breakfast. It had been explained
+to them that each one should attend the grooming of his or her own
+horse. There would be men to wait upon them, of course, and for the
+girls but little labor. Yet Mr. Ford believed that they would all be
+benefited in health by this pleasant task and that the intimacy which
+should exist between horse and rider would be thus furthered.</p>
+
+<p>Breakfast was scarcely over when Captain Lem appeared on the porch. He
+looked older than usual and uncommonly pale under his weather toughened
+skin, and he had put on his &#8220;specs,&#8221; which he disliked. However, his
+manner was as gay as ever and he began:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You cert&#8217;nly are the laziest set o&#8217; youngsters I&#8217;ve met sence I was
+knee-high to a hop-toad. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>Reckon if anybody&#8217;d give me a horse when I was
+your ages I&#8217;d ha&#8217; beat the sun a-risin&#8217; to see if &#8217;t had lived over
+night. The boys is waiting in the stables, and gettin&#8217; pretty cross.
+Some on &#8217;em sort-of-kind-of feel &#8217;s if they was playin&#8217; nurse to you
+kids, and the notion don&#8217;t go down none too good even to oblige Dan
+Ford, Boss. They&#8217;ve lived in the open, most of the boys has, and are
+better used to roundin&#8217; up stock than to tendin&#8217; tenderfeet youngsters.
+Eh, Little One? Ain&#8217;t you nowise curious to hear how Netty passed the
+night?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>One thing was evident to them all&mdash;the sharpshooter&#8217;s ready tongue had
+suffered no hurt from the unhappy incident of the day before.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy ran to put her hand in his, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How dreadful of me! I had forgotten that darling thing. Actually
+forgotten. How could I when she came from Jim?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Away she sped toward the Barracks, her white frock and scarlet ribbons
+making a pretty spot of color on the wide shaven lawn; but practical
+Alfaretta remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If that ain&#8217;t just like Dolly Doodles! Make her think she&#8217;s neglected
+somebody and off she flies, forgettin&#8217; things better worth rememberin&#8217;!
+The idea! She&#8217;ll go right to cleanin&#8217; that calico filly, Zaraza, an&#8217;
+never think a mite about her clean clothes. Not till she gets &#8217;em
+dirty&mdash;then nothing&#8217;ll do but she must put on fresh. White frocks ain&#8217;t
+so easy did up, either, so I&#8217;ll go get our high <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>aprons, that Mrs.
+Calvert had made for us to dust the house in, at Paradise. We&#8217;ve got
+quite a lot of &#8217;em and, girls, if you&#8217;d like, I&#8217;ll bring a couple for
+you, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You dear, thoughtful little caretaker! I&#8217;ll be ever so obliged for the
+loan till I can make one for myself,&#8221; answered Helena gratefully, giving
+her mate a smile that made Alfy happy.</p>
+
+<p>Eager to see their horses but not so pleased with the idea of grooming
+them, the lads sauntered toward the stables and corral, Leslie
+intimating that he thought &#8220;a quarter judiciously applied would be
+better than soiling himself by stable-work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Neither Herbert nor Monty knew Leslie well enough yet to understand this
+shirking of what they anticipated as a delightful task. Herbert had
+always been used to horses, and to fine ones. He loved his own
+Bucephalus, &#8220;back home,&#8221; as a dear friend, and looked forward to equal
+enjoyment in his new Blackamoor. With a little laugh he glanced at his
+young host and remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I could help it I would never let another hand than mine touch that
+superb animal your father gave me. I hardly realize it yet, that it is
+truly my own. Why, I mean to train him to hurdles and high jumps, and
+when I go back east, this autumn, I&#8217;ll get myself proposed for the
+Highland Valley Hunt and&mdash;elected, if I can. I say, this is just a
+glorious chance to learn what I couldn&#8217;t at home, where houses are thick
+and farmers so stubborn <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>they will object to one&#8217;s riding to hounds
+across their property. Howev&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Monty interrupted, rather jealously:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Quit that riding-to-hounds talk! I don&#8217;t know a thing about
+horses&mdash;except a saw-horse, that my mother insisted I should work on to
+reduce my&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Too, too solid flesh!&#8217;&#8221; broke in Leslie, laughing now and eager to
+watch the inexperienced &#8220;fat boy&#8221; make his first attempt at grooming a
+spirited beast.</p>
+
+<p>But they were apt to break in thus upon each other&#8217;s remarks and no
+offence taken, and they were soon at the stables, where the girls were
+already assembled. One glance at his sister, covered from neck to foot
+by a brown gingham apron, reminded the fastidious Herbert that he was
+not fixed for dirty work, and he promptly begged a set of overalls from
+the nearest workman. The other lads followed his example, discarding
+jackets and vests, and beginning on their new tasks with a zeal that was
+almost too eager.</p>
+
+<p>Even Leslie had done the same, willing for once to try this new game and
+see if there was any fun in it, as Herbert seemed to think. But his
+fingers shrank from handling the curry comb and brushes, absolutely new
+and clean though they were, and the best he accomplished was a
+roughening of C&aelig;sar&#8217;s coat which disgusted him as well as the horse. At
+last, with a remark that &#8220;looking on was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>good enough for him,&#8221; he
+tossed his brushes aside and signalled an attendant to finish the task
+so badly begun. To his amazement, the hostler declined:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sorry, Master Leslie, but the Boss&#8217;s express orders was&mdash;have you do it
+yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie&#8217;s eyes flashed. This was insubordination, indeed! Wasn&#8217;t he
+master at San Leon, now? Then Captain Lem drew near, to pick up the
+brush and explain in a matter-of-fact way:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Best never rub anything&mdash;nor anybody&mdash;the wrong way, lad! This sorrel,
+here, &#8217;d be sp&#8217;iled in next to no time if his hair ain&#8217;t smoothed the
+way natur&#8217; meant it should lie. There. That&#8217;s how. See how it shines?
+And just look at Herbert and his black! By the great horned spoon! Them
+two is cronies a&#8217;ready&mdash;hand-in-glove, pals! And let me say right here
+an&#8217; now; there ain&#8217;t no comfortabler love nowhere in this world than
+that &#8217;twixt a horse and his owner&mdash;if the last has got sense. Now pitch
+in, sonny, and don&#8217;t let nobody get ahead of you on that line. No,
+siree! What&#8217;d the Boss say?&#8221; Then turning toward Monty, valiantly
+struggling with this new business, he inquired in real kindness: &#8220;Want
+me to lend a hand, youngster?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Monty would have given many &#8220;quarters&#8221; to say &#8220;yes.&#8221; But he was too
+plucky. His face was streaming with perspiration, he had worried the
+chestnut, Juan, till the creature threatened to kick, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>and he ached from
+head to foot. But he had glanced across to that open space where four
+girls were making a frolic of this &#8220;horrible mess&#8221; and manliness held
+him to his duty. But he couldn&#8217;t refrain from a snappy:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I don&#8217;t! And how long at a time does a fellow keep at it? How tell
+whether a horse is groomed or isn&#8217;t?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ginger! Do you know when your shirt&#8217;s buttoned or when it ain&#8217;t? Just
+look at Herbert&#8217;s piece o&#8217; work an&#8217; do accordin&#8217;. But keep cool, Monty.
+Don&#8217;t get r&#8217;iled an&#8217; don&#8217;t rile your nag. You&#8217;ll do all right&mdash;you&#8217;ve
+got the makin&#8217; of a horseman in ye!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Thus encouraged, Montmorency Vavasour-Stark renewed his efforts, though
+with less force and better judgment. There is always a right and a wrong
+way to everything and the worried lad had, at last, fallen upon the
+right. He &#8220;would be a horseman!&#8221; Hurray! That opinion from such a source
+was worth lots!</p>
+
+<p>Well, that first lesson was over at last. Seven tired youngsters
+stripped off aprons and overalls and proceeded to mount the horses they
+had groomed and most of them were happy. It had been worth while, after
+all, to get thus familiar with the animals; and the girls, at least,
+remembered that their hosts had spoken of how beneficial it would be for
+their beloved son to be with such <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>creatures as much as possible. Like
+the rifle practice, it was all for Leslie and Leslie&#8217;s health; and they
+would have been willing enough to help this good work along, even if
+they had not got all the fun out of it for themselves, which they did.</p>
+
+<p>They rode &#8220;off bounds,&#8221; that morning; following Captain Lem, with a
+couple of trained horsemen riding at their rear. Perhaps of all the
+company, Herbert and Molly were happiest. They were as much at home in
+the saddle as any cowboy of them all, and their high spirits spread to
+their mates, so that even they regretted the order that the leader gave:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right about, face! Rifle practice&mdash;nine o&#8217;clock, sharp!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They hadn&#8217;t a minute to lose; yet when the &#8220;awkward squad&#8221; repaired to
+the Barracks only the four girls answered to roll call. The lads came
+straggling up, later, their heads close together, an air of profound
+mischief and mystery about them, and Dorothy heard the words &#8220;Bear Hunt&#8221;
+escape from one of them.</p>
+
+<p>Her heart sank. Leslie was, indeed, coming to take the place he had
+declined in the &#8220;ranks,&#8221; rather going with the crowd than be left out
+alone; but there was something in his manner that Dolly did not like.
+Were the three boys planning to steal off by themselves, despite Captain
+Lemuel&#8217;s warnings?</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HEN OF WUN SING</h3>
+
+<p>But whatever wild schemes were hatching in the heads of the three lads
+nothing seemed to come of them.</p>
+
+<p>Days followed one another in such peaceful routine that Dorothy felt
+ashamed of her fears, as well as ashamed of her composure regarding Jim
+Barlow. The longer he was absent the less they spoke of him. That he was
+alive, somewhere, all were sure, and that he would return sometime or
+&#8220;when he gets good and ready,&#8221; as Alfaretta coolly observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He seemed like a very odd chap, the little I saw of him,&#8221; said Leslie,
+and did not regret the stranger&#8217;s absence.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert was loyal and insisted that &#8220;Jim was a royal chap&mdash;once he shook
+off his awkward shyness a bit. Why, the yarns Jim Barlow could spin
+about woodsy things and habits of wild creatures would make you sit
+right up and take notice. Oh, Jim&#8217;s all right&mdash;only bashful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s so. Why, that fellow, don&#8217;t you know, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>that fellow really plans
+to go sometime, to Africa, or some other place and live with monkeys
+just to hear them talk. He&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He might have stayed right here with us&mdash;or you, Monty dear,&#8221; said
+Molly, sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>Monty merely frowned at her but continued:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is a man did that. True. Went into the woods and lived in a
+cage&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All that trouble and expense for nothing,&#8221; again remarked Molly; and
+this time Monty changed the subject, asking:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you heard about Wun Sing and his hen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! never mind hens. What do you say, folks? Suppose we get old Lem to
+go with us into the mountains yonder and look for Jim?&#8221; said Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You needn&#8217;t do that. You&#8217;d not find him. He&#8217;s hidden himself on
+purpose, I believe, and only sent back Netty to let us know he was alive
+and well. Even Molly thinks that,&#8221; said Helena; &#8220;and I, for one don&#8217;t
+care to hunt up boys who don&#8217;t want to be found. I think Jim&#8217;s shyness
+is at the bottom of the matter. It&#8217;s kindness to let him alone and&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dolly looked serious and shook her head while Monty again demanded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you heard about Wun Sing&#8217;s hen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what he&#8217;s going to give us for supper! I&#8217;m nearly starved.
+There never was such a place <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>for appetites&mdash;eating doesn&#8217;t stop that
+hollow, all-gone feeling a bit!&#8221; calmly stated Alfy, with a tragic air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Alfy, you little pig! It isn&#8217;t more than an hour since we finished
+dinner,&#8221; reproved Molly, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I can&#8217;t help that. I wish &#8217;twas supper-time. Let&#8217;s go in the
+kitchen and ask for a piece&mdash;like the children home do, bless &#8217;em!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say, you better not! Wun Sing&#8217;s hen&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monty&mdash;quit! Let&#8217;s all go ask for a &#8216;piece&#8217;!&#8221; cried Leslie, throwing
+his arm around the &#8220;fat boy&#8217;s&#8221; shoulder and forcing him along with the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert pulled out a jew&#8217;s-harp&mdash;procured nobody knew where&mdash;and headed
+the procession with a vain attempt to render &#8220;Yankee Doodle&#8221; so that it
+could be recognized for itself. Then all fell into line, with the
+laughter and nonsense natural to a company of care free &#8220;youngsters&#8221; as
+they were now known all over the premises.</p>
+
+<p>But as they passed a room just beyond Leslie&#8217;s own, he poked his head
+through the window, to demand of Mateo, lying within:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Any better, boy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Gracias</i>, Se&ntilde;or Leslie. Much better. Only, the hen of Wun Sing; the
+omelette&mdash;Ah! I suffer, <i>si</i>. I groan&mdash;I am on fire. The heathen
+creature and his foul fowl!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter, Les? Is that your pert valet laid up in yon? What&#8217;s
+up?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Rather&mdash;what&#8217;s down? The boy hasn&#8217;t been well, or says he hasn&#8217;t these
+three days. That&#8217;s why I had to put off the bear&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mum! Dorothy&#8217;s just behind us and she has ears all round her head! But
+we&#8217;ll do it, yet; either with or without him. It&#8217;ll be rippin&#8217; fun, but
+if that girl gets wind of it she&#8217;ll stop it, sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder if we&#8217;ll see Wun Sing&#8217;s hen!&#8221; said Monty again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stark! I tell you if you mention that fowl again I&#8217;ll stuff her down
+your throat!&#8221; cried Herbert, dropping his jew&#8217;s-harp and engaging with
+Monty. But the latter was round and easily slipped through Bert&#8217;s
+fingers, and the scrimmage was playful, anyway.</p>
+
+<p>Resuming their march they entered the great kitchen, now wholly deserted
+save by the Chinaman, who cowered in a corner, praying lustily to his
+honorable forefathers and burning some sort of stuff before a little
+image on the floor beside him. Like a good many others of his race, Wun
+Sing was &#8220;good Chlistian&#8221; when it suited him to be, but a much better
+devotee of his ancient gods when real trouble overtook him.</p>
+
+<p>Wun Sing was in trouble now. Bottomless trouble, he feared, and so
+wholly engaged in his devotions that he didn&#8217;t take any notice of the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>noisy youngsters foraging his stores. Until, from the corner of his
+eye, he saw Alfy poking into a little wall-cupboard that was his own
+property and used to shelter his dearest treasures.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no, Missee Alfaletta! No, no. Wun Sing&#8217;s chalm no wolkee if lill
+gels meddle!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He rose from his prostration on the floor and fairly flew to the girl&#8217;s
+side, pushing her hand aside from the key she had almost turned, his
+whole manner expressing great agitation.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, she desisted at once, even apologized for her action, but her
+old co-worker in Mrs. Calvert&#8217;s kitchen begged pardon in his own turn
+and after his foreign fashion. In his broken English he eagerly
+explained that he and his belongings had been <i>bewitched</i>.</p>
+
+<p>His hen&mdash;the so beloved hen of Wun Sing, that he had brought from far
+away California, along with some garden seeds and roots, the hen had
+been entered by an evil spirit and the days of Wun Sing were numbered.
+Already he felt the dread sickness stealing over him, as it had already
+stolen upon his old neighbor of San Diego&mdash;the so afflicted Mateo. He
+had been praying and offering gifts to his little clay god but so far no
+good had come. Within the cupboard on the wall he had placed a
+&#8220;charm&#8221;&mdash;a terrible charm, in his opinion and if that failed not only he
+but all at San Leon were doomed. Would that he had never <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>heard of the
+place, even for the extra big wages the rich owner had offered. He&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>When he had reached this point, Alfy shook him demanding:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What makes you such a fool, Wunny? That little old image on the floor
+is enough to make you sick, course, it&#8217;s so filthy dirty. I hope you&#8217;ll
+scrub your hands good with soap before you touch any food for other
+folks to eat. What&#8217;s the matter with the hen, anyway?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Having put this question, Alfaretta walked to the sink and turned the
+spigot over her own hand, which suddenly felt soiled by contact with the
+Chinaman&#8217;s shoulder. Then she remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re all hungry. Tell us where we can find something to eat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The cook shook his head and Alfy foraged for herself: presently securing
+from the pantry a box of crackers and a jar of cheese. Armed with these
+refreshments she felt she would be sustained until the regular supper
+time, and invited her mates to accompany her on a visit to this
+wonderful hen whose name was in everybody&#8217;s mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Wun Sing protested; but when they were determined, he tremblingly
+presented each of the youngsters with a bit of red paper, inscribed in
+black with a few Chinese characters. Laughingly, they pinned these on
+and so protected from &#8220;evil chalms&#8221; sought the little wire enclosure
+which the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>Chinaman had made for his petted fowl, upon his first coming
+to San Leon.</p>
+
+<p>The hen had been the gift of his opulent kinsman, Der Doo, and was far
+too precious to its new owner to be allowed with the other poultry. It
+had lived in state within its little wire-covered yard, supplied with
+fresh grass each day and fattening upon the best of food. For its night
+accommodation, Wun Sing had constructed a tiny pagoda-like house
+imitating a temple of his native land. Here the pampered fowl slept
+luxuriously, and for a time had been the delight of its owner&#8217;s eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s sit down on the grass and watch it awhile. We can eat our
+crackers here, first rate, &#8217;cause if we get thirsty we can drink out of
+the spigot o&#8217; running water that cooky has fixed for the hen,&#8221; suggested
+Alfy.</p>
+
+<p>So they ranged themselves in a semi-circle, with the crackers and cheese
+in the centre and awaited developments.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Cock-a-doodle-doo!&#8221; crowed Herbert, in excellent imitation of a
+rooster.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! hush! Hens don&#8217;t do <i>that</i>; they just
+say&mdash;cut-cut-cut-cut&mdash;cut-tarket!&#8221; corrected Molly.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately the rest took up the mocking cries, to the evident distress
+of poor Wun Sing, who stood in the background, his face yellower than
+common and his hands clasping and unclasping nervously.</p>
+
+<p>But neither cat-calls, crowings, nor cacklings, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>coaxed the invisible
+fowl from her palace-like retreat. So, soon tiring of this, they fell to
+talking of other things and forgot the creature; till, suddenly, from
+within the temple came a crow that beat even Herbert&#8217;s noisy ones. It
+was so loud and so sudden, and was so closely followed by a jubilant
+cackle, that all of them were a trifle startled while Wun Sing threw
+himself down in real terror.</p>
+
+<p>The cackling continued a longer time than is usual and ended in another
+masculine crow. Then there solemnly stalked into the little yard a very
+handsome fowl, of the Plymouth Rock species, who strutted about as if
+she were the queen of all hens.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! Nothing the matter with that biddy, Wun Sing! I wish &#8217;t Ma Babcock
+had her in our hennery, up-mounting. What&#8217;s wrong with her, you think,
+Wunny?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Missee Alfletta&mdash;<i>eggs</i>!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what&#8217;s a hen&#8217;s business in life but to lay eggs?&#8221; demanded
+Herbert, laughing at the Chinaman&#8217;s curious expression.</p>
+
+<p>Then it came out. That hen did lay eggs&mdash;such eggs! She was a big hen
+and her eggs so small, and so many! Ah! she was bewitched. She was
+bewitching Wun Sing. She had already bewitched Mateo, yes. It began the
+very day the master left. On that sorrowful, august occasion that pent
+up, solitary fowl deposited two eggs in her softly lined nest.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;That might be. Ma&#8217;s hens do that, sometimes, good breeds,&#8221; said Alfy,
+in answer to the Chinaman&#8217;s impressive statement.</p>
+
+<p>With all this company of doubters around him Wun Sing felt secure enough
+to go on and state that on the day following there had been four eggs!
+Then one&mdash;then again seven&mdash;the mystic number. Latterly there had been
+eight, nine, as high as ten! All in one twenty-four hours! Could a fowl,
+free from an evil spirit, so conduct itself? No. No, indeed. Wun Sing
+knew what he knew. Disaster was coming. There was trouble on the wing.
+It would light upon San Leon. They were doomed&mdash;doomed&mdash;doomed!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it!&#8221; declared Leslie. &#8220;But a hen of that character
+<i>ought</i> to crow as well as cackle. How much&#8217;ll you take for her, cooky?
+I&#8217;ll buy and start a hennery to stump the world. Anybody want to go in
+with me on this deal? San Leon Chinese Poultry&mdash;Warranted to Make
+Possessors Rich! The Egg Trust of San Leon! I say, boys, the thing&#8217;s
+just rippin&#8217;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Undo that little gate, Wunny. I&#8217;m going in to collect the eggs. Come
+on, Alfy, or anybody,&#8221; cried Dorothy, laughing. &#8220;That empty cracker box
+to hold them in. By the way, Wunny, when did you empty the nest?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He assured her that he had done so the last thing before retiring on the
+night before. He had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>already taken two from it this day. Now by the
+cackle&mdash;there must be&mdash;Ah! he finished his speech with a wild flourish
+of his hands, then put them before his eyes to shield them from an
+uncanny sight.</p>
+
+<p>Those outside the little poultry yard waited in curiosity for the others
+to come back. The two girls within it had their heads close together
+peering into the hen-temple, while Monty had squeezed his plump body
+through its little door with the cracker box in hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I say, come out of there! How many have you found?&#8221; called Herbert.
+&#8220;Hurry up! Nell and Molly are getting scared. Fact!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not,&#8221; denied Molly, but Helena said nothing. It was absurd, but she
+was actually catching some of the Chinaman&#8217;s nervousness over this most
+uncanny fowl. And a moment later, she was relieved to see the
+egg-hunters turn around and Monty emerge from that &#8220;heathen temple,&#8221; the
+cracker box held tightly in his hand. He carried it as if it were heavy
+and his face was almost as solemn as the Chinaman&#8217;s. The box contained
+eleven eggs!</p>
+
+<p>Wun Sing gave one glance and fled, and trying to take the box into his
+own hands, Leslie dropped it&mdash;with the natural result.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, they may be bewitched eggs but they can break &#8216;allee samee!&#8217; I&#8217;m
+sorry, Wun Sing, but I&#8217;ll pay for them! And say, did anybody ever hear
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>of such a thing before?&#8221; asked Leslie, astonished.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody had; and seeing Dr. Jones crossing the grounds at a little
+distance they ran to him with the marvellous tale. He listened
+attentively and even walked back with them to see the hen for himself.
+His decision put bewitchment out of the question.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The bird is a freak of nature. I have read of such before, but they are
+rare. Either that&mdash;or&mdash;are you quite sure that no practical joke has
+been played by any of the boys&mdash;or by yourselves?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His keen study of their faces revealed nothing mischievous on any. They
+were all as honestly surprised as himself, and he then made a close
+inspection of the little place. The pagoda stood exactly in the centre
+of the yard, so far from the wire-netting on every side that no arm
+would be long enough to reach it and drop eggs into the nest at the
+back. Wun Sing always kept the key of the Chinese padlock on the wire
+gate and entrance through it without his consent could not be made.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It doesn&#8217;t look like a hoax, and it&#8217;s not to be wondered at that the
+Chinaman was scared. We all are&mdash;at the unusual and unexplainable. But
+this is simple. It is a freak of nature and the hen will probably die
+soon, of exhaustion.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor walked away and Molly made a funny little face behind his
+back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I call that real mean, to take the mystery out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>of it in that way! I&#8217;ve
+been getting delightfully goose-fleshy and creepy, just to find the
+spook is nothing but a silly old hen that&#8217;s outdone herself. I hate to
+be disappointed like that. I wish something would happen, real
+hair-raising, as Indians, or bears, or even a few catamounts!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If they did, I&#8217;d like to be on the spot. I bet you, Molly Breckenridge,
+you&#8217;d run faster than anybody if those things did happen,&#8221; teased Monty.</p>
+
+<p>Saying that, he exchanged an odd glance with Leslie, who nodded and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come along, boys, let&#8217;s visit Mateo in a body. Force of numbers you
+know. He lays it to eggs&mdash;Wunny&#8217;s bewitched eggs, but I lay it to
+cowardice. There&#8217;s nothing the matter with my valiant valet but
+downright scare. After proposing the thing, too, and being the best
+figure of all to do it. Ta, ta, ladies! We shall meet again&mdash;at feeding
+time. Eh, Alfy? I mean Miss Babcock!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! Don&#8217;t you think I didn&#8217;t notice &#8217;t you ate more &#8217;n anybody else of
+the crackers and cheese. Good-by!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They separated, the girls to their own rooms to freshen themselves for
+the evening and for a long talk over the delights of this wonderful
+summer; yet in all their happiness, a deep regret was in their warm
+hearts for Jim Barlow&#8217;s absence and the wish that they might know where
+he was and that he was well.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p><p>The lads sought Mateo in his room, and though the valet pretended
+slumber he was promptly roused by the energetic attentions of his
+visitors.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here, Mateo, we know you&#8217;re shamming. The fact is that after
+getting us all wrought up to this bear business and agreeing to take the
+chief part, you&#8217;re afraid. Either you think the &#8216;boys&#8217;ll&#8217; get lively
+with their shooting-irons and hunt the bear too well, or else&mdash;I don&#8217;t
+know what else. Only this, you can&#8217;t pretend to be hoodooed or
+&#8216;bewitched&#8217; with any of Wun Sing&#8217;s omelettes. That&#8217;s all up. The
+doctor&#8217;s taken a hand in that and I know it isn&#8217;t indigestion you&#8217;re
+bewitched with&mdash;it&#8217;s plain sneak. Now, boy, get up!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After Leslie&#8217;s long speech, that ended in the terse command, Mateo
+raised himself on elbow and protested:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But it is of the illness, I, se&ntilde;or, <i>en verdad</i>. The omelette of Wun
+Sing&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;May have been a little too rich for you, Matty lad, but don&#8217;t worry.
+That wonderful fowl has shortened her life by her own ambition. I
+suppose she had a certain number of eggs to lay during her earthly
+career and she concluded to get the job over with. She&#8217;s an all right
+Chinee hen, but <i>she&#8217;s</i> the one that&#8217;ll die, not you nor Wunny Sing.
+Doctor Jones said so. We&#8217;ve interviewed him on the subject. Doctors know
+a lot. So, be decent! Get up and practise a bit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p><p>Thus adjured by Herbert, for whom the valet had a great admiration,
+Mateo threw off the light covers and rose to his feet&mdash;fully dressed. He
+had only lain down, professing himself ill, whenever there was danger of
+his young master appearing.</p>
+
+<p>With a swift change of front, he now fell in with the lads&#8217; notions, and
+thereafter followed an hour of &#8220;practice,&#8221; accompanied by curious sounds
+and growlings. All this behind locked door and tightly shuttered
+windows&mdash;something almost unknown at peaceful San Leon.</p>
+
+<p>At supper time there was a subdued air of mystery about the three lads,
+which Dorothy noticed, if none of the other girls did. Also, they were
+so extremely courteous and thoughtful that it was rather overdone.
+However, politeness was agreeable, and there followed the happiest
+evening the young guests had spent since the departure of Gray Lady for
+the east.</p>
+
+<p>The fading moonlight was now supplemented by the electric lights, making
+the wide lawns brilliant as day, save where the deep shadows fell, black
+in contrast. At midnight, Dorothy awoke. Something had startled her and
+she sat up in bed, shivering in fear. How queer! she thought and peered
+through the window as if expecting some unwelcome sight. There was
+nothing unusual visible and, except for a curious creeping sound, as of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>some large body moving stealthily on the veranda floor, nothing to
+hear.</p>
+
+<p>Strange that brave Dorothy&#8217;s heart should beat so fast and she turn so
+cold. She wished Alfy would awake. She wanted to hear somebody speak.
+Then she scorned herself for her foolishness, wondering if she, too, had
+caught the Chinaman&#8217;s terror of &#8220;bewitchment.&#8221; Oh! this was horrid! Alfy
+would go right to sleep again, even if she were awakened, and she must,
+she must hear somebody human!</p>
+
+<p>She opened her trembling lips to call: &#8220;Alfy! Alfy dear, please wake
+up!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the words were never uttered. Something had come into view at her
+open window which froze them on her lips.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GRIZZLY AND THE INDIANS</h3>
+
+<p>For a moment Dorothy sat still in bed, afraid to move or cry out while
+the great animal at the window remained equally motionless. Then she was
+able to shriek:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Alf! Helena! Somebody&mdash;help&mdash;help! HELP!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alfy leapt from her little bed with an answering cry, frightened by
+Dorothy&#8217;s screech, and hurriedly demanding: &#8220;Why&mdash;why&mdash;what?&#8221; then
+rubbed her eyes and stood transfixed with horror.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later the whole house was in an uproar. The lads came running
+from their rooms, yelling in sympathy with the cries of the girls, the
+doctor rushed from his office-bedroom clad only in pajamas; the nurse
+forsook her sick bed&mdash;which she had not left before since first stricken
+with a chest attack; Anita&mdash;Wun Sing&mdash;kitchen boy&mdash;all the household
+gathered in the great corridor upon which the girls&#8217; rooms opened.</p>
+
+<p>Such an uproar had never been heard at peaceful San Leon since its
+foundation stone was laid; and the sounds carrying clearly in that night
+air, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>out from the Barracks rushed a horde of cowboys and workmen with
+Captain Lem in lead.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A bear!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Grizzly! The Grizzly!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A grizzly it was sure enough. All the feminine portion of the household
+retreated to the empty chamber of Miss Milliken, slammed down its window
+and locked themselves within; then from curiosity opened the door a
+little way, to peek through the crack.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Oh! It&#8217;s coming this way&mdash;why doesn&#8217;t somebody shoot it!&#8221; cried
+Helena, running back to look through the window panes.</p>
+
+<p>The great animal had now dropped from its upright position at Dolly&#8217;s
+window and was crawling on all fours back along the wide porch. It
+certainly was coming that way but&mdash;it couldn&#8217;t get in!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Could it? Can bears&mdash;open&mdash;open&mdash;things?&#8221; gasped Molly, retreating to a
+wardrobe and hiding within it, whence she demanded in a torrent of
+questions information of all sorts concerning bears and why nobody
+killed it before it killed them!</p>
+
+<p>Oddly enough, nobody had interfered with the creature&#8217;s movements thus
+far, though some of the men had run back to the Barracks for firearms,
+and just then unlucky Wun Sing came round the corner of the building and
+met it face to face. He had run at top speed in the opposite direction
+from that the beast seemed taking when he had first <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>espied it, issuing
+from his room beyond the kitchen. Seeing it headed that way he had
+instinctively chosen the other, not reckoning that even bears can change
+routes.</p>
+
+<p>Then the yell that rose belittled all which had gone before.</p>
+
+<p>Grizzly uprose on his hind feet and rushed to meet poor Wunny, squeezing
+him in a terrible embrace that checked the Chinaman&#8217;s yell instantly.
+Until a touch of Bruin&#8217;s teeth upon his thinly clad shoulder and a bite
+of sharp teeth awoke it again. A clutch of his queue from the great paw
+brought forth greater shrieks and seemed to give the victim an
+extraordinary strength. By some means he wrenched himself free and
+escaped, the grizzly pursuing on all fours again&mdash;and both headed toward
+the lake.</p>
+
+<p>Whether Wun Sing&#8217;s purpose was to throw himself within it he didn&#8217;t know
+himself, but the road toward it was the clearest and offered his best
+chance. Half way to the water his feet caught in his long night blouse
+and he tripped. Instantly the grizzly was upon him. The great furry
+creature sprawled over the prostrate cook, growling and snapping his
+teeth but as yet inflicting no further injury, and the man underneath no
+longer knowing anything, for his terrified senses had taken leave of his
+quivering body.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the bear got upright again and, for a moment <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>towered above his
+helpless victim. Then seeming to have satisfied his rage in that
+direction, he resumed his natural position and moved back toward the
+house. He kept his great head well lowered, wagging it from side to side
+and, altogether, conducting himself like a half-blind or greatly
+bewildered bear.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the men from the Barracks had reappeared, well armed; but
+as the grizzly climbed upon the veranda floor again they hesitated to
+fire because the low windows opening upon it were full of peeping faces.
+Silent Pete, alone, dared approach the creature as near as the other end
+of the veranda. This man had been a mighty hunter in his youth, when
+Colorado was an almost unknown country with few settlers and big game
+plentiful. His old blood had warmed to the conflict now, though he was
+silent as ever and paid no heed to the warnings called to him by his
+ranch mates. Creeping stealthily forward toward the encounter he watched
+his grizzly enemy with exultation, his thought being:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s tough! He&#8217;s an old one! His hide&#8217;s thick&mdash;I must make no mistake.
+When I get nigh enough to hit him through the heart&mdash;wish he&#8217;d rise up
+again&mdash;queerest actin&#8217; grizzly I ever met&mdash;likely my last one&mdash;so
+anxious to meet me he come a-visitin&#8217;&mdash;he, he, he! Ah! he&#8217;s
+risin&#8217;&mdash;I&#8217;ll&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Out on the electric lighted grounds the men were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>grouped with their
+rifles, all anxious to fire and all eager to delay till the last moment,
+watching this wild beast so uncommonly near at hand. Why, from its
+movements it might almost have been a tame animal escaped from some
+menagerie. Besides, the trophy belonged to Silent Pete. He was first and
+hardiest to face the brute and only if his famously sure shot failed
+would they fire to the rescue. Yes, the bear was the old hunter&#8217;s
+legitimate prize&mdash;they&#8217;d wait, guns ready&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t shoot! Oh! men, don&#8217;t shoot! DON&#8217;T SHOOT!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To the utter amazement of everyone, up flew Dorothy&#8217;s window and out she
+leaped, so close behind the creeping grizzly that she almost touched
+him: she was gesticulating wildly and her repeated cries of &#8220;Don&#8217;t
+shoot!&#8221; startled old Captain Lem almost to numbness.</p>
+
+<p>What was that she was saying?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He isn&#8217;t a bear! I see his feet! Bears don&#8217;t wear&mdash;SHOES!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Alas! Her cry came too late. As bruin reared himself old Peter&#8217;s shot
+rang out. An instant later, with such a cry as never issued from the
+throat of any bear, he dropped to the veranda floor and lay there
+motionless. The great bear hunt was over.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later the grizzly rug was back on the floor of Leslie&#8217;s
+room and the lad who had masqueraded <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>in it to frighten a few girls,
+the over-zealous Mateo, lay on his own little bed with Doctor Jones
+probing for the bullet which had entered his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, it had not lodged there but passed straight through leaving
+a clean flesh wound which would promptly heal, the doctor said, but that
+would keep unhappy Mateo in bed for a few days. He had feigned sickness
+when there was none, dreading to act the part he had just so
+unfortunately done. But the young master&#8217;s will had been too strong and
+the suggestion had been Mateo&#8217;s own.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The punishment, for once, has fallen upon the guilty person. You&#8217;ll
+have time to reflect, Mateo, that frightening timid people is scarcely a
+manly pastime. I trust there&#8217;ll be no more skylarking till Mr. Ford is
+home. You will be kept upon a rigid diet till I order otherwise, and
+good night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So said the doctor, leaving his patient to his own thoughts and assuring
+himself that all the young folks had retired to their rooms again. He
+had administered no further reproofs&mdash;nor needed to do so. It was an
+exceedingly crest-fallen trio of lads who disappeared from view, when
+once the extent of Mateo&#8217;s injury was learned, and a very quiet one.</p>
+
+<p>But the excited girls were not so quiet. They had to talk it over,
+simply had to!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought it was queer all the boys were in their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>day clothes,&#8221; said
+Helena, with her arm about Molly, who was still shaking with fright, now
+and then, despite the fact that the affair was all over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I noticed, too, but I thought they&#8217;d just dressed awful quick. But
+suppose it <i>had</i> been a real one&mdash;would it have eaten us up?&#8221; she begged
+to know.</p>
+
+<p>To which Alfy replied from her own room:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, Molly Breckenridge, don&#8217;t be a goose. <i>We&#8217;d</i> have eaten <i>him</i> up,
+course. We&#8217;d have had bear steak for breakfast&mdash;Some say it&#8217;s good.
+Don&#8217;t s&#8217;pose with all them men around they&#8217;d have let it live very long?
+No, indeedy. But Matty did it real cute, after all, didn&#8217;t he? Must ha&#8217;
+been terrible hot, trampin&#8217; around under all that skin. Well, we ought
+to go to sleep, but seems if I&#8217;d never catch another wink. I wonder what
+became of Wunny! Last I saw him he was lyin&#8217; flat on the
+ground&mdash;thinkin&#8217; he was et up, I guess. Dolly&mdash;My heart! Dolly Doodles
+is asleep a&#8217;ready. Did you ever see such a sleepy head, Nell?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer from the room across the hall, so Alfy curled down
+among her pillows and composed herself to sleep. But her mind wasn&#8217;t at
+rest. She kept seeing, in her fancy, the prostrate figure of Wun Sing,
+and hoped some of the men from the Barracks had looked after him. She
+felt as if she must get up again and go to see for herself. But&mdash;out of
+doors at night didn&#8217;t seem quite the same, even to this sensible girl,
+as it had done before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>the bear scare. Besides&mdash;something really was the
+matter with her eyes. They felt as if they were full of sand&mdash;she&#8217;d just
+shut them a minute to&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>She was asleep at once. A body simply could not stay awake after
+bedtime, in that Colorado air! And it was well she could not. Else, the
+warm-hearted girl would have suffered fresh alarm.</p>
+
+<p>It was a belated household which struggled out of heavy slumber the next
+day, and as Dorothy lazily yawned and stretched her arms above her head
+it seemed as if all the exciting events of the night must be part of her
+dreams. Alfy woke, too, as reluctantly as her mate and just as Helena
+appeared from her own room, looking a little heavy-eyed but fully
+dressed. She bade them good morning, but waited for no response before
+she added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The house seems unusually still, and I don&#8217;t smell coffee. I generally
+do, the first thing. I sometimes think it&#8217;s the odor of that wakes me. I
+wonder if Wun Sing&#8217;s fright and his worry about his poor hen has made
+him ill! I&#8217;ll go and see; and if the boys aren&#8217;t up I&#8217;ll call them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads answered sleepily to Helena&#8217;s summons, yet were not long in
+appearing on the porch, where the other girls promptly joined them. As
+if by common consent nobody mentioned the escapade of the night, though
+it was in the minds of all and all were really longing to discuss it.
+The boys because <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>they wished to &#8220;explain,&#8221; and the girls thinking that
+to treat the &#8220;joke&#8221; with silent contempt would be their severest
+punishment. Nobody even mentioned unlucky Mateo, who had lent himself to
+the furtherance of the affair, only to be the one to suffer most from
+it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hmm. Isn&#8217;t it past breakfast time?&#8221; asked Monty, at last.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert looked at his watch, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ten minutes to nine! Who&#8217;d have believed it? Horses to be groomed
+before drill, and time up already. I wonder&mdash;But here&#8217;s Nell. She&#8217;s
+coming from the kitchen and looks important. What&#8217;s up, Sis?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Several things. First, the hen of Wun Sing lies dead in her coop.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O-oh!&#8221; &#8220;Ah!&#8221; &#8220;Unwise, ambitious hen!&#8221; were the exclamations which
+responded; and Molly added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That isn&#8217;t all. There&#8217;s something worse on Helena&#8217;s mind than the death
+of a bewitched hen! Out with it, child! After&mdash;I mean&mdash;my nerves won&#8217;t
+stand any more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Didn&#8217;t know you had nerves,&#8221; laughed Alfy. &#8220;What&#8217;s happened, Helena?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wun Sing has disappeared.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;W-h-a-t?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is true. He has gone, nobody knows where. There&#8217;s a man from the
+Barracks, the one who does <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>the cooking over there, getting breakfast.
+Captain Lem is flying around in a terrible state of mind. He&#8217;s angry
+with you boys, says there&#8217;ll be neither drill nor rifle practice to-day,
+but the horses <i>must</i> be groomed just as soon as we get our breakfasts.
+He&#8217;s sent a half-dozen men looking for the cook, now, and they expect to
+find him soon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So they did Jim! Seems if there wasn&#8217;t anything doing on this ranch but
+just getting lost,&#8221; wailed Alfaretta, turning a little pale; while Molly
+nervously begged:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Somebody tie me fast! Tie me fast! It&#8217;ll break my father&#8217;s heart if I
+get lost, too!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lem came up at that moment. He looked so stern and unlike
+himself that the young folks were all of them awed by his manner. Even
+light hearted Monty slunk back, &#8220;shaking in his shoes,&#8221; while Leslie
+dropped his eyes and lost all his bravado.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hark to me, Squad! Every mortal son an&#8217; gal of ye! I&#8217;m riled&mdash;I&#8217;m mad.
+Here am I left in charge, so to speak, of your doin&#8217;s, and of the work
+on the ranch, anyways. Your smart-aleck work has turned everything
+topsy-turvy. Men took from their reg&#8217;lar jobs to go hunt worthless
+Chinamen, and take his place a-cookin&#8217;. Hens dyin&#8217; to right an&#8217;
+left&mdash;pizened by some your doses, likely&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no! Captain, I&#8217;m sure nobody would do such a cruel thing as poison
+helpless creatures!&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>protested Dorothy, running to clasp his hand.</p>
+
+<p>He had on his &#8220;specs,&#8221; which they had already learned he used mostly
+when he was angry, and they were very glittering just then. But Dorothy
+would not be put aside. She clung to him till his mood softened and
+removing the menacing &#8220;specs,&#8221; dropped them in his blouse pocket. Then
+he smiled upon her, rather shamefacedly, though he felt that he still
+had good cause for offence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, Little One, you&#8217;ve got ways to win a feller, &#8217;spite of himself.
+If they was all as good as you&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! they are, and even lots better! &#8217;Twas just lads&#8217; foolishness that
+they mistook for smartness. And they, we, all of us will do all we can
+to help. Where can we look for Wunny? He&#8217;s the first one to be thought
+of. And I&#8217;m sorry he was so scared. Also, he&#8217;ll be sorry himself over
+the poor hen. What can I do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go along an&#8217; eat what breakfast you can get. Then tend to your horses.
+Likely, they&#8217;re hungrier &#8217;n you are and I&#8217;ll go see &#8217;t they&#8217;re fed. But
+hear me! Not another mite o&#8217; foolin&#8217; with serious things till Dan Ford
+gets back an&#8217; takes the reins into his own hands. &#8217;Twas the mercy of
+Providence&mdash;nothin&#8217; else&mdash;that that jabberin&#8217; shallow-pate Mateo wasn&#8217;t
+killed plumb out. Silent Pete&#8217;s used to grizzlies. He&#8217;s used to
+<i>killin&#8217;</i> &#8217;em. It&#8217;s his trade, a deal more &#8217;n &#8217;tis to tend horseflesh. I
+wouldn&#8217;t <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>like to stand as nigh hand to his gun as that Greaser did last
+night. Now, hurry up and eat. Then report for duty. I&#8217;m off to mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where do you suppose Wun Sing is?&#8221; asked Helena, of anybody who chose
+to answer.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody did: it may be stated right here that he was never again seen at
+San Leon. The &#8220;bewitched dead fowl&#8221; was duly buried in her own
+courtyard, the little gate to this locked, and its key hung up in the
+cook&#8217;s wall-cupboard. But Wun Sing came no more. Everything belonging to
+him was left as if he meant to return at any minute, but he did not
+come.</p>
+
+<p>They searched the pebbly bottom of the lake, thinking he might have
+drowned himself in his superstitious fear, but he was not there: and
+after days had been wasted in the fruitless search, Captain Lem had his
+belongings packed together and sent to his relative, Der Doo, in San
+Diego. Whence, at the very end of the summer word came back that he had
+reappeared in that city, a wreck of himself, but it was hoped that with
+time and good Chinese cooking he would recover his scattered wits and
+his own culinary skill.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, many messages came from the travellers in the east. The
+expected old aunt had duly arrived but in no fit condition to travel
+further for the present. Gray Lady sent dearest love and hoped all her
+big, new family would find San Leon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>the happiest place in the world,
+and the most peaceful. She had lived long enough to understand that
+peace and harmony were the most precious things in life. She longed to
+be with them and would be as soon as it was right. Meanwhile, let all be
+patient as possible over her enforced absence and just feel that she was
+with them in spirit all the time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Odd, isn&#8217;t it? That she who so longed to have this home and so enjoyed
+it should have to leave it to us, a lot of strange youngsters, to use
+instead?&#8221; said Helena, one evening some time later, as they all had
+gathered about the fountain in the soft sunset light, to talk over
+happenings and plan things for the coming day.</p>
+
+<p>Since the escapade of the false bear hunt there had been a notable
+absence of pranks. An ominous peace had settled over the whole young
+company, remarked by the astute Captain Lem as the &#8220;&#8216;ca&#8217;m before a
+storm.&#8217; &#8217;Tain&#8217;t in natur&#8217; for &#8217;em to be so demure an&#8217; tractable. No
+siree. They&#8217;ve &#8216;tended to their groomin&#8217; like reg&#8217;lar saints, an&#8217;
+they&#8217;ve learned to drill amazin&#8217; well. They don&#8217;t shoot none to hurt,
+yet, &#8217;ceptin&#8217; that Leslie himself. Sence he&#8217;s waked up an&#8217; took an
+interest he&#8217;s done fine. He&#8217;s the best o&#8217; the lot and his knowin&#8217; that
+is what inspires him to do better yet. That, an&#8217; hopin&#8217; to please the
+Boss. But&mdash;I hope the storm&#8217;ll blow over&mdash;the one they&#8217;re brewin&#8217;. And I
+wonder what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>in creation ever did become o&#8217; that first boy, or of
+Wunny.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For as yet no news had come of the latter and the former had almost
+dropped out of thought&mdash;save now and then in Alfy&#8217;s, and always in
+faithful Dorothy&#8217;s.</p>
+
+<p>Now that they were better riders and had become what their teacher
+called &#8220;pals&#8221; with their horses, they were daily given larger liberty.
+In company with him, and sometimes without him, they rode long distances
+over the roads, the narrow trails, and the almost imperceptible paths
+which led over the mountains and through the forests.</p>
+
+<p>The wild flowers of Colorado are innumerable, almost, and most of them
+were new to Dorothy, the flower-lover. In search of these she was
+tireless and many hours were spent after her return from her rides, in
+pressing her &#8220;specimens&#8221; and preparing herbariums. In this delightful
+work she had the company and help of Dr. Jones, himself a well-read and
+enthusiastic botanist.</p>
+
+<p>Helena spent hours over her journal: &#8220;taking notes&#8221; for future literary
+labors. Alfy and Molly were content to do nothing save be happy. As Alfy
+expressed it:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never was so lazy and I likely never will have a chance to be again.
+I can work when I have to and I can play just as hard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads fished, rode, hunted small game, and tried various feats of
+horsemanship, lariat casting, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>and even&mdash;when they were especially
+energetic, played ball. There was a fairly good team among the ranchmen
+and they entered into the sport with vim. Only Leslie found the exercise
+too violent and was content to lounge and watch the rest.</p>
+
+<p>This evening, sitting together so cosily, the peace of the beautiful
+scene gradually soothed them all to quiet. They had settled the plans
+for the morrow and were as happy as such care-free children could be.
+Helena picked up her guitar and played soft melodies upon it, the others
+humming them under their breaths&mdash;not to disturb the player, only Alfy
+presuming to fit real words to the music but not interfering with it.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Dorothy raised her eyes from the playing fountain, on which she
+had been dreamily gazing and thinking of lost Jim. A sound, faint, of
+horses&#8217; footfalls had entered her dream. With a silent gesture of alarm
+she sprang to her feet, staring with wide eyes at a company of Indians
+ascending the hill. They avoided the hard driveway, their horses
+treading with velvety softness upon the shaven lawn. They were many in
+number, twenty perhaps, and they were in gala dress. Head-dresses of
+eagles&#8217; feathers, gaily colored, hung from their crowns over the sides
+of their mounts, to the length of a man&#8217;s height. They uttered no
+sounds, looked neither to the right nor left, but like a dreadful,
+phantom procession moved straight forward toward the fountain.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>A TRIP TO BALD EAGLE ROCK</h3>
+
+<p>Molly gave one glance and screamed. Then flung herself to her knees and
+buried her face in Helena&#8217;s lap, who pityingly drew her light skirt over
+the child&#8217;s head. Nobody else moved nor spoke. All felt their last hour
+had come.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An Indian raid!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was their thought and then of their helplessness. This company was
+only the forerunner of more!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Massacre! Oh! to die like this!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Even the lads&#8217; faces blanched, but resolution flashed from their
+observant eyes, and these beheld a strange spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>The superbly mounted Indians, in their gaudiest attire, bead-decked
+shirts and fringed leggings, their supple feet clad in embroidered
+moccasins, outshone even the most magnificent of &#8220;Wild West&#8221; shows; and
+without a spoken word each understood the desire of their Chief. They
+rode to the semi-circle of concrete before the main entrance to the
+great house and ranged themselves around it, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>the Chief in front, alone,
+and as the last hoof fell into position where the rider wished, they
+became as rigid as a company of warriors carved in stone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What will they do next!&#8221; was the wonder in all the observers&#8217; minds, as
+they gazed in fascination at this curious sight.</p>
+
+<p>What they would do next seemed long in coming. Though it was but a few
+moments it seemed like ages while the redskins waited, stolid, immovable
+before the doorway of the mansion. But, at last, the spell was broken.</p>
+
+<p>Across from the Barracks, around the corner, through the cloistered
+walk, came Captain Lemuel, whistling. He was in good spirits; ready to
+join his &#8220;Squad&#8221; beside the fountain and have an evening&#8217;s &#8220;gabble&#8221; with
+the youngsters. They had been abnormally good that day. Wholly obedient
+to his restrictions in the length of their rides, eager to improve in
+their shooting&mdash;which was so far removed from &#8220;sharp&#8221;; and in every
+respect so &#8220;decent&#8221; that he puzzled his brain to find the best story to
+tell them of old days in Colorado and of his own prowess therein.</p>
+
+<p>But, as he passed the corner, his whistling ceased. The story was told!
+And a far better one than any his memory could furnish.</p>
+
+<p>The young watchers caught their breath. Poor Captain Lem! Rushing thus
+to his own undoing! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>But still they had to gaze and gaze&mdash;they could not
+turn their eyes away; and gazing they beheld a stranger thing than any
+which had gone before.</p>
+
+<p>That was the jolly Captain clapping his hands as if in glee, bowing
+before the silent Chief, almost prostrating himself, in fact. Afterward
+a brief clasping of hands between the two and the Captain beginning a
+long harangue in a strange tongue, interrupted now and then by grunts
+and gutturals from the attentive Indians. Then giving the Chief his
+finest military salute, the Captain &#8220;right faced&#8221; and silently marched
+away. The Indians as silently followed him, the Chief first, and the
+others in single file, till they all disappeared toward the Barracks,
+and the youngsters were left gasping in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>A sigh of relief rose from them in unison and, hearing it, Molly lifted
+her face. She only had seen nothing of the pantomime, or such it seemed
+which had been enacted, though she had heard through her terror the
+whistling of the Captain and its abrupt ceasing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is&mdash;is&mdash;he&mdash;dead?&#8221; she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s the liveliest dead man I ever saw. Come on, boys! That&#8217;s the sight
+of our lives! Who&#8217;s afraid?&#8221; cried Herbert, springing up and eager.</p>
+
+<p>But his sister clutched his arm. &#8220;No, no, Bert! You mustn&#8217;t! You
+shan&#8217;t!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall and will! So should you&mdash;all! Whoever <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>they are they&#8217;re
+friendly. Else old Lem wouldn&#8217;t have seemed so pleased and led &#8217;em off
+with his best &#8216;hep, hep, hep,&#8217; that way. I&#8217;ll bet they&#8217;re Utes, good
+neighbors of the white ranchers, but they&#8217;re genuine Indians all the
+same and I&#8217;m going to see them. My! But I did feel mighty weak in the
+knees for a minute! I thought it was all up with yours truly. Come on, I
+say!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He really wished to follow but, evidently, he also wished to have his
+courage bolstered by the presence of his mates.</p>
+
+<p>Oddly enough it was Monty who first joined Herbert. He was still half
+afraid, yet also wild with curiosity. His was the least war-like spirit
+there, but he couldn&#8217;t withstand this knowledge at first hand of real,
+live Indians.</p>
+
+<p>One after another they all followed. In any case they would be safer
+among the ranchmen than here in this lonelier spot, and Lemuel&#8217;s manner
+had been quite different from fear.</p>
+
+<p>As they slowly passed around the house, whose corner hid the Barracks
+front view, they were wholly reassured. The lawn was wide and a good
+distance was still between them and the red-skinned visitors, but they
+could see all that was going on. The Indians had all dismounted, a lot
+of the cowboys had come forward to meet them, and the fine horses they
+rode were being led off to a still more distant and disused corral. Here
+the animals were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>turned loose, their blankets and trappings removed,
+and the ranchmen themselves at once setting to work to rub the fine
+creatures down and to supply them with ample fodder for the night. A big
+trough in the corral, through which running water was always piped
+furnished them with drink; and the entrance being secured, the
+attendants went back to the Barracks&#8217; porch, that extended from one end
+to the other of the long, low building.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the porch floor the blankets were spread and the Utes squatted on
+them, greatly pleased at their reception. Pipes were lighted and smoked,
+Captain Lem and several others joining in what looked to be a ceremony
+of welcome. A few of the ranchmen hurried to the Barracks&#8217; kitchen and
+prepared supper for the visitors, and after this was eaten by the
+strange guests, sitting where they were under the porch roof, the
+discarded pipes were again resumed and some sort of palaver followed.</p>
+
+<p>In this talk Silent Peter took the leading part. He was escorted by
+Captain Lem to the side of the Chief, none other than White Feather, and
+placed upon another blanket, handed a fresh pipe, and left to do the
+honors of the occasion. Meantime Captain Lem sent a messenger across to
+the watching youngsters, that they should come quietly to his own room
+at the Barracks and observe matters from that nearer point.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;But&mdash;is it safe? What does it all mean?&#8221; demanded Leslie of the man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Safe as can be. Why, that&#8217;s White Feather, Chief of a band of Utes and
+one of the best friends your father has. Fact. He&#8217;s awful disappointed,
+too, to find the Boss away. Came on a visit of ceremony, with the finest
+bucks in his band, to get acquainted and do a little horse-trading.
+That&#8217;s all. Silent Pete can talk Injun and has travelled not a little
+with this crowd, afore he settled at San Leon. Huh! Did you think they
+was from the Plains?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the difference? An Indian is an Indian, isn&#8217;t he? Not to be
+trusted, any of them. I don&#8217;t think my father would like to have the
+boys treat those fellows as they&#8217;re doing. You men ought to arm
+yourselves and drive them off the ranch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young ranchman regarded Leslie with a look of amused contempt, then
+retorted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you may be a rich man&#8217;s son but what you don&#8217;t know about your
+own country&#8217;d fill books! All the rest afraid, too? &#8217;Cause if you are,
+you&#8217;d better get out o&#8217; sight. Captain Lem has asked White Feather to
+let him bring you over to meet him an&#8217; the old feller&#8217;s said yes. He
+said it as if he hated to but was willin&#8217; for Lem&#8217;s sake to do you the
+honor. Great Scott! Why, you young idiot, White Feather&#8217;s a great Chief,
+a king among his people, feels he ranks with our President, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>or the Czar
+of all the Russias! Well,&mdash;well, I&#8217;m beat. I thought &#8217;t they had schools
+back east where you tenderfeet come from. I supposed you&#8217;d learned that
+there&#8217;s more &#8217;n one kind of Indian in this big country. Why, sir, the
+difference &#8217;twixt the Arapahoes, or the Cheyennes, and them peaceable
+Utes yonder&mdash;humph! Well, are you comin&#8217; or not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie had resented the talkative ranchman&#8217;s comments on his own
+ignorance but had the grace to conceal it. He had even jested a little
+at his own expense and said that he must &#8220;read up on Indians.&#8221; Then he
+led off his party toward the Barracks and, arrived there, found Captain
+Lem vastly relieved. It was greatly to Mr. Ford&#8217;s advantage to be on
+cordial terms with all his neighbors, in that isolated region, and the
+loyal Captain realized this. Both he and Silent Pete had to regret the
+fact that, at present and in their employer&#8217;s absence, they could not
+venture on the trading; but at the old hunter&#8217;s suggestion they had
+assumed the responsibility of giving White Feather the finest horse in
+stock. This was a magnificent black stallion which had never been broken
+to harness and with a temper that threatened ill to any man who
+undertook the task.</p>
+
+<p>The youngsters came up and filed before White Feather, standing now, and
+gravely accepting their timidly proffered hands, as the name of each was
+mentioned. His own response was a friendly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>grunt but he was evidently
+bored by the affair and passed the girls over with the slightest notice.
+His eye lingered a bit longer upon the lads and it seemed that he was
+measuring their heights with his eye. But he let them go, almost as soon
+as he had the girls, and as Molly exclaimed when they had retreated to
+Captain Lem&#8217;s room:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never felt I was such a litty-bitty-no-account creature in all my
+life! I wouldn&#8217;t be an Indian squaw for anything! But wasn&#8217;t he just
+grand&mdash;and hideous?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then Captain signalled to them that they would better return to the
+house. The Chief evidently considered the presence of females an
+intrusion and that of such slender, white-faced lads but little better.
+Upon Leslie, as son of the ranch owner, he bestowed several grave stares
+but no more speech than on the others.</p>
+
+<p>So from the unlighted music-room they watched for a time in silence;
+till everything grew quiet at the Barracks, all lights out, and the
+strange guests asleep on their blankets upon the porch. Then they, too,
+went to bed, greatly stirred by the fact of such uncommon acquaintances
+so close at hand, and with entirely new ideas of Colorado red men.</p>
+
+<p>By daylight the visitors had gone, so silently that nobody in the house
+itself had heard their departure. With them, too, had gone Rob Roy, the
+black stallion; and, what seemed valueless to the givers some old
+garments of the ranchmen. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>From one a coat, another a sombrero, a
+blanket, shoes, underwear, and from Silent Pete himself a complete
+hunter&#8217;s outfit.</p>
+
+<p>All his comrades were surprised at this, for he kept the buckskin suit
+as a souvenir of earlier days, when he was as free to roam the forests
+as any Indian of them all and the blood still ran hot and wild in his
+veins. He was an old man now. He pondered much on the past and he spoke
+little to any man. But he talked with the Chief in that warrior&#8217;s own
+tongue and in tones not to be overheard by any others. When that bit of
+talk was over he had brought out the precious suit, neatly folded and
+bound about with a marvellous lariat&mdash;also another dear possession&mdash;and
+had placed them in White Feather&#8217;s hands.</p>
+
+<p>Then he relapsed into his usual quiet and the life at San Leon resumed
+its usual routine. The visit of the Indians became as a dream, but news
+of the early return of the absent hosts sent new life and ambition into
+the minds of all their young guests.</p>
+
+<p>Drills no longer were irksome. Were they not to show Mr. Ford how well
+they could carry themselves? As for rifle practice, there was such
+prolonged and continual popping of guns that Dr. Jones lamented his
+disturbed quiet and Nurse Melton had often to seek the most remote
+quarters to escape the startling sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Riding, also, was kept up with great zest. It had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>proved true that the
+more one learned of his horse, the better he loved it, the greater the
+silent understanding between it and himself. They now had races of all
+sorts and daily. Hurdles had given place to great hedges and
+ditches, which most of the animals distinguished themselves in leaping.
+Monty was still the hindmost in everything, yet showed his pluck in
+sticking to his saddle at all risks, and sometimes with startling
+success.</p>
+
+<p>So well, indeed, had they learned horsemanship that on a certain
+glorious morning before sunrise, the seven youngsters were already in
+saddle, alert for the long-coveted ride to Bald Eagle Rock, under the
+guidance of Captain Lem himself, with Silent Pete and another ranchman
+to carry the luncheon upon two soberer steeds. It was to be an all-day&#8217;s
+outing and a goodly little company which would enjoy it. As soon as
+possible after arrival in New York Mrs. Ford had procured and sent back
+to San Leon, readymade habits and riding clothes for her girls and boys,
+not forgetting to include one for absent Jim, which Dorothy had
+carefully placed along with his other belongings in his own room; so
+that now arrayed in these gifts they all looked fine and fit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We might be going for a ride in the Park instead of a climb through
+woods and over rocks! I do hope we won&#8217;t tear our clothes!&#8221; said careful
+Helena; while Molly returned with native carelessness:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well, I think a ride to the top of the Rockies is worth at least one
+habit!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shan&#8217;t spoil mine, not &#8217;nless I get tumbled off Blanca, someway. I&#8217;ve
+got dozens of safety-pins and I shall pin my skirt&mdash;I mean
+drawers&mdash;whatever they call these &#8216;divided&#8217; things&mdash;so tight they can&#8217;t
+get torn. I never had a habit before. Course not. I never even had a
+horse,&#8221; said Alfaretta.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, without the horse you wouldn&#8217;t have needed the habit, dearie. But
+I do like this riding astride, as Lady Gray thought best we should do on
+hard trips. And aren&#8217;t we happy? Only&mdash;only&mdash;if poor Jim was here!&#8221;
+answered Dorothy, with a little cry of delight that ended rather
+drearily.</p>
+
+<p>But now they were off! And no further thought of anything or anybody
+except the pleasure of the moment rose in any mind.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lem had not over-rated the difficulties of that trip. The
+beginning was fairly easy, the road or trail wide enough for two to ride
+side by side, and one had leisure to admire the surroundings. But when
+they came to that same turn of the roads, beyond the river, and took the
+route which unhappy James had followed in his delirium, they could no
+longer travel in pairs.</p>
+
+<p>And now was proved the good judgment of Captain Lem in training them to
+a familiar knowledge of their horses and in their close friendship.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Guide &#8217;em&mdash;point out the way you want &#8217;em to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>go&mdash;then trust the
+creatur&#8217;s to do the best for them and you!&#8221; advised the old
+sharpshooter, halting at the top of the first steep climb, to breathe
+his own horse and let the stragglers come up. &#8220;More &#8217;n that you can&#8217;t
+maybe all follow just the same track. Blanca there, is goin&#8217; to pick her
+way, cautious an&#8217; careful as a gal in a nice new white frock, like them
+the Little One wears. She ain&#8217;t goin&#8217; to tear her white dress,
+Alfaretty, so don&#8217;t you get scared if she falls a good ways behind the
+rest. She&#8217;s a sociable beast, is Blanca, and she&#8217;ll get to the top all
+right, give her time. But Dolly&#8217;s calico&#8217;ll nigh bust herself to be
+first. More &#8217;n that she&#8217;s the keenest nose for a shortcut of any horse
+in the batch. She&#8217;s little and she&#8217;s light, and she&#8217;ll trust herself in
+places &#8217;t no bigger creatur&#8217; would tackle. All right, everybody? Girths
+tight? Stirrups to suit? Then&mdash;trust your horses&#8217; wits and&mdash;let her go!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It had been planned to have lunch on the Rock itself, and to be back at
+San Leon in time for a late supper. An early breakfast had been taken,
+of course, but not with the usual heartiness, for they were all too
+excited to eat. Bald Eagle Rock was the highest point in that region and
+it would be a fine thing to remember if they held out to reach its
+summit.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the road thither lay through a deep forest; down and along
+ravines; steep climbs of slippery rocks; and over masses of ferns and
+underbrush. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>After Captain Lem&#8217;s halt and harangue they all became
+silent. They had all they could do to keep in their saddles, and, as he
+had prophesied, the animals they rode chose each a slightly diverging
+route.</p>
+
+<p>However, they frequently called out to one another, their gay halloos
+and yodels echoing along the mountain side, to the glad assurance of
+themselves and the affright of the forest wildings. But the lads who had
+hoped to sight some big game, preferably a live grizzly and had brought
+their guns with them, were disappointed in that. Nothing fiercer than a
+coyote crossed their path. It was as if the forest had anticipated their
+invasion and put itself on guard.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy obeyed Captain Lem&#8217;s advice implicitly. She did not try to guide
+Zaraza but let the pretty creature follow her own will, so long as that
+will pointed straight upward. This gave the girl time to study the
+flowers and ferns along the way and sometimes she slipped from her
+saddle to gather and closely inspect them. She did not herself call out
+but contented herself with listening to the shouts of the others, and,
+for some reason, her thoughts were more upon the missing Jim than they
+had been of late.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! how that boy would like this ride! How he&#8217;d pull out his little
+hammer and peg away at these wonderful rocks! What specimens he&#8217;d
+collect! and how his sharp eyes would see every little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>bird and beast
+that moves through this wilderness! Oh! I hope, I hope, he is still
+alive and safe. If I could only see him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, the forest seemed strangely still. Zaraza stopped to breathe
+and Dorothy listened keenly for the halloo of her mates. Hearing none
+she ventured on a little shout herself which, low as it was, awoke a
+thousand deafening echoes all about her. Or so it seemed. With a thrill
+of horror, she remembered how Molly had once been lost in a far away
+Nova Scotian wood, and the girl&#8217;s description of her terror. She wished
+she hadn&#8217;t thought of that tale now. But, of course, this was quite
+different. They were many in this company, ten all told, and somebody
+must be very near. It would all come right. She mustn&#8217;t be a goose and
+get frightened just because, for a moment, she heard nobody. Yet, Alfy&#8217;s
+words rang in her head:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Seems if there was nothing happens but somebody gets lost up here at
+San Leon!&#8221; and Molly&#8217;s absurd appeal: &#8220;Tie me tight!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After a moment when Zaraza seemed rested she urged the docile creature
+forward, and now the &#8220;calico&#8221; had certainly discovered a smooth and easy
+way. That was good. It must be a well-traveled road, though it was still
+but a &#8220;trail&#8221; to her eyes. Probably this was the final stretch of the
+trip, and in a moment she would come face to face with the gigantic
+Rock.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, the way grew smoother all the time and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>now quite level. A
+little way farther she could see a wide plain, or mesa, with sheep
+grazing. How odd! that anybody should feed sheep upon a mountain that
+looked all rock and forest, seen from below. The sun was hot. It must be
+noon. She hoped she wouldn&#8217;t be late for that famous lunch they had
+talked about so much.</p>
+
+<p>Zaraza trotted around a last clump of trees, as if she knew her task was
+ended, and her own feeding time at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Then Dorothy brought her up with a sharp, silent tug upon the reins.
+Yonder in that open space was a small hut, or cabin; and sitting on the
+ground before it was an Indian, with a little Indian child beside him.
+Evidently, they also were having a mid-day meal, for she saw the child
+lift a tin dipper to his lips and drink.</p>
+
+<p>Zaraza whinnied. She was thirsty and scented water, and at that sound
+the man sprang up and turned around. For one astonished moment he gazed
+at that girlish apparition and Dorothy at him. Then with a cry of
+ecstasy she sprang to the ground and sped toward him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Jim! O Jim!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why&mdash;Dorothy!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>PROSPERITY AND PARTING</h3>
+
+<p>They were both so excited that at first they couldn&#8217;t talk, but could
+only stare at each other in speechless delight. Jim was trembling, for
+he was still weak from his long illness, and he steadied himself by
+attentions to Zaraza and by bidding Jos&eacute; in Spanish to bring the
+stranger a drink.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy dropped down upon the stones where they had been sitting and
+watched the child.</p>
+
+<p>He did not now dip water from the tank at the cabin door but from a
+nearby spring, which Jim had found and cleared of rubbish. The spring
+had always been there; but it had been easier for lazy Alaric, the
+herder, to fill the barrel now and then&mdash;or let the rain do it for
+him&mdash;and use from that till the supply failed. He did not yet understand
+how the stagnant water had had anything to do with his own fever, that
+had followed on Jim&#8217;s partial recovery.</p>
+
+<p>Children are quick witted. Jos&eacute; came running back with the dipper, after
+having carefully rinsed and filled it at the spring, as Jim had taught
+him. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>His eyes were bright and there was a winning smile on his chubby
+face, now clean. He recognized Dorothy as the girl to whom he had given
+his pet lamb and promptly demanded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>El cordero? Donde?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy stared at him, then put her hands on each side his chubby face
+and kissed him. The child screamed with delight and repeated his
+question. At which the girl also laughed and turned to Jim, asking:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What does he say? What does he want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I reckon he wants his lamb. He&#8217;s asking you where it is,&#8221; answered the
+lad, gladly using this chance to air his own new knowledge.</p>
+
+<p>That broke the spell of not knowing how to begin and their loosened
+tongues wagged fast enough after that. Dorothy forgot all about her lost
+company and seizing a piece of the coarse bread her old friend had been
+eating devoured it as if it had been a great delicacy.</p>
+
+<p>Jim laughed, glad to see her so hungry and so eager, and obeyed her
+command:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now begin just as we used to do at home at Deerhurst. &#8216;I went from
+here&#8217; and don&#8217;t you miss a single thing until you come to &#8216;and here I
+am.&#8217; I&#8217;ll help you start. You went from San Leon the very night you got
+there. Now why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall never know why, girlie. I was crazy with fever, I guess. I
+hadn&#8217;t been real well before I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>came west and that was one reason Dr.
+Sterling made me come. He thought the change would cure me. It didn&#8217;t. I
+must have got out the window but I don&#8217;t really know, only I half
+remember that. Then the next thing I did know I was in Alaric&#8217;s cabin
+yonder with him and little Jos&eacute; here. I was pretty sick. I couldn&#8217;t
+write but I was wild to tell you where I was and not to worry nor think
+me terrible mean. I didn&#8217;t want to act that way, you know, even though I
+did find myself in the wrong box with those other rich boys&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No such thing, Jim Barlow! That was all your own self-consciousness.
+They&#8217;re the nicest boys in the world and the friendliest. And it seems
+you can remember some things&mdash;bad ones&mdash;even if not how you ran away and
+got away up here to this peak. Jim, I&#8217;m ashamed of you. I certainly am!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the way in which she reached out and clasped his hand in both of
+hers disarmed the words of all offence. Jim threw back his head and
+laughed as he hadn&#8217;t done in many a day. It was just glorious to be
+scolded again by his old comrade! It was so homelike that he felt &#8220;more
+himself&#8221; than any softer speech would have made him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, go on! Do go on!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Alaric isn&#8217;t half bad. I reckon I&#8217;d have died but for him. An old
+Indian chief, of the Utes, White Feather Alaric called him&mdash;his
+brother-in-law&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Oh! I&#8217;m well acquainted with him. Don&#8217;t stop to tell that part, but
+just do go on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim stared and retorted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! you are, eh? But I&#8217;ve got to tell about him &#8217;cause it was he who
+found me and brought me here. Picked me up on the road somewhere. I&#8217;ve
+had a suspicion&mdash;just a suspicion, don&#8217;t you know?&mdash;that Alaric wasn&#8217;t
+any too glad to see me. It&#8217;s a mighty little house and he&#8217;s a mighty
+lazy man. But he had to do it. He&#8217;s afraid of White Feather, though I
+tell you, Dolly Doodles, he&#8217;s a splendid Indian. If all red men were
+like him&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t care at all about Indians. Go on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Alaric dressed my arm with leaves and stuff and fed me the best he
+could, but after I&#8217;d got that basket sent to you with the lamb and the
+stones&mdash;Did you get it? Did you understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I understood&mdash;part. I knew that only Jim Barlow could make such a
+curious D as was on the stone and the basket. I supposed you were alive
+somewhere and I tried to think you were all right. By the way, the
+lambkin is thriving and we&#8217;ve named it after you&mdash;Netty!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What? Why Netty, if you please?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy laughed and explained. She was ready now to laugh at anything
+and so was he: she made him finish his story, which he promptly did.</p>
+
+<p>After he had sent the basket-message he had grown worse. He was
+delirious and did not know <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>what went on about him. He thought it was
+the bad water from the old tank that increased his fever, and was sure
+it was that which had made the sheep herder himself fall ill. So before
+his strength came back he had to turn nurse himself and attend upon
+Alaric. He had now recovered enough to go away to his employer&#8217;s ranch
+for a few days. Meanwhile Jim was keeping the sheep for his host with
+little Jos&eacute; for company.</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy listened, asking questions now and then, and finally inquired:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is this Alaric an Indian?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. A Mexican, a Greaser. He married an Indian princess, the sister of
+White Feather.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How came you by that Indian rig? costume, I mean.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim laughed. &#8220;White Feather again. At first I hadn&#8217;t anything to wear
+but a ragged pair of trousers which Alaric lent me, though he hated to,
+and a blanket for a coat. But a few days ago White Feather and his
+braves came this way again. He brought quite a collection of old duds
+and gave &#8217;em to Alaric. That paid him for what he&#8217;d lent me, I guess.
+And some of White Feather&#8217;s folks have always given little Jos&eacute; his
+Indian fixings, too. Else&mdash;Well, he wouldn&#8217;t have had much to wear.
+Ain&#8217;t he cute?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed, he is. Looks exactly like a tiny White Feather himself. The
+dear!&#8221; answered Dorothy, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>helping herself to another piece of bread and
+breaking it in bits to feed the child, who smiled and swallowed in great
+glee. &#8220;But your suit? You haven&#8217;t told about that yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t it fine? I begin to feel like a red man myself, wearing it. White
+Feather gave this to me with his own hands. It looks as if it had been
+worn a long time but it&#8217;s a mighty comfortable rig, especially after a
+fellow&#8217;s had&mdash;nothing at all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then Dorothy talked, her words fairly tumbling over each other in her
+haste to tell all that had happened at San Leon while he was gone. She
+ended with the question:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you go back with me now, Jim? or with all of us, when we find
+them! My heart! How glad, how glad they&#8217;ll be!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t, Dolly, not yet. I&#8217;ve got to stay till Alaric comes. Nobody
+knows when that&#8217;ll be, he&#8217;s so lazy; and so sure now that I&#8217;ll do his
+work for him. Besides&mdash;I&#8217;ve got something on my mind. Even if&mdash;even
+if&mdash;Well, I shan&#8217;t go back to San Leon till I take a peace offering with
+me. I think&mdash;anyway I hope&mdash;I&#8217;ve&mdash;No matter. Where are the others, do
+you think? How did you get so far away from &#8217;em, alone?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know. But I wish&mdash;I wish they&#8217;d come. Ah! Hark!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dorothy stood up and listened. They could hear <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>a horse moving
+somewhere, the dull thud of hoofs on soft ground, and a whinny of
+recognition to Zaraza feeding near. A moment later Silent Pete came into
+sight, and in another moment had dismounted beside them.</p>
+
+<p>He hadn&#8217;t a word to say but stared at Jim with what would seem reproach
+except for a kindly gleam in his blue eyes. Up and down the lad&#8217;s tall
+form the old man&#8217;s eyes roved many times and then he gave one of his
+rare laughs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fits good, hey?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First class! Did you ever wear an Indian costume?&#8221; asked Jim.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Huh! I&#8217;ve wore that one more years &#8217;n you&#8217;re old,&#8221; said the ex-hunter,
+and sitting down helped himself to the bread.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the man had never talked so freely as he did now. Of hunting, of
+savage fights, and of mining&mdash;of anything and everything connected with
+Colorado&#8217;s past as he had known it. Because he had never had such
+interested listeners. Jim&#8217;s eyes shone, and when the subject touched on
+mining, he got up and went into the shack, coming back a moment later
+with some bits of stones lying on his palm. He held these out to Silent
+Pete who accepted them with sudden interest. Until he finally exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Glory! Where?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Jim walked a little distance from that point of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>the mesa and the others
+followed him wondering. Then digging away some earth from the small
+hillock where he had paused, pointed downward.</p>
+
+<p>Silent Pete gazed without speaking for a full moment. Then he stooped
+and gathered a few fragments of insignificant stone, while Dorothy
+watched him wondering. Presently the hunter looked up&mdash;his face
+transformed&mdash;the brilliancy of youth restored to his faded eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Silver! by gum! And&mdash;and&mdash;<i>all the land this side that shack belongs to
+San Leon</i>! Of all the dum luck&mdash;Let&#8217;s go home! Let&#8217;s go home!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He couldn&#8217;t move fast enough. The youngsters followed him at an equal
+pace so excited that they scarcely knew what they were doing. Jim had
+found silver! Jim had discovered a mine! This meant untold wealth to
+their beloved host!</p>
+
+<p>There was no thought in their minds of a possible mistake. It could not
+be. It was all as clear as daylight to Dorothy, whose reverent heart
+always traced &#8220;leadings&#8221; in that chain of events which we call life.</p>
+
+<p>Jim had been &#8220;led&#8221; to all and through all that had happened. If he
+hadn&#8217;t wandered here&mdash;no use thinking about that. He <i>had</i> wandered, he
+<i>had</i> found the silver, it <i>had</i> been ordered, even the pain and
+suffering and grief. Oh! to get back to where they could send the good
+news flying to the absent owner of San Leon!</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s go home!&#8221; cried the girl, running to the Zaraza&#8217;s side and trying
+to saddle her.</p>
+
+<p>But Jim would not let her do that, though he did not seek to hinder her
+from going, and when she had sprung to her seat upon the filly&#8217;s back,
+he held out his hand, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll come soon&#8217;s I can, Dolly Doodles! This is a big day for me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why&mdash;why&mdash;aren&#8217;t you coming too? You can ride part of the way and I
+part.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, girlie. I promised Alaric I&#8217;d take care of Jos&eacute; and the sheep. I&#8217;ve
+got to&mdash;duty, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Duty! I hate duty! Oh! Jim, you ought to be the one, the very one
+to carry the good news straight to &#8216;Boss Dan!&#8217; It should be you to send
+this glorious message!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Jim shook his stubborn head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d like to&mdash;shucks! But I ain&#8217;t never seen how neglectin&#8217; the duty &#8217;t
+lies to hand helps a fellow to do the one &#8217;t is further off. It&#8217;s all
+right, Dolly. You speed the good word and watch out for Jim. He&#8217;ll be
+coming&mdash;sure. Good-by&mdash;good-by.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Peter had placed the lunch baskets on the ground, leaving them
+for Jim and the child.</p>
+
+<p>Not until they had passed out of sight and were well on the downward
+trail did Dorothy remember her absent mates and to ask how Silent Pete
+had chanced to find her. He scarcely paused to reply; for though he
+spoke no word, except to answer her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>questions, he was fairly quivering
+with excitement. It isn&#8217;t every day one stumbles on a silver mine, even
+in Colorado!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I saw where you&#8217;d passed by the trompled brush. I knew the calico&#8217;s
+tread. I saw &#8217;t you was off the line an&#8217; I blazed that so&#8217;s the rest&#8217;d
+see and not get scared. We shan&#8217;t see no more o&#8217; them till nightfall,
+only you an&#8217; me&mdash;we must get home. Don&#8217;t waste breath talkin&#8217;&mdash;<i>just
+travel</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Travel they did and, their own dispatches sent from San Leon, another
+came flashing back&mdash;crossed each other on the way, so to speak.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;Reach the ranch to-morrow. D. F.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p>Well, this story is about told. Such a wonderful home-coming that was!
+Messengers had been quickly sent to the sheep herder&#8217;s hut to act as
+substitutes for Jim in his &#8220;duty&#8221; and to bring him and Jos&eacute; &#8220;home,&#8221;
+where he found himself welcomed as a hero&mdash;he who had thought himself
+despised.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was discovered the famous &#8220;Bygum Mine,&#8221; so named for the first
+words uttered by Silent Pete, when Jim showed him the site. Those who
+remember the energy of &#8220;Dan Ford, Railroad Boss&#8221; will understand how
+promptly matters were set in motion for the opening of &#8220;Bygum;&#8221; and
+those who know his generosity will guess how he made each young guest a
+sharer, to some degree, in this fresh prosperity. All except Jim Barlow:
+for that too independent youth promptly refused any further <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>benefit
+from his great discovery than a simple &#8220;Thank you.&#8221; How that refusal
+affected the lad&#8217;s pursuit of &#8220;knowledge&#8221; will be told in another story
+of &#8220;Dorothy&#8217;s House Boat,&#8221; upon which, a few weeks later, he had to
+&#8220;work his passage.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But now, with Lady Gray&#8217;s dear presence among them and the master&#8217;s hand
+at the helm, there was nothing but happiness for all at San Leon: until,
+all suddenly it seemed, the three months of their stay had passed and
+the parting came. If there was sadness in their hearts that morning,
+when they mounted the buckboards for their journey back to Denver, there
+was also anticipation and delight; for, to quote the words of their
+genial host:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The world is but a little place. We have met and loved each other&mdash;we
+shall meet and love again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+
+<h3>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</h3>
+
+<p>Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author' words and
+intent.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dorothy on a Ranch
+
+Author: Evelyn Raymond
+
+Release Date: August 22, 2008 [EBook #26389]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY ON A RANCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ DOROTHY
+ ON A RANCH
+
+ By EVELYN RAYMOND
+
+ AUTHOR OF
+
+ "Dorothy," "Dorothy at Skyrie," "Dorothy's Schooling,"
+ "Dorothy's Travels," "Dorothy's House Boat,"
+ "Dorothy at Oak Knowe," "Dorothy's Triumph,"
+ "Dorothy's Tour."
+
+ A. L. BURT COMPANY
+ Publishers       New York
+ Printed in U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+ DOROTHY BOOKS
+ By EVELYN RAYMOND
+
+ These stories of an American girl by an American author have made
+ "Dorothy" a household synonym for all that is fascinating. Truth and
+ realism are stamped on every page. The interest never flags, and is
+ ofttimes intense. No more happy choice can be made for gift books, so
+ sure are they to win approval and please not only the young in years,
+ but also "grown-ups" who are young in heart and spirit.
+
+ Dorothy
+ Dorothy at Skyrie
+ Dorothy's Schooling
+ Dorothy's Travels
+ Dorothy's House Party
+ Dorothy in California
+ Dorothy on a Ranch
+ Dorothy's House Boat
+ Dorothy at Oak Knowe
+ Dorothy's Triumph
+ Dorothy's Tour
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY
+ THE PLATT & PECK CO.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The great animal had now dropped from its upright
+position at Dolly's window and was crawling on all fours back along
+the wide porch. (_Frontis_) (_Dorothy on a Ranch_)]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                                     PAGE
+
+
+    I. THE TRIP IN THE ERMINIE                                9
+
+   II. A SPILL BY THE WAY                                    25
+
+  III. THE MIDNIGHT SEARCHING PARTY                          45
+
+   IV. THE WATCHERS AT RODERICK'S                            62
+
+    V. THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS                             75
+
+   VI. A MARTINET OF THE ROCKIES                             93
+
+  VII. A RIFLE PRACTICE                                     110
+
+ VIII. A CONCERT IN THE MOONLIGHT                           127
+
+   IX. A MODERN HORSE FAIR                                  142
+
+    X. AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE                              157
+
+   XI. THE SHEEP HERDER'S CABIN                             172
+
+  XII. PLAY THAT WAS WORK AND WORK
+       THAT WAS PLAY                                        187
+
+ XIII. THE HEN OF WUN SING                                  205
+
+  XIV. THE GRIZZLY AND THE INDIANS                          220
+
+   XV. A TRIP TO BALD EAGLE ROCK                            235
+
+  XVI. PROSPERITY AND PARTING                               250
+
+
+
+
+DOROTHY ON A RANCH
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE TRIP IN THE ERMINIE
+
+
+The "Erminie," private car of "Railway Boss, Dan Ford," stood
+side-tracked at Denver, and his guests within it were the happy people
+whom, some readers may remember, we left keeping a belated Christmas in
+the old adobe on the mesa, in southern California.
+
+To Dorothy, the trip thus far had been like a wonderful dream.
+
+"Just think, Alfy Babcock, of owning a real car, going and stopping
+just as you please, same's riding in a carriage with horses! Even
+darling Aunt Betty, who's been 'most everywhere and seen 'most
+everything, in her long life, never travelled 'private coaching' this
+way before. I hate to think it's over, that I'll have to say good-by
+to her so soon. Seems if I ought not. Seems if she'll be dreadful
+lonesome without me all summer. I'm her own folks and I--I believe I
+shall go home with her after all, 'stead of into the mountains to that
+ranch with the Gray Lady."
+
+Alfaretta gave a vigorous tug to the shawl-strap she was fastening
+about a curious assortment of her personal belongings and answered:
+
+"That's enough of your 'seems-if-ing,' Dolly Doodles! It's all
+settled, isn't it? And when a thing's fixed--it ought to stay fixed.
+Mrs. Calvert don't want either of us. She said so, more 'n once, too.
+She's tickled to death to think there's such a good time comin' for
+us. She's got all that prop'ty that got itself into trouble to look
+after, and she's got them ladies, her old friends, that's been in San
+Diego all winter, to go home to New York with her. You better stop
+frettin' and lookin' out o' winder, and pick up your things. You've
+lots more 'n I have and that's sayin' consid'able. The way that Mr.
+Ford moves makes other folks hustle, too! Hurry up, do! He said we
+was all to go to a big hotel for our dinners and I'm real ready for
+mine. I am so! Car-cookin's well enough, but for me--give me a table
+that won't go wobblety-wobble all the time."
+
+Dorothy roused from her idleness and began to collect her own
+"treasures." They had accumulated to a surprising degree during this
+journey from San Diego to Denver; for their genial host had indulged
+his young guests in all their whims and, at the various stops along
+the way, they had purchased all sorts of things, from baskets to
+blankets, horned toads on cards, centipedes in vials of alcohol,
+Indian dolls and pottery, and other "trash," as Aunt Betty considered
+it. In the roomy private car these had given but little trouble; now
+Alfaretta expressed the thought of both girls as well as of the lad,
+Leslie, when after a vain effort to pack an especially ugly red-clay
+"image," she exclaimed:
+
+"A fool and his money! That's what I was. Felt as rich as a queen,
+startin' out with all them earnin's and presents in my pocket-book. Now
+I haven't got a cent, hardly, and I'd ha' been better off if I hadn't a
+had them! There! that paper's busted again! Does beat the Dutch the way
+things act! Just plain _things_! If they was folks you could box their
+ears, but you can't do a thing to things, not a thing! Only--"
+
+"Throw them away! That's what I'm going to do with my stuff!" cried
+Leslie, from a far corner, standing up and wiping his face, after his
+own bit of packing. "This old musket that that man in uniform assured
+me had belonged to General Custer--Dad says never saw a soldier's
+hands, let alone Custer's. Says he knew that all the time, even when
+I was dickering for it. Says--"
+
+Dorothy looked up from her own task to ask:
+
+"Why should he let you buy it then?"
+
+"For experience, likely. That's the way he likes to have us learn, he
+claims."
+
+"Humph! But Aunt Betty says it's wicked to waste money. One ought only
+to use it for some good purpose."
+
+A shout of derision came from both Alfy and Leslie, at this remark, and
+they pointed in high glee at a basketful of things Dorothy was vainly
+trying to make look a tidy bundle. She had to join in the laughter
+against herself and Mr. Ford came forward to lend a hand or offer
+advice, as need be.
+
+"So you're up against a tough proposition, are you, youngsters? How
+much of all that stuff do you really want?"
+
+"Not a scrap!" said Alfaretta, frankly.
+
+"Good enough! Well, let me tell you. There's a poor old fellow hangs
+out just beyond this station who makes his scanty living selling just
+such 'trash.' I'll give you just five minutes to select whatever you
+really wish to keep, five minutes more to stow them compactly for our
+long buckboard-drive, and about as much longer to make the acquaintance
+of my lame peddler and give him your leavings. Five seconds wasted
+already, taring at me! Begin, begin!"
+
+The gentleman's face was aglow with happiness and mischief, but there
+was a tone in his voice which compelled instant obedience; and long
+before the first five minutes had passed all three young folks had
+heaped the most of their "things" in a pile in the center of the car.
+The rest was quickly strapped in the beautiful Navajo blankets which
+Mrs. Ford, or the "Gray Lady"--as they best loved to call her, had
+purchased and given them as souvenirs of this wonderful trip. Blankets
+that were almost priceless, as only Dorothy knew from Aunt Betty's
+explanation, but that Alfaretta considered far less attractive than a
+plain white wool one.
+
+A porter, laden with baskets, appeared at that moment, as if by
+previous instruction; and into the baskets were tossed or tumbled the
+odd collection, everybody working swiftly yet already half-regretfully
+that they hadn't kept more.
+
+"That horned toad'll get a rush of blood to his head!" cried Leslie, as
+Alfaretta threw her recent "treasure" into the mess.
+
+"Take care, boy! Don't break that alcohol bottle. That centipede mayn't
+be as dead as he looks! The horrid leg-gy thing! How in the world did I
+ever fancy it? Take care!" warned Dorothy, as Leslie dropped an uncouth
+Indian "image" upon the vial.
+
+"Hi, dere! Massa Leslie! Jed'll do de res'!" cried Mr. Ford's own
+especial servant, coolly pushing the lad aside and rapidly making a
+better arrangement of the articles. Then he shouldered his baskets and
+left the car, Mr. Ford following, with the three young people trailing
+after him. At the door Alfaretta turned and rapidly surveyed the
+luxurious coach in which she had spent the past few days. To her it
+had been a veritable fairyland, and quick tears sprang to her eyes
+as she exclaimed:
+
+"I never had such a good time in all my life as I've had in this
+'Erminie,' and I never expect to again! It 'most breaks my heart to say
+good-by to it!"
+
+"Don't say it then! I shan't, though I feel as bad as you do. But our
+worst good-by is to come when Aunt Betty starts east and we west. I
+can't--how can I?--let her go alone?"
+
+This was sufficient to arouse all Alfy's sympathy. She promptly forgot
+her own regret in soothing her friend, for Dorothy's grief was most
+sincere. Ever since that day when she had learned that Mrs. Calvert was
+her own kin she had loved the lady with all her heart and had, during
+the past winter of Aunt Betty's lameness, felt that she must now take
+care of her. She did not realize that the one-time invalid was now quite
+well and as independent of aid as ever. Indeed, the Gray Lady had
+laughingly declared:
+
+"Dear Mrs. Betty is the youngest-hearted of us all!"
+
+After that happy day when Dorothy had helped to bring about the reunion
+of the long parted Fords, the "Railroad Boss" had taken his wife and
+son away for a little time; but they had soon returned to _El Paraiso_,
+that charming home in the southwestern city and had remained as members
+of Mrs. Calvert's household till the spring days came. Then Mr. Ford had
+announced his summer plans:
+
+"I'm going to give myself a long vacation. I own a ranch in the Colorado
+mountains and I'm going to take you all, each and everyone, to enjoy it
+with me. My wife, Erminie, claims it her turn to play hostess, so we'll
+all become cowboys and cowgirls, and have a wild-west show of our own,
+with a continuous performance for three jolly months. All in favor, say
+Aye!"
+
+"Aye! Aye! Aye!" the youngsters had it, so heartily that, for a moment,
+nobody noticed that Aunt Betty was silent. Then, when Dorothy observed
+this, with a down-sinking of her own spirits, the lady made haste to
+explain:
+
+"Nothing could please me better for Dorothy, and for myself if I were
+able to accept. But I can't. As you know, my business affairs have
+become tangled in some way and I must go home to really understand what
+is amiss. Indeed, I don't know yet where I may have to be during the
+warm weather and I'm delighted for my little girl, and for Alfaretta, to
+have such a fine chance. I fancy you'll all come east in the autumn, as
+brown as the Indians who'll be your neighbors, and in fine health. How
+soon do you leave, Mr. Ford? That I may make some arrangement about this
+dear old house, for I shan't want to stay in it after you're gone."
+
+Then it was his turn to explain:
+
+"I have felt all along, ever since I found Erminie here with our boy,
+that the place should never become again just 'a house to rent.' So I've
+bought it. I've found Padre Nicolas, the old priest whom the Indians
+love and trust, and deeded it to him in trust for them as a Home. Here
+Lazaro Gomez and the other ancients of his race shall dwell in comfort
+for the rest of their days. The only proviso is that Father Nicholas
+shall admit none who hasn't reached the age of discretion--say,
+eighty-odd years, or so! Nor shall any of his charges be compelled to
+tame wild beasts and sell them for a livelihood. The good old priest is
+ready to take possession as soon as we vacate and will put everything
+into what Alfy calls 'apple-pie order,' according to a red man's fancy.
+So, when everybody is ready--Don't hurry, please!--we'll board my car,
+the 'Erminie,' and take our leisurely way northward. It isn't as if we
+had to say good-by, you see, for we'll be all together still. As for
+Mrs. Calvert's plan--maybe we can persuade her to postpone business
+awhile for a taste of real ranch life. Eh?"
+
+But Mistress Elisabeth Cecil-Somerset-Calvert was a matron who never
+said "No" when she meant "Yes;" and she smilingly kept to her own
+purpose, yet took good care that no shadow of a coming separation should
+darken her beloved Dorothy's wonderful trip in a private car. Just here
+we may recall to the readers' attention that this young girl's earlier
+experiences have been told in "Dorothy's Schooling," her "Travels" and
+"House Party" and best of all "In California."
+
+Now those happy days of travel and sightseeing had ended in the city of
+Denver. The "Erminie" was to be stripped and renovated and put aside to
+await its owner's further orders. From this point the ranchers were to
+proceed by a coaching tour over the long and delightful road to the
+distant Rockies: while Mrs. Calvert, her black "boy," Ephraim, and some
+women friends were to speed eastward by the fleetest "limited" express.
+One more short hour together, in a hotel dining-room, and the parting
+was due. Aunt Betty and Mrs. Ford had already been driven away to this
+hotel as Leslie and his girl guests followed his father from the
+"Erminie," and seeing the downward droop of Dorothy's lip he tried to
+divert her by exclaiming:
+
+"There was never such a man as Dad! He never forgets. Never. I believe
+he knows every cripple between New York and San Francisco. I do, indeed.
+This fellow we're going to give that 'trash' to is one of his pets. I
+remember him now. Got hurt in a railway smash but is as independent as
+they make 'em. Wouldn't sue the company and wouldn't take money from it
+when offered. Claimed he was stealing a ride and only got what he calls
+his 'come-uppance' when he got hurt. Dad was so astonished when he heard
+about that, he said the man ought to be 'framed and put on exhibition,
+as the only case of his kind on record.' Then he suggested this way of
+earning his living. He has the 'boys' keep him fixed up in a little sort
+of stand just yonder and they see to it that his stock never fails. The
+cripple's as proud as Punch. Boasts that any honest man can do well in
+America if he tries. He hasn't any legs left and his arms aren't worth
+much but his spirit is the bravest ever. It would break his heart if he
+guessed that most of the stuff he sells is bought for my father by some
+of his employees, all on the sly. But he'll never know it. That's the
+best of Dad! His 'boys' love him. They think he's just rippin'! And he
+is. Look now. See how that man's face lights up when he hears that
+'Halloo'!"
+
+Dorothy stopped short to exclaim:
+
+"Bought the stuff and gave us most of it, and now will buy it over again
+just to throw away! I never heard anything like that!"
+
+"Reckon you didn't, for there is only one Dan Ford! But he doesn't have
+it thrown away. He has it burned. He says, 'Burned toads tell no tales,'
+and the worst trouble the boys have is to get folks enough to buy the
+things for them. When they see a likely lookin' tourist edging around
+the stand they use him, if they can. If they can't it's a 'short day'
+for Cripple Andy, but that doesn't worry him. 'The fat and the lean,' he
+calls it. Oh! I say, he's almost as rippin' as Dad himself, he's so
+plucky!"
+
+The cripple's face did indeed light up as Mr. Ford appeared before him
+and shouted that gay "Halloo!"
+
+"Well, well, well! If you ain't the best sight I've had since I saw you
+last. Halloo, yourself and see how you like it!" With this attempt at
+facetiousness, the seller of notions leaned forward over his stand and
+extended his best hand toward his benefactor.
+
+"How's business, Andy?"
+
+"Tollable, sir, fairly tollable. Been sellin' a lot o' truck, lately, to
+some Cookies, and there was a reduction-school-ma'am-racket that nigh
+cleaned me out. See that your man Jed here has got a heap more things.
+How'd he come by them? Must ha' cleared the country of rep_tiles_,
+judgin' by them samples."
+
+"Oh, he came by them fairly enough, Andy. These youngsters couldn't live
+without the things when they first saw them, but now they'll be grateful
+if you'll take them off their hands. Maybe you can make something from
+them, maybe not. In any case they're not going to _San Leon_ on a
+buckboard with me! Take them off our hands, lad, and do a good deed once
+in your life!"
+
+By this time Mr. Ford had placed his own two strong hands over the
+shrivelled one of the peddler and was pressing it warmly, while the two
+looked into one another's eyes with mutual respect and liking. Then when
+the hands unclasped there was left on Andy's palm a glittering double
+eagle.
+
+Dorothy, watching, wondered at this, after hearing Leslie's boast of the
+cripple's independence; and there did a flush rise in his face for a
+moment, till Mr. Ford said:
+
+"For Laddie, you know. If you can't use it--pass it on!"
+
+The flush died out of the vender's cheek and a soft look came over it.
+"So I will, man, so I will. Thank God there's always somebody poorer
+than me! Good-by, and good luck, Boss! By that token I never seen you
+look that happy as you do this day, man alive, never!"
+
+"I never had such reason to be glad, Andy boy! Good-by, good-by!"
+
+Mr. Ford started off at a brisk pace, the young folks trying to equal
+his long strides, and Alfaretta asking:
+
+"Is that cripple crazy? What'd he mean by sellin' things to 'Cookies'
+and what's a 'school-ma'am-racket'?"
+
+Leslie laughed and answered:
+
+"A 'racket' of that sort has nothing to do with tennis, Miss Babcock, at
+your service; and 'Cookies' are just Cook's tourists. All railroaders
+call them that; and I suppose the 'racket' was a cheap excursion the
+school-ma'ams were taking. Odd, isn't it? That though all Andy's trouble
+came from the railroad he claims to belong to it as one of its 'boys.'
+He's rippin', Andy is. He told father 't he 'teached school' himself,
+once! But he got so tired of it that the sight of a spelling-book made
+him sick."
+
+"It does me, too," said Alfy, with sympathy.
+
+"So he 'cut and run,' and rode on trains in every direction as long as
+his money held out. Then he stole the ride that ended his travels right
+here in Denver. Hello! where's Dad?"
+
+They had loitered along the way and he had simply outstripped them. So
+without even a quarter in his purse but in his most lordly air, Leslie
+hailed a cab to carry them to the hotel he knew was that habitually
+patronized by his father; and a few minutes later they rode up to the
+entrance in state.
+
+An attendant hastened to the curb to assist the "young ladies" out of
+the cab, but the hackman laid a detaining hand upon Leslie's shoulder
+with the remark:
+
+"Fares, please."
+
+"Eh? Just settle that with Mr. Daniel Ford, inside. Here, Buttons, you
+find Mr. Ford and ask him to step here. It'll be all right, Jehu, and
+let's hurry, girls, else we'll be late for dinner."
+
+He started to enter the building but the cabman retained his hold on the
+lad's shoulder and remarked:
+
+"No, you don't! You may be all right and so may your Mr. Ford but, as
+for me, I never heard tell of him and money talks. Fares, please."
+
+Dorothy and Alfaretta clung together, really afraid of the cabman who
+was now growing decidedly angry. He was a stranger to that city and had
+just embarked in a rather losing business, his outfit of horse and cab
+being a second-hand one and too shabby for most patrons.
+
+Also, "Buttons," as Leslie had called the bell-boy, now returned to say
+that "no name of Ford was on the register and the clerk wouldn't
+bother."
+
+Here was a dilemma. The trio who had ridden in state now felt very
+small, indeed, and glanced at one another in dismay. Then Leslie
+surveyed the name over the hotel entrance and exclaimed:
+
+"Pshaw! This isn't the place at all. That donkey of a driver has brought
+us to the Metropole and not the Metropolitan. I might have known Dad
+wouldn't put up at such a third-rate tavern as this! Now, you idiot,
+we'll get in again and you take us where you were bid! and there, it's
+likely, you'll make the acquaintance of Mr. Daniel Ford in a way you
+don't like! Get in, Dorothy--Alfy! We can't stand foolin' here!"
+
+But the cabman closed the door of his vehicle with a bang and calmly
+folded his arms to wait. Dolly pulled out her little purse. It contained
+one nickel and two cents. She had carefully cherished these because
+coins smaller than a nickel are not plentiful in California; but she
+tendered them to Leslie who smiled and shook his head. Alfaretta
+discovered a dime, but it was her "luck piece," wrapped in pink tissue
+paper and carried thus in order that she "might always have money in her
+pocket," and she hated to give it up. Both she and Dolly thought
+regretfully of the little pocket-hoard they had begged the Gray Lady to
+keep for them, lest they spend it on the trip. However, neither the
+cabman nor Leslie accepted their offering, and the latter exclaimed:
+
+"Ain't this rippin'? Lost in a strange city, in the middle of the day,
+and not a soul willing to help us out! What in the world will Dad say!"
+
+"What, indeed! But look here, Leslie Ford, we've got enough to pay for
+telephoning that other hotel, if the man in here will let us use his
+'phone! Then your father will send somebody after us or do something.
+Please try. I feel so queer with so many folks staring at us as if we'd
+done something bad!"
+
+By this time the hotel clerk had become more amiable. The name of Ford
+had impressed him if it hadn't the hackman, and though he, too, was new
+to the town he bade Leslie:
+
+"Go ahead! Call him up, if there is such a man."
+
+With a glance of angry contempt Leslie put the receiver to his ear and
+rang up "Dad;" only to hang it up again in disgust, as the answer came
+back: "Line's busy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A SPILL BY THE WAY
+
+
+The "line" remained busy for so long that the loungers in the hotel
+lobby grew amused at Leslie's impatience while the two girls became very
+anxious.
+
+"It was only an hour or so, Mr. Ford said, before Aunt Betty's train
+would leave and I shall be too late to see her--to bid her good-by--and
+it's for all summer--a whole long summer! I must go, I must find her, I
+shall--I will!" cried poor Dorothy, her own words increasing her fear of
+this calamity, and with a sudden burst of tears. For an instant she
+tried to keep them back, then careless who might see her crying, darted
+outward to the curbstone and to the hackman waiting there.
+
+In so doing she collided with a gentleman entering, who staggered
+backward from the impact, then quietly put his hands upon the girl's
+shoulders, to steady her also.
+
+"Beg pardon, little miss! and hello! What's wrong? Did I hurt you? Beg
+pardon twice, in that case!"
+
+The tone was kindly and to Dorothy it was a case of "any port in a
+storm."
+
+"No, no, sir, you didn't! But I'm--we're--in dreadful trouble. Do you
+know--do you?--where that other hotel is, that Metropolitan?"
+
+"Surely, I know. Why?"
+
+"Is it far? Can I run there quick? The cabman--we haven't any money--it
+was a mistake--and I must go, I must!"
+
+Leslie laid a soothing hand on Dorothy's, which she had clasped
+imploringly before the stranger, and told their story.
+
+The effect was surprising. This gentleman was the proprietor of this
+establishment and he well knew Mr. Ford, by reputation at least. With
+one angry glance around the lobby and at the now obsequious clerk, he
+wheeled about, strode to the cab, opened the door and lifted Dorothy
+within. Then he as promptly settled Alfaretta beside her, himself took
+the forward seat and motioned Leslie to follow. Then he ordered:
+
+"Now, cabby, drive like lightning! It'll be worth your while. Straight
+ahead, five blocks--east two--north three! Drive, I tell you."
+
+And "drive" the man did, as fast as his slow horse could be urged, while
+within the carriage the three young folks sat in anxiety, Dorothy
+leaning far forward, as if by that means she could reach her destination
+sooner.
+
+Their new friend beamed upon her, asking a few questions which drew out
+a brief history of their trip and the plans for their coming summer.
+Then almost before the cab was halted before a big hotel he had opened
+its door again and taking the hands of the two girls piloted them
+straight into it and through some great halls to the dining room. There
+he halted and gave the name:
+
+"Mr. Daniel Ford and party."
+
+"At dinner, sir, private dining room. May not wish to be disturbed. I'll
+send to inquire--step into the reception room please," bowed and
+explained the employee the gentleman had summoned.
+
+"That's all right. Direct us. I'm Darby of the Metropole. These young
+people belong to Mr. Ford's party."
+
+A moment later they had met Mr. Ford himself, issuing from his private
+room, vexed and anxious at their delay and starting out in their
+pursuit.
+
+"Well, laggards! What does this mean? Wasting the time when there's so
+little of it? Mrs. Calvert's fretting so she can't eat her dinner
+and--in with you! In with you! There's but fifteen minutes before her
+train starts east!"
+
+When a good natured man is angry he seems another person and Dorothy
+drew back in fear. But Alfaretta's own temper rose and she exclaimed:
+
+"Don't scold us, please, Mr. Ford, it wasn't our fault!" while Leslie
+vainly tried to explain: "A gentleman, a stranger, brought us here and
+paid our cab fare. I want a dollar, Dad, to refund him."
+
+But, for once, the doting father was deaf to his son's words. He did not
+even pause in his rapid stride along the corridor, fairly dragging
+Dorothy off her feet in his unconscious haste, and finally depositing
+her in an empty chair beside Aunt Betty's, with the remark:
+
+"Here's your 'bad penny' again! She--they all--will learn some lessons
+up at San Leon, this summer, or I'm a mistaken man. The one thing nobody
+should dare lose is--time!"
+
+Mrs. Calvert gave him a surprised look but she had also been hurt by
+Dorothy's absence during the brief space that remained to them together,
+and she hastened to deliver the many last charges and bits of advice
+that seemed needful before their parting.
+
+A waiter placed their dinner before the three young folks and Alfy and
+Leslie fell to work upon it with hungry zeal, but Dorothy could not eat.
+Her eye had discovered a clock on the wall, with the hands pointing five
+minutes to three. At ten minutes past that hour the "Eastern Limited"
+would roll out of the station and she be left behind. In a sudden
+impulse, she threw her arms about Aunt Betty's neck, begging:
+
+"Take me with you! Please take me with you! I--I love you best of all
+the world, so why shouldn't we keep together?"
+
+If there were tears in Mrs. Calvert's bright, dark eyes, she did not
+allow them to fall. Unclasping her darling's arms and gently laying them
+down, she silently signalled to Mrs. Ford and almost as silently left
+the room.
+
+The "Gray Lady" followed and Aunt Betty whispered:
+
+"I'm getting too old for good-bys. I'm going to slip away in the hotel
+stage and don't let Dolly follow me, please, till it's too late. She'll
+be all right again, directly, and--and so shall I. Good-by to you,
+though, and--that's all."
+
+Dolly dropped her head on the edge of the table, as Aunt Betty loosened
+her arms. She was bravely trying to overcome the sudden loneliness which
+possessed her and in this was helped by Alfy's warning:
+
+"Dolly Doodles! Take your head out of your soup plate! Are you crazy?
+There goes your ribbon right into the mess!"
+
+The head was lifted so suddenly that the ribbon flew off and fell into
+the dish and its owner's tears ended in a giggle. Then her face flushed
+at thought of her own awkwardness and she looked down expecting a
+reprimand from Mrs. Calvert. When none came she lifted her eyes and
+found the next chair empty. This was a relief. She'd hide the ribbon
+before her aunt discovered it! But already the waiter had whisked that
+plate away and was supplying her with another.
+
+Funny! Where Aunt Betty had gone! But, of course she'd merely left the
+room for a minute and would be back to say good-by. Then she picked at
+her food for a moment, wondering why Mr. Ford had also disappeared, and
+at the eagerness with which Leslie and Alfaretta enjoyed the good things
+served to them.
+
+Gray Lady slipped back to her own place between the other two young
+people and began to ask them about the adventure which had delayed them.
+Presently they were all talking together, even Dorothy adding her
+comments and forgetting to look again at that warning clock.
+
+Besides, she was listening to the grumbles of Leslie who, for once, was
+angry against his father and was explaining to his mother:
+
+"I never felt so ashamed of myself. The idea of letting that stranger,
+and the proprietor of a rival hotel, pay our cab fare! I wish you'd hand
+me the cash and I'll send a boy to hunt him up and settle. I--"
+
+Mrs. Ford stopped his further complaints by a nod of her head and the
+odd remark:
+
+"They must have arrived by this time and the others must be gone. Yes,
+they ought to be here. I hope they'll not delay us, too, as you did.
+Money? No, dear, I can't give you that. Not in this case when your
+father has denied it. Ah! Fifteen minutes after three! Then our friends
+must be well out of the city by now."
+
+Lady Gray, as her son still loved to call her, now took her eyes from
+the clock she had been studying and cast a tender look upon the face of
+Dorothy. The girl had sprung up from her chair and had fixed her own
+gaze upon the time-piece while the color left her cheeks and she
+trembled violently. But Mrs. Ford's arm was about the slender waist and
+her voice was comforting:
+
+"Your Aunt Betty thought it was the best. She shrank from the good-bys
+for both your sakes. She's a wonderful woman and thinks of everything
+that will make people happier. She said she'd just postpone the
+farewells till you meet again. She went away as cheerfully as possible
+and you must follow her example. Ah! hark!"
+
+Dorothy's bent head lifted slightly. There was a sound of merry,
+youthful voices in the corridor, the genial tones of Mr. Ford mingling
+with them, and presently the portieres were parted and the opening was
+filled by a group of faces matching the voices and belonging to--Could
+it be? Could it!
+
+"Molly Breckenridge! Helena! Oh! Oh! Jim--you dears!" cried the
+astonished Dolly, rubbing her eyes that had been so dimmed by tears, and
+gazing at the faces in the doorway as if she couldn't believe her own
+sight.
+
+There, too, was Alfaretta, clasping the hands of all the newcomers,
+fairly dancing up and down in her excitement, "hail-fellow-well-met"
+with them all, forgetful for once of the difference in their social
+positions which had used to make her shy and restrained.
+
+"Be I awake or asleep? How in my senses have you all got away out here
+to this jumpin' off place of all creation? Jim Barlow, you darlin' old
+Jim! How's Ma Babcock? How's Pa? How's every single one the precious
+folks up-mounting? Oh! I could just squeeze the life out of you, I'm so
+terrible glad to see you!" almost screamed the girl, as she now for a
+moment forsook the "'ristocratics" of the party to hug and kiss James
+Barlow.
+
+He, poor fellow, rid himself of her clasping arms as soon as possible,
+reddening yet laughing, and casting an appealing look upon the lady who
+had risen from the table and stood smiling her welcome to them all.
+
+"Don't mind Alfy, ma'am; she always did have to be the middle of
+things," begged the lad, overcoming his own shyness rather than have
+that beautiful lady think he was a "softie" who liked kissing girls.
+Also, he was thankful that Dorothy had contented herself with merely
+holding tight to his hand and simply looking her affection.
+
+"Oh! that's all right. We love Alfy; and this, I see, is that wonderful
+'Jim' of whom I've been told so much. I--we--are delighted that you were
+able to take your holiday with us; and though we are not there yet, I
+bid you hearty welcome to San Leon," said Lady Gray, now moving forward
+and warmly shaking the hand of the "work boy" as Dorothy released it.
+
+"Isn't it splendid? Is it a surprise? Didn't you know a thing about it,
+Dolly Doodles?" demanded pretty Molly, hugging her friend, then standing
+back to hold her at arm's length and study the changes which a few
+months' separation had made in the beloved face.
+
+Helena Montaigne, too, was trying to clasp her in equally tender arms,
+and Molly reluctantly released Dorothy, while she let Mr. Ford lead her
+to his wife, introducing her as:
+
+"The daughter of my old friend, Judge Breckenridge. He and I were
+classmates once, and come here, Leslie boy! I've heard this little lady
+spoken of as 'Jolly Molly,' and you must make it your business that not
+one day of her coming summer with us shall be anything save 'jolly.' Ah!
+Erminie, young people on a ranch!"
+
+Evidently, Leslie was as much in the dark as Dorothy and Alfy had been,
+this visitation of so many young strangers a complete surprise to him;
+but he was trained to good manners and at once captivated Molly's
+admiration by his cordial greeting. So that, a moment later, she
+whispered to Dorothy:
+
+"Isn't he a dear! I declare he's just a heavenly handsome boy, with his
+blue eyes and--and his _air_! He really is too sweet for words, that
+boy!"
+
+Whereat Dolly laughed and answered:
+
+"Oh! you funny Molly! You don't change a bit! Still 'doting on boys' as
+much as ever! How's Melvin?"
+
+"Melvin's a poke. The invitation included him, too, but he sets himself
+up stiff as stiff and said he had no time to waste visiting. He'd got to
+learn the business soon as he could, for his mother--Oh! a lot of bosh
+about his mother, and her trusting him. Even my father--"
+
+"Never mind him, then, but tell me how in the world you happened to come
+just here and now?"
+
+The two had retreated to the window and stood with arms about each other
+and Dorothy's eyes now free from tears. Indeed, so surprising was this
+whole affair that she had, for a moment, forgotten Aunt Betty's
+departure.
+
+"Why, it's this way. Mr. Ford is an old friend of Papa's and when he
+found out that you knew us, too, he just planned the whole thing for a
+grand treat to you! He wrote Papa that he was under 'lifelong
+obligation to you' because--well, of something or other. I wasn't told
+what, but it doesn't matter. The thing that does matter is that we're to
+be together all summer long, at least for three whole months. Think of
+that, girlie, just think of that! He wrote Papa, too, that he'd have
+liked to gather the whole 'House Party' together if it had been
+practical, but his wife didn't think it would. I reckon she knew she'd
+have her hands full enough, chaperoning eight youngsters, without asking
+more. We came pretty near not getting Helena and Herbert, though! Mr.
+Montaigne fancied it was too much like an imposition to let them come,
+because he didn't know the Fords. Helena wrote me that, so I got Dad to
+send him a letter to make him stop and think! Besides, Jim--that boy is
+just grand! He--"
+
+"Of course, honey. He's a boy, you know."
+
+"Laugh away! I'm too happy to care. I do like boys best. Why shouldn't
+I? They're heaps more fun than girls--except you. And to think! Helena
+and Jim were the real chaperons of our trip, though Helena's governess,
+Miss Milliken, was called such. But she's a stick! I had the time of my
+life, keeping her scared all the way on. Oh! I'm glad to be off that
+train. Mr. Ford says we're to finish our journey in wagons. I like
+that."
+
+"But I don't see Miss Milliken, Molly."
+
+"No. She knows some people here in Denver and they met her at the
+station and carried her off to dine with them. I wish she'd get belated
+and left behind. She was a regular kill-joy all the way out."
+
+"Poor, meek, timid woman! She used to have so little snap that Herbert
+nicknamed her 'The Worm.' It was horrid--"
+
+"Well, she's 'turned,' then. Of course, we were pretty full of fun and
+scared her with some of our pranks. But--Ah! there she is now! You can't
+lose that woman! Mrs. Montaigne told her that 'the lives of her precious
+children were entrusted to her hands,' and the governess feels her
+responsibility to the full, I tell you. Even Helena--"
+
+"Dinner for the newcomers!" called Mr. Ford, interrupting, as a fresh
+meal was placed upon the table and they were invited to their seats. The
+zeal with which they accepted and the fine appetites they displayed sent
+a satisfied smile to their host's lips, and he nodded merrily to his
+wife:
+
+"No invalids among them! Glad of that! But youngsters, eat first,
+chatter afterwards! The wagons will be at the door very soon and I want
+to get in a good thirty miles before bedtime!"
+
+They tried to check their eager talk but they were all too excited for
+quiet, and presently rose from the table, ready for the ride, while Mr.
+Ford said:
+
+"Now, Erminie, wife, you do the pairing off of the youngsters, and
+arrange how we shall divide. First, count noses! Eight youngsters, three
+oldsters, two 'boys'--thirteen passengers in all! Miss Milliken, did you
+ever 'cross the plains' before?"
+
+The prim little lady, who had been standing beside Mrs. Ford, appeared
+not to hear the gentleman's question, but turned with an air of anxiety
+to ask in turn:
+
+"Madam, did I hear there were 'thirteen,' THIRTEEN?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Milliken. Why?"
+
+"Then I think you'll have to excuse me. I might follow you later if
+there were some way but I positively decline to make the thirteenth of
+any party."
+
+There certainly was nothing wormlike, or undecided, about the governess,
+whose lips had closed in such a thin line of obstinacy as changed her
+whole appearance, while her would-be hostess inquired with amusement:
+
+"Are you superstitious, Miss Milliken? Surely, with your culture and--"
+
+Helena advanced with an air of authority:
+
+"Milliken, this is absurd! Please get back your common sense. Remember
+we are guests and have no right to object to anything."
+
+The chaperon bridled, but kept silence, till Mr. Ford explained:
+
+"Thirteen doesn't mean the whole party. There'll be three drivers,
+besides. Possibly more men picked up along the road. Moreover, thirteen
+is my 'lucky number,' if 'luck' is anything. Well, Mrs. Ford, have you
+arranged the company?"
+
+"No, I cannot. I know them so slightly, as yet, and the best way is to
+draw lots. How many will the first buckboard carry?"
+
+"Eight, all told. A dozen, if need be. Well, time's precious! Here's a
+lot of matches. The whole ones go in number one, the next lengths in
+wagon two, and the little ones in the last. See, I've snapped them off,
+and Miss Milliken, as head of the expedition, please draw first!"
+
+The lady flushed and drew. Her lot was in the last and smallest
+buckboard which would carry but two more beside the driver; and it fell
+out that her companions would be Alfaretta and Monty Stark. The driver
+was known as Silent Pete, and it certainly was an odd combination which
+had resulted from the first "drawing."
+
+To the leading wagon the "lots" assigned the three Fords and Jedediah,
+their colored "boy," with Molly, Helena and Herbert--their driver, Lem
+Hunt, the most talkative man at San Leon but, also, the crack whip of
+the ranch.
+
+The driver of the second team was "Tenderfoot Sorrel," so called because
+of his red hair and his comparatively recent arrival from the east. He
+was less familiar with the country than the other two teamsters and had
+been assigned to the place in the middle of the little cavalcade, so
+that "he can't lose hisself afore or ahind, ary way," as Lemuel
+explained it.
+
+Naturally, everybody was disappointed at the result of the lots, Mrs.
+Ford protesting that it was inhospitable to put all her family in one
+vehicle, and that the best, but that "a Ford should have been in each."
+
+"Let's change, then," begged Monty, "and let one of the girls settle it
+as she knows we'd like it."
+
+But Alfy gave him such a frown that he ducked his head, avoiding an
+imaginary blow, while Miss Milliken as vigorously declared:
+
+"You mustn't do that. Oh! don't do that! 'Twould be the very worst luck
+of all. Something would surely happen!"
+
+"Well, if there doesn't I shall be disappointed! We're all eager for
+adventures, and that's why I took this long, roundabout way to the
+ranch. We could have gone there in next to no time, by rail, but that's
+too humdrum a thing. Anyhow, I bow to Miss Milliken's prejudices for the
+time being. We shall be in sight of each other all the time, I expect,
+and meet at Roderick's for our suppers and beds! All off for San Leon
+that's going!" cried Mr. Ford, in imitation of a steamboat steward, and
+taking his wife's arm led her and her guests out of the hotel.
+
+The trunks and heavier luggage had already gone ahead in other wagons
+and only suit-cases and hand-bags were on hand. These were hastily
+bestowed in the boxes of the two less crowded buckboards, and no
+attention paid to their ownership, since it was expected that all would
+meet at "Roderick's," where every traveller could find his own.
+
+With a blast on his coach horn, a crack of his long whip over his
+four-in-hand, proud Lemuel led the way along the city street, out of the
+town, and into the open country beyond.
+
+All the horses attached to the blackboards were the picked ones of the
+San Leon stables, with a record known as well in the far east as in that
+wide western land. As one spectator of this gallant start remarked:
+
+"It goes without saying that Dan Ford will drive no second-rate
+horseflesh, any more 'n he will a second-class railroad. My! See 'em
+travel! At that gait they'll pick up the stretch 'twixt here and
+'Roderick's' long before nightfall, or I'm no judge."
+
+"Likely enough, likely enough. Only I don't like the looks of that
+second span--I mean the one to the middle buckboard. Them blacks. The
+boys up to S' Leon hadn't no right to trust a tenderfoot to drive them
+critters!" remarked another observer, as the fretful animals passed out
+of sight, following their leaders.
+
+Even Lem Hunt looked back once or twice, as they left the city limits,
+and waved a warning hand toward "T. Sorrel," who merely tossed his red
+head and continued to draw upon the reins he should have loosened. Also,
+Silent Pete opened his lips for once and hallooed to the man ahead:
+
+"Let 'em out, you fool! Give 'em their heads, I say!"
+
+Then he relapsed into his normal condition, attending strictly to his
+own business and making himself deaf to the timid shrieks of Miss
+Milliken, from the rear seat. He was known to "hate silly women" and
+felt his fate a hard one in having to escort such a one as the
+governess. She, accustomed only to the sedate pace of the fat Montaigne
+steeds, felt that the spirited animals before that wagon were simply on
+the road to destruction and nowhere short of it! She clung to her
+seat-arm with one hand and clutched Pete's coat collar with the other,
+frantically beseeching him:
+
+"Do stop! Oh! you--man--just stop--and let me get my breath! I--I bump
+so--I--I can't even think!"
+
+But this western jehu merely flicked her fingers off as he would a
+troublesome fly, while Monty coolly advised:
+
+"Don't try, Miss Milliken. Fast? Why, they call this mere walkin' out
+here. I'm going to take a nap."
+
+He settled himself sidewise on his seat, folded his arms upon its back,
+dropped his face upon them and tried to sleep. He was cross. He had
+wanted to ride in the foremost vehicle with the fine four-in-hand. He
+hated being put at the tail end of the procession with stupid Alfaretta
+Babcock, a speechless man, and a nervous, half-hysterical woman for
+companions. But the chuckle that escaped him a moment later proved that
+his slumber was only a pretended one. At a particularly rough spot in
+the road and a particularly shrill scream from Miss Milliken, the angry
+ranchman faced about and rudely ordered: "Shut up!" Then his lips closed
+with a click and nothing further escaped them during all that drive.
+
+Alfaretta giggled; then strained her eyes again to pierce the distance
+which she had been studying for some time. Then she laid a hand on
+Monty's head and shook it vigorously:
+
+"Wake up, boy! Look ahead and see if either wagon is in sight! 'Tisn't
+so awful dark yet but I wish--I wish I could get a glimpse of Dolly and
+Jim. That fool driver might have taken the wrong road where it branched
+off a ways back."
+
+Silent Pete heard and guessed this was the truth, but he ventured no
+reply. His business was to drive his own horses and let the tenderfoot
+look out for himself. But Monty roused himself enough to assure Alfy:
+
+"He wouldn't do that! Why, that road is nothing but a trail through the
+woods. Dark as midnight. Don't worry." Then he settled himself to sleep
+again.
+
+Now the fact was that "T. Sorrel," as his fellow ranchmen called him,
+had more conceit than common sense. He had heard that the branch road
+was a short cut to "Roderick's," but not that it was impassable for a
+team. A man on horseback might pass safely over it, by daylight and with
+a trustworthy mount. Not otherwise; and though the opening was fairly
+clear the trail entered a hopeless tangle of underbrush and fallen
+timber but a short way further on. To go forward then became impossible,
+and equally so the turning back. The lively blacks resented the
+scratching of briers and broken branches upon their tender limbs and
+pranced and fretted wildly. A molly cottontail scurried across the track
+before them and with a mutual, frenzied impulse they shied and sprang
+into the air.
+
+The buckboard flew upward, turned turtle, scattered its load in all
+directions, then settled into a broken heap, while the light traces
+yielded to the strength of the horses, and they rushed madly forward out
+of sight.
+
+At that very moment it had been, that Silent Pete and his wagon had
+passed the entrance of that trail; and even in that dusk his trained
+eye had noted fresh wheel and hoof prints. But it was not his business
+to stop and investigate. He had been set to bring his party to
+"Roderick's", not to take care of a tenderfoot who ought to have a
+nurse, the fool!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE MIDNIGHT SEARCHING PARTY
+
+
+The night was growing late and there were anxious hearts at
+"Roderick's." The four-in-hand had arrived hours before, and Silent Pete
+had also brought his party safely in--to the mutual relief of himself
+and Miss Milliken, the latter really surprised to find she had arrived
+sound in body and limb. She had promptly retired to the little chamber
+assigned herself and Helena, only to reappear in fresh distress.
+
+"My suit-case with my night-things! I can't find it anywhere. The one
+they gave me has a lot of boys' things in it-all jumbled together. I'd
+like my suit-case, please. I'm worn out with that awful ride and if I've
+got to repeat it to-morrow, I must get to rest;" but as the buxom maid
+to whom she appealed paid her scant attention, she turned to Helena with
+her wail: "Oh, Miss Helena! _Won't_ you make them give me the right
+case?"
+
+The emphasis put on the "won't" suggested a desperate need, but merely
+annoyed her young mistress, who requested:
+
+"Don't make a nuisance of yourself, Milly. The loss of a suit-case is
+nothing compared to--Oh! if Dolly were only safely here!"
+
+"She will be, of course. Haven't I, with my nerves, lived through that
+ride? But, you don't understand, dear, I _want my things_. I can't wear
+a boy's pajamas--all mussed up, at that. I want, I want to go to bed."
+
+"Then, for goodness' sake--go!" cried Monty Stark, who had come up to
+the pair. "That'll give us a rest, too."
+
+"I shall have to sit up all night, then," still moaned the lady, "for
+your case isn't to be found either, Miss Helena."
+
+Then finding no greater sympathy from her mistress than from that saucy
+boy, the governess betook herself out of the way. She was the only one
+of the party which had so gaily left Denver that now cared for anything
+except the appearance down the road of the missing buckboard.
+
+Molly and Leslie, congenial spirits, had tried to laugh off their
+anxiety and to convince the others that everything was "all right, of
+course."
+
+"Likely Dolly Doodles has discovered some new sort of flowers somewhere
+and has wandered off to get them. She's always doing that kind of
+thing," Molly assured her hostess, who had gently answered:
+
+"We'll hope it's only that. But she'd scarcely look for wild flowers at
+night, nor do anything to make us anxious by her delay. Our Dorothy is
+a very considerate girl and I wish--they would come."
+
+Linking her arm within Helena's, the lady set her steps to suit the
+girl's and resumed the pacing up and down the long piazza. The house was
+a one-storied building, stretching along the roadway to a size that was
+unusual for such a locality. It had been added to at different periods,
+as need arose; each addition being either a little lower or higher than
+its neighbor, according to the cash in hand, but invariably with the
+continuance of the comfortable piazza. This now afforded a long
+promenade, and all the people gathered at the wayside inn that night,
+were using it to walk off their impatience at the delay of "Tenderfoot
+Sorrel" to bring in his team.
+
+Supper had been put back till it was spoiled, and having been
+telegraphed for beforehand, good Mrs. Roderick had wasted her best
+efforts upon it. But, at last, seeing Monty and Molly peering through
+the kitchen windows in a hungry sort of way, Mr. Ford ordered it served
+and all repaired to the dining room, feeling that the meal would be a
+farce, yet something with which to kill time.
+
+However, the long ride in the keen air had given all a fine appetite and
+despite the landlady's laments over the "dried-up stuff," the table was
+nearly cleared of its food when they left it. Moreover, everyone felt
+better and brighter for the refreshment and so hopeful now for the
+speedy arrival of the laggards, that Mr. Ford suggested to the waitress:
+
+"Just have a few things kept warm for the others. There'll be four of
+them. If they aren't here within a half-hour, now, I'll go back in
+search of them. Something may have happened to the wagon and they left
+to come on a-foot."
+
+"Dear, did you ask the man you call Silent Pete if he passed them
+anywhere along the road?"
+
+"Surely, I did that the first thing. He had neither passed nor seen
+them, he said."
+
+"Well, I'm going to interview him again. Come on, Miss Molly, to the
+stable with me," cried Leslie.
+
+"'Molly,' without the 'Miss,' please, and I'm ready enough! It seems as
+if I must be doing something, for everybody is looking so worried," she
+answered, catching his outstretched hand and racing with him down the
+long porch and around to the stables in the rear.
+
+Silent Pete had not gone to the loft where the workmen slept. He had
+wrapped himself in a blanket and, with another for a pillow, had settled
+himself in a corner of the loose box next the stalls where his team
+stood. He was so devoted to them that he couldn't leave them alone in a
+strange stable, though from the snores which already came from him he
+didn't seem a great protection to anything.
+
+But Silent Pete was wily. He had heard the voices of the pair without
+the building, asking a groom to tell where Pete could be found, and had
+resented being disturbed. He had done his day's work, he had no
+intention of joining in any search that might be made for the
+delinquents, and he promptly pretended slumber. But he hadn't reckoned
+upon Leslie's persistence nor his own uneasy conscience.
+
+"Wake up there, Peter, if that's your name! I'm your boss's son, and I
+want a word with you. Wake up, man!"
+
+The snores deepened. Rarely had the nose of mortal man emitted such
+ear-splitting sounds as now issued from the nostrils of the ranchman, as
+Leslie shoved aside the sliding door of the loose box and stepped
+within.
+
+"Here, Molly-without-the-Miss, take the lantern and hold it so I can
+find the head inside that roll of blankets! Feet are big enough. Can't
+miss them," said the lad, stumbling over the protruding boots of the
+sleeper. "I'll take this pitchfork and prod him up a bit. Hello, Pete! I
+say, Pete, you've earned your name one way--but you hardly deserve it
+another. 'Silent!' You'll certainly keep the horses awake and--Wake up,
+I say! You shall!"
+
+Leslie thrust the pitchfork into the boards of the floor so
+uncomfortably near that snoring nose that Pete hitched aside and so
+admitted himself awake. Molly ran into the box and held the lantern low,
+while the boy squatted at the teamster's head and thumped it soundly.
+Both were giggling, which incensed their victim still further, and he
+suddenly tossed off his blanket with such force that it hit Molly's face
+and made her jump away, while Leslie ordered:
+
+"Quit that! Don't you know how to treat a lady?"
+
+There was no answer, save a frown directed toward the laughing girl, and
+the lad demanded:
+
+"You're to open your lips and tell us what you think has happened to
+that tenderfoot driver and his team. Why doesn't he come in? They say
+you're the oldest driver round, know the most about the roads, or
+trails, and your opinion's wanted. Give it quick, because--Well,
+there'll be some thing doin' if you do know anything and don't tell it.
+I don't understand why I suspect you're hiding things but I do; unless
+it's that grudge I heard some men say you had against the 'Sorrel'
+fellow. Now, you talk. Where do you think that buckboard is?"
+
+"Gone to smash."
+
+Molly screamed at this cool answer, and Leslie threatened his pitchfork.
+But it was neither of these things which moved Pete to tersely disclose
+his private opinion:
+
+"I know nothin'. I guess shortcut and destruction. Lem knows the trail.
+T. Sorrel ain't wuth huntin', nor them boys. Little gal--might--Talk to
+Lem. Clear out."
+
+Having relieved his conscience of this much information the man buried
+his face again in his blanket and resumed his interrupted repose. Leslie
+wasted one moment of indignation upon him, as a heartless human being,
+then hurried out of the place and to his father.
+
+When consulted, Lem Hunt hesitated for an instant only, then advised:
+
+"Best get right a-doin' things! No wagons, but fresh hosses and as many
+of 'em as want to go. Jiminy cricket! If T. Sorrel branched off where
+Pete thinks he did he's done for hisself an' all consarned. Let's be
+steppin'!"
+
+Fortunately, there were plenty of fresh horses at "Roderick's" that
+night. A drove of them were corralled behind the inn, _en route_ from a
+distant ranch to Denver, and thence eastward to market. All of them were
+well broken, to the saddle at least, and the best were promptly led out
+for Mr. Ford's selection, leaving his own beasts to rest for the next
+day's travel. Also, the drivers eagerly offered their own company,
+mounting without their saddles, which they insisted upon lending to the
+less experienced riders.
+
+Excitement followed Lemuel's advice to "Be steppin'," and a very few
+minutes' of bustling activity saw the cavalcade lined up before the inn
+with him for leader. It numbered Mr. Ford, Herbert and Monty, of that
+party; with Noll Roderick himself and three drovers. That Leslie had not
+joined the riders was due to his mother's anxiety for his health, though
+his father had rather favored his going. The lad had been indignant at
+the "molly-coddling" and had hurt the tender heart of the Gray Lady by
+some angry words. Then he had walked away to the extreme end of the long
+piazza, whence he watched the disappearance of the rescuers down the
+moonlight road. As the horses' footfalls died in the distance, his
+grumblings were interrupted by a light touch on his arm.
+
+"Come around this corner, boy! Hurry up!"
+
+He turned to find Molly Breckenridge beside him, her finger on her lip,
+and a wild light in her eyes. She was trembling with excitement and
+could scarcely wait to whisper:
+
+"I'm going, too!"
+
+"Girl, how can you?"
+
+"Horseback, course. Roderick's daughter's lending me her own pony.
+Mattie, her name is, and she was all for going with the others but her
+mother can't spare her. I told her I was just crazy, thinking of my
+Dorothy; hurt maybe, lost anyway, and nobody but a lot of men to speak
+to, even if they find her. Do you s'pose I'll desert her? That I love
+best of all the world? I guess not. I'm a Breckenridge! Good-by!"
+
+There was mischief in her eyes as she turned to leave him and Leslie
+laughed:
+
+"Course! You're thoroughbred--I saw that right away. And you're my
+guest! Could I, as a gentleman, let you ride off alone on a lonely road
+at night? Hurray! You're A 1! You're rippin'!"
+
+Molly sped around the house. She wasn't familiar, as yet, with Leslie's
+"rippin'" but she knew he'd approved of her wild prank and would join
+her in it. She was a far better rider than he, for in her own southern
+home she had been reared to the saddle and was never happier than when
+she had a good horse at command. Mattie's pony was swift and easy, and
+Molly sprang to its back with the feeling that now she was "really doing
+something," and that very speedily she would have her arms about her
+missing friend and all would be well. She had also begged Mattie to get
+a mount for Leslie, forseeing that he would follow her--exactly as he
+did. Another instant, and the pair were off along a little by-path,
+toward the main road and the pursuit of the searching party. As they
+struck into the smoother going Molly touched the calico pony with her
+whip and called to Leslie:
+
+"Come on! Hurry up! We'll have to ride like the wind to catch up with
+the rest!"
+
+"All right--I'll do my best but--but this--old nag--wait a little bit!"
+
+Molly wheeled about and did so, but the delay made her extremely
+impatient, and with some contempt she remarked, as the lad came
+alongside:
+
+"Why, I supposed you could ride! You looked like a boy who knew how!"
+
+"So I do! But this thing I'm on--Call this a horse? I'd rather have a
+mule! How dared they give me such a thing?"
+
+In her hurry Molly had not observed the animal which had stood saddled
+at the stable door, and that now seemed as ugly and tiresome a beast as
+her own little pony was fine. Pity then banished vexation and she
+exclaimed:
+
+"You poor fellow! I don't believe Matty meant you to have that beast.
+But, come on, anyway. Maybe he'll warm up after a bit, and I'll take
+that back--that I said about your riding. I reckon you're all right.
+Anybody must be who can stick on the rack-o'-bones you've got. Touch him
+up a little--I'll set the pace."
+
+Away she sped while the gaunt creature which Leslie bestrode planted his
+forefeet firmly on the ground and refused to lift them thence. Molly was
+fast passing around a curve in the road and would then be out of sight,
+and Leslie's temper rose to its height. He forgot everything except his
+own awkward position and the fact that his lively young guest could have
+the laugh on him when that night's tale was told.
+
+"Oh! you hateful beast! You won't go, eh? Well, go you shall! Hear me?
+Take that--and that--and--THAT!"
+
+Blows rained hard and fast, till the lash of the whip gave out, and the
+butt took its place. Then, as if the astonished horse had just aroused
+to the state of things, it bolted! and the way its old heels picked up
+that road was the most amazing thing of all that evening's happenings.
+
+Then, indeed, did Leslie prove himself a better horseman than he looked,
+and, for all time to come, his full ability to "stick." Riding ahead at
+a smart pace, but not her pony's best, Molly heard the footfalls behind
+her and swerved out of the way--not a minute too soon! Evidently, the
+maligned "rack-o'-bones" would otherwise have ridden her down. He passed
+her like a whirlwind and then--she after him. Followed, a race to be
+remembered! The big horse keeping the lead, the little "calico"
+pit-pattering along behind in a hopeless effort to get even.
+
+Thus for what seemed an endless time, the long dusty road was desolate
+of any travellers except this pair of runaways. Sometimes a coyote
+yelped in the distance; occasionally some creeping thing barred the
+track before them; and a screech owl sent its blood-curdling cries into
+their ears. Otherwise they were alone in the wilderness and the night,
+and beyond speaking distance even of one another.
+
+The effect was to set each culprit thinking. How wild a thing they had
+done! How thoughtless, how selfish! What fresh anxiety they had added to
+the troubled hearts back there at "Roderick's," as soon as their absence
+was discovered! How flat their jolly adventure had fallen!
+
+Molly had bound Mattie to secrecy, and there was that about the western
+girl that convinced the other that the secret would be kept. If Mrs.
+Roderick did guess what had become of them, and said so, it would be no
+comfort to Lady Gray and Helena; and the longer Molly pondered the
+matter, the more ashamed and terrified she felt. What would Aunt
+Lucretia say? And what her father--could he see his madcap at that
+moment?
+
+In a bitter reaction of feeling the girl dropped her head upon the
+pony's neck, though still mechanically urging the willing creature to
+her utmost speed. Her thoughts were far away when, suddenly, she felt a
+check upon the rein and lifted her startled face.
+
+"Why, Leslie! You scared me!"
+
+"Were you asleep?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What then? Your head was down. The 'calico' was taking her own way.
+What's the matter?"
+
+"It's none--I mean, if you must know, I was crying."
+
+"Oh! horrors! Why?"
+
+"Because I've done such a dreadful thing. It was wicked. I had no right
+and--and--"
+
+"Yes, I know. You were frightened. Well, I was, too."
+
+Molly straightened her shoulders and pretended contempt, saying:
+
+"I didn't know as gentlemen--'thoroughbreds,' you know--western
+thoroughbreds ever were fr-fri-ghtened. What--was--that?"
+
+A curious cry had reached them and Molly finished her speech in a
+whisper. The horses, also, had heard it and had thrust back their ears
+in fear.
+
+Just there the road skirted the edge of a forest and the cry had come
+from its depths. They peered into the shadows but could see nothing, and
+edging the pony close to Beelzebub, as Leslie's mount was named, Molly
+repeated her question.
+
+"Likely a wild cat, puma, or wolf. I don't know," he answered.
+
+"Have you heard it before? Was it that scared you?"
+
+"No, I was afraid something would happen to you, left behind, alone. I
+fancy we're in no danger that way--" pointing forestward. "But--"
+
+"'But'--what? If you thought about me why didn't you come back to look
+for me?"
+
+"I couldn't. Once he got in motion this beast wouldn't stop till he--ran
+down like a clock."
+
+"Pooh! You should go to a riding school! Let's go on, now, or else back.
+I can't stop here with lions and panthers yelling at us! I--I--Oh! do
+come on! But keep tight hold of the pony's rein. Don't get away from me
+again."
+
+"I shan't. I can't."
+
+"Oh! come!"
+
+"I tell you I can't. We're planted."
+
+Molly's lip quivered, but she restrained her tears and tremulously
+entreated:
+
+"Oh, Leslie, don't! I can't stand teasing now. This isn't funny--not a
+bit. Shall we go back? Or try to overtake the others?"
+
+"We can't do either one. I tell you we're simply stuck. Settled down and
+gone to housekeeping. Beelzebub has finished. He won't take another
+step. Fact. We've got to make the best of it. If that pony of yours was
+as big as a decent calf we might ride double and leave this wretch to
+starve and think it over at his leisure. I don't see why that girl gave
+me such a creature. Let's get off and sit down on that rock and wait.
+Something's bound to happen--sometime--if we live long enough. The
+folks'll come back this same road, course."
+
+He jumped to the ground and held out his hand to her but, for a moment,
+she would not dismount; then as he coolly left her and walked to the
+rock he had pointed out, she slipped from her saddle and followed him.
+But she still held fast to her bridle rein and the pony offered no
+resistance to the leading, though the big brute of the profane name
+remained in the middle of the road, his forefeet pointed forward, his
+hind ones backward, his whole attitude one of stubborn ugliness.
+
+Leslie had reached a point where the ludicrous side of things appeared
+and he remarked:
+
+"Looks like the potato-horses I used to make when I was a kid, with
+matches stuck in for legs. I wonder how long he'll stand there!"
+
+Molly smiled faintly. At present there were no alarming sounds from the
+forest and the boy's apparent indifference to their lonely situation
+relieved her own fears.
+
+"Well, it's an 'ill wind that blows nobody good,' you know. That Beelzy
+thing is the toughest I ever rode. He's bumped me up and down till I
+ache all over and this rock is actually soft in comparison. Here. I'll
+put some of these big ferns for a cushion for you, and, after all, we'll
+meet our folks just as soon by waiting as by going on. They must come
+back, you know, sure as fate. This is the only road leads to
+'Roderick's', I heard them say. Hello! Why--Beelzebub, good boy!"
+
+A whim had seized the obstinate animal to approach his late rider and
+fawn about his feet, nibbling the scant grass which grew there, as the
+pony was already doing. In surprise at this change both Leslie and Molly
+laughed and forgot, for the time, that they were in such a desolate
+place at so late an hour.
+
+The horse's action reminded Molly of an animal her father had once owned
+and she began to tell stories about him; stories that the boy matched
+with marvelous ones of his own. That some of these were fiction made no
+difference. Molly disdained to believe them but they served to pass the
+time as well as any better ones might have done. Indeed, fear had now
+left them. The rest after their hard ride was pleasant and both felt
+that they were simply waiting for their friends' return.
+
+So they sat on, as composedly as if they were safe at home, till Molly's
+eyes, fixed upon the distant road, suddenly grew startled again.
+
+Leslie's latest yarn had been of an Indian outbreak, or uprising, of
+recent date and in this neighborhood. He had heard it that evening from
+the men at the inn and had not paused to consider how unlikely was such
+an incident so near to the city of Denver. In truth, the "boys" had
+invented the whole story, just for the sake of impressing the young
+"tenderfeet"--Monty, Herbert and Leslie; and it had satisfied the
+jokers that these youngsters "swallered it hull."
+
+But Leslie had a gift for dramatic recital and listening to him the
+affair seemed very real to the girl. The scene and the hour suggested a
+possible repetition of the occurrence; and as there now came to her ears
+the sound of distant hoofbeats on the road, and presently, to her eyes
+the sight of a company of horsemen approaching, she gave one terrified
+cry and darted into the forest behind her.
+
+"The Indians! The--Indians! They'll kill us!"
+
+Moved by his own eloquence and still believing the story he had been
+told, the boy followed her flight. He did not even turn to look where
+she had pointed but, with a headlong rush, dashed into the wood and into
+a mass of briars which threw him face downward in their midst. Also, at
+that same instant both the deserted horses set up a continued neighing,
+which confirmed the fears of their riders who, both now prone upon the
+ground, felt that their last hour had come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE WATCHERS AT RODERICK'S
+
+
+As soon as Molly and Leslie had ridden away, Mattie Roderick disappeared
+within her own room and became deaf to all the inquiries made outside
+her door. She was a high-spirited, "wild western" girl, accustomed to
+obeying little else than her own impulses. She had a fine record as a
+horsewoman and had been disappointed that she could not go with the
+searching party. This being the case, it was next better to lend her
+pony to that other lively girl who was so like herself.
+
+But Mrs. Roderick was certain that the missing Molly and Leslie had
+followed the first party and could give no comfort to anxious Mrs. Ford
+beyond the statement:
+
+"Things don't happen often, 'twixt here an' Denver. Been one or two
+hold-ups, of men known to carry money, but beyond a murder or so, ain't
+been no excitement this long spell."
+
+"Murder!" cried Helena aghast, and folding her arm a bit more tightly
+about Gray Lady's trembling body.
+
+"Oh! yes'm. A few has been. But nobody'd touch to harm them children.
+You needn't worry. They've thought it smart to take a hand in the
+business, that's all. Mattie won't say 'yes' nor 'no' to my askin', but
+the 'calico's' out of the corral and Long Jim's Belezebub ain't hitched
+no longer. Ha, ha, ha! If either them kids tries to ride Beelzy--Hmm.
+But Chiquita, now, she's little but she's great. Pa and Matt claim she's
+worth her weight in gold. She's likely, anyway. An' don't fret, lady.
+They'll all be home to breakfast, an' seein's I've got that to cook,
+I'll hump myself to bed and advisin' you to do the same. If not, make
+yourselves comfortable's you can, and good night."
+
+After the landlady's departure the house became strangely quiet. The men
+who had been talking outside sought their own rest, and the anxious
+watchers missed the murmur of voices and the sense of protection which
+the presence of even these strangers gave.
+
+While Mrs. Ford was still restlessly pacing the long piazza, Alfy
+slipped within. With her keen observation of details, she had seen where
+the woodpile was and that the fire on the hearth in the main room of the
+house had about died out. This had been lighted for the guests'
+enjoyment, the inn folks caring nothing for it and therefore easily
+forgetting to replenish it. When she had gathered an armful of wood,
+Alfy carried it to the fireplace and lustily blew upon the embers till a
+little blaze started. Then she heaped the sticks upon this and
+presently had a roaring flame. At once the room grew cheerful, its
+bareness furnished, as it were, by this open fire.
+
+"Now, dear Lady Gray, please come right inside. You'll get your death
+out here in this night air, with not even your cloak on. Come, Helena,
+you both come in," said Alfaretta, appearing on the porch.
+
+But her first words had started the mother's tears.
+
+"Lady Gray." That had been her son's pet name for her, its use still
+more frequent than "Mother," and with a little cry she murmured:
+
+"Ah! my boy! Shall I ever hear you say that again!"
+
+"I don't see why not," said practical Alfaretta, nodding to Helena to
+help persuade the woman to take a needed rest. "You heard that landlady
+tellin' how 't they'd all be home to breakfast. Well, then, she knows.
+She's lived here a power o' time and we've only just come. Say, Helena,
+let's make a pot of coffee and set the table. I can do it right on them
+coals, after the fire burns down a mite. If I can't there, 'twon't be
+the first cook stove I've tackled in my life, and I know one thing if I
+don't any more: that is, when those searchers and Dolly an' Jim do come
+they'll be so tearing hungry they could nigh eat ten-penny nails. Come
+on. Let's get supper for 'em. You boss the job, Mrs. Ford, and then
+it'll be done right. I saw a lot of chickens in a back room, as I come
+through, all fixed to fry. Well now, you both know I can fry chicken to
+the queen's taste, and I'll just lay myself out this time!"
+
+Her energy and cheerfulness were not to be resisted. Mrs. Ford
+followed the two girls inside and with a little shiver, from her
+exposure outside, drew a chair to the hearth and bent to its warmth.
+Then, as if she had been in her own home, Alfaretta whisked about,
+dragging small tables from the dining room into this larger one,
+ordering Helena to do this and that, and all with a haste that was
+almost as cheering as the fire.
+
+"Now, Helena, here's the dish-closet. You set the table. My! Ain't
+these the heaviest plates and cups you ever saw? Ma Babcock'd
+admire to get some like 'em; our children break such a lot of things.
+But Mis' Calvert wouldn't think she could drink tea out of such. She
+wants her 'n to be thin as thin! and she's got one set, 't belonged to
+her grandmother--great-grandma, I guess it was--come over from England
+or somewhere--that she won't let no hands except her own touch to wash.
+I wish you could see Aunt Betty wash dishes! 'Twould set you laughing,
+fit to split, first off. It did me till I begun to see the other side
+of it, seems if. First, she must have a little porcelain tub, like a
+baby's wash-tub, sort of--then a tiny mop, doll's mop, I called it, and
+towels--Why, her best table napkins aren't finer than them towels be.
+And dainty! My heart! 'Tis the prettiest picture in the world when that
+'ristocratic old lady washes her heirloom-china! But this--your hands'd
+get tired enough if you had to do much of this. Hurry up! Don't you know
+how to set a table yet, great girl like you? Well, do the best you can.
+I'm going into that kitchen to cook. I can't wait for this fire to get
+low. I surely can't, because, you see, they might be here any
+minute--any single minute--and nothing done yet, not even the table set.
+Mrs. Ford, you better cut the bread. Here's a lot of it in a tin box,
+and a knife with it, sharp enough to cut a feller's head off. You best
+not touch it, Helena, you're so sort of clumsy with things. Now I'm off
+to boil 'tatoes and fry chicken!"
+
+It was impossible to retain gloomy forebodings while Alfy's cheerful
+tongue was running on at this rate, and as she left the living-room for
+the kitchen at the rear both Lady Gray and Helena were laughing, partly
+at their own awkwardness at the tasks assigned them as well as at her
+glib remarks.
+
+"I never set a table in my life!" cried Helena, in glee.
+
+"And I never sliced a loaf of bread!" said Gray Lady; "though I'll admit
+it is time I learned. Indeed, I've never had a home, you know, and I'm
+looking forward to my housekeeping as eagerly as a child to her
+playhouse."
+
+"I'm wondering what the landlady will say, when she finds how we've
+invaded her pantry," continued Helena, carefully arranging the coarse
+stone-china upon the oilcloth covered tables. She had begun very
+reluctantly but found that the labor was a delightful relief from worry,
+and, with the good sense she possessed, now went on with it as
+painstakingly as if she expected a fashionable and critical company.
+Indeed, her first table-setting, copied, as near as she could remember,
+from the careful appointments of her own mother's board, was to be an
+object lesson to others besides herself.
+
+For presently there was the sound of voices in the kitchen; Alfaretta's,
+of course, with another equally gay and girlish.
+
+Mattie Roderick had slept lightly. She had been excited over the arrival
+of the Ford party in the first place, and doubly so from the later
+events of the night. So as she lay sleepless and listening, she heard
+the rattle of cooking things in the kitchen below and soon the odor of
+frying. With a little grumble she got up and put on the few garments she
+had discarded.
+
+"It can't be near morning yet. I don't see what's set Ma to cooking,
+'less they're on the road back and nigh starved. One thing I know! I
+shan't marry no tavern-keeper! It's nothin' but fry, roast, bake, an'
+bile, the hull endurin' time. I'm goin' to quit and go east fur as
+Denver, anyhow, soon's I get my age. I'd like to look same's them girls
+do, and they ain't no prettier 'n me. It's only their clothes makes 'em
+look it, and as for that Molly, they call her, that's rid off on
+Chiquita, she's just as plain and folksy as get out! So's the red-headed
+one with the high-falutin' name, out of that song Pa sings about the
+'blue Juniata' and 'bright Alfaretta,' or some such trash. Them
+boys--Well, they hain't took no notice o' me yet--but I can show 'em a
+thing or two. I bet I can shoot better than any of 'em. I bet, if they
+don't hurry off too early to-morrow, I'll get up a match and teach 'em
+how a Colorado girl can hit the bull's-eye every time!"
+
+With these ambitious reflections the inn-keeper's daughter arrived at
+the kitchen and the presence of the red-headed girl in it, instead of
+the portly form of her mother.
+
+"What on earth does it mean?" demanded Mattie, scarcely believing her
+own eyes.
+
+It didn't take Alfy long to explain, and she added the warning:
+
+"You keep it up! Don't you let on to Mrs. Ford that there's the least
+misdoubt in your mind but what them searchers will be back, right to
+once, same's I'm pretending! Oh! I hope they do! I hope they do! I hope
+it so much I dassent hardly think and just have to keep talking to stop
+it. If I had hold that Molly Breckenridge I'd shake her well! The dear
+flighty little thing! To go addin' another scare to a big enough one
+before, and now about that Leslie. He's a real nice boy--Leslie is--if
+you let him do exactly what he wants and don't try to make him
+different. His ma just sets all her store by him. I never got the rights
+of it, exactly, Aunt Betty Calvert--she 't I've been hired out to--she
+never approved of gossip. She said that folks quarrellin' was just plain
+makin' fools of themselves, or words to that effect. The Fords had done
+it and now, course, they was thicker 'n blueberries again and didn't
+want to hear nothing about the time they wasn't. Don't leave them
+'tatoes in that water so long! Why, child o' grace, don't you know yet,
+and you keepin' tavern, that soon's a potato is cooked it ought to be
+snatched out the pot and set to steamin', to get dry? Soggy potatoes
+gives you the dyspepsy and that's a disease I ain't sufferin' to catch.
+It makes folks so cross."
+
+By this time Mattie had entered into the spirit of the thing and had
+never been happier in her life. This Alfaretta was so jolly, so
+friendly, so full of talk. So wholly satisfied in her conscience, too,
+now that "one of the family" was beside her to share the risk she had
+assumed of using other people's provisions so recklessly.
+
+But in that she had misjudged her genial hosts. Nothing was too good
+for their guests, these or any others, and if the chickens meant for
+breakfast were pre-empted for this midnight meal, why there were plenty
+more in the hennery.
+
+So, secure in her better knowledge of the elder Rodericks, Miss Mattie
+sped about, flew in and out of the sitting-room, to tend the fire or add
+some delicacy to Helena's daintily set table; the same that made her
+stare at its difference from ordinary. Didn't seem possible that the
+mere arrangement of cups and saucers, of knives and forks, could give
+such an "air" to the whole place.
+
+"Like brook trout, Mis' Ford?" asked the girl, upon one entrance. "You
+men-folks like 'em, too?"
+
+Assured that they were considered a great treat, Mattie advised:
+
+"Well, you just wait! I know where there's a lot, in a basket in the
+pool. Pa catched 'em to have 'em ready and I'll hike after 'em to onct.
+You like to go along, Helena?"
+
+Stately Helena smiled at the free masonry of the westerner and glanced
+at Mrs. Ford, in inquiry:
+
+"Yes, dear, go with her. I shan't be lonely, with Alfaretta left, flying
+in and out busily. I declare, those kitchen odors _are_ savory! I hope
+the wanderers will soon be here, that this new meal won't be kept till
+spoiled, as Mrs. Roderick complained of the other."
+
+Helena noticed that the lady expressed no further doubt about the safety
+of the absentees and thus encouraged she gladly accepted Mattie's
+invitation. Indeed, this whole trip was full of delightful novelty and
+all the affectations which had once made Helena Montaigne disagreeable
+to sensible people had been discarded, or outgrown.
+
+Mattie's first preparation was to take off her shoes and stockings and
+she advised the other girl to do the same. "Else you'll get 'em all dirt
+going through the swamp to the pool. We don't have none too much water
+hereabouts but what we have got is _wet_!"
+
+"I couldn't go barefooted. My feet would hurt so. I'll have to risk the
+shoes. I have others in my suit-case, wherever it is."
+
+"Well, come on then. You can step light through the ma'sh and 'twon't be
+so bad. Wait till I fetch a lantern."
+
+"A lantern, in this moonlight?"
+
+"Sure. 'Twon't shine into the woods. The trees are awful thick and
+though I could go straight there and back, without stumbling once,
+you're new to the way an' the light's for you. I don't want you to get
+hurt just goin' for a mess o' fish!"
+
+"Thank you, Mattie. That is very considerate of you. Shall I carry it?"
+
+Mattie was pleased by the other girl's "thank you." Such small
+courtesies were almost unknown to her, but she determined to remember
+how "good" it had made her feel and to experiment with it upon somebody
+else, sometime. Even as Helena's table-setting had also been a lesson in
+neatness; and with her eagerness to learn she felt that she had been
+amply repaid for giving up her sleep. Chattering as if she had always
+known the stranger she led the way safely to the pool, deep in the
+woods; and Helena never forgot that scene. Except for the slight
+illumination of the lantern the blackness of the forest was intense, and
+the rustling of wild things among the tree-tops startled her.
+
+Mattie looked up and saw her fear, then laughed hilariously:
+
+"Two 'fraid-cats together, you an' the birds! Likely, they never saw a
+lantern before and hate to be disturbed even more 'n I did, listenin' to
+Alfaretta in the kitchen. But don't you like it? Ain't it awful solemn
+in such woods in the night-time? Makes a body think of all the hateful
+things she's done and sort of wish she hadn't done 'em. But there ain't
+no livin' thing in these woods'll hurt you, nowadays, though onct they
+was chock full o' grizzlies an' such. Now I guess that's enough. Don't
+suppose your folks'd eat a bigger mess 'n that, do you? 'Cause I could
+take a few more if you say so."
+
+Helena looked at the big basket of trout and laughed, then shivered at
+the echo of her own laughter in that place, which seemed full as
+"solemn" to her as it did to the more accustomed Mattie.
+
+They were soon back at the inn, Mattie at once proceeding to show
+Alfaretta that she could do some fine cooking herself; and between them
+they made Mrs. Roderick's larder suffer, so eager was each to outdo the
+other and to suggest some further delicacy for that wonderful meal.
+
+Mrs. Ford paced in and out of the living-room, watchful and still
+anxious, though greatly amused at the doings of the three girls, and
+wondering, as well, how the landlady could sleep through all that din
+and chatter. For Helena, too, had gone into the kitchen and seizing a
+pitcher of cream Mattie was carrying to the table, demanded a chance to
+"whip" it.
+
+"It's such an improvement, or will be for that good coffee you've made,
+and Herbert likes it so much."
+
+Mattie put her arms akimbo and stared; then demanded, in turn:
+
+"Can't you do anything sensibler than 'whip' cream? As if it was bad.
+You make me laugh, though I don't know what you mean."
+
+Helena soon showed her, even with a two-tined steel fork beating the
+rich cream into a heaped-up, foamy mass, which Mattie declared was the
+"wonderfulest thing" she had ever seen. They were still discussing the
+matter, and each sampling the delicacy with relish, when Mrs. Ford's
+excited voice was heard, calling:
+
+"They're coming! Oh! they're coming at last! Away down the road! I can
+hear them--beyond the turn of the road. Only it seems that they come
+slowly. Is it so? Or is it my own impatience?"
+
+Only Alfaretta stopped to push the pans and pots to the cool, safe end
+of the great stove, now glowing red in front from the hot fire they had
+made. The other girls rushed outward to see for themselves, and Alfy
+reached the piazza just in time to hear Mattie remark:
+
+"Yes, they do travel powerful slow. They ain't in no hurry to get here.
+Somethin's happened. You can just believe me--somethin's happened!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS
+
+
+As the approaching company came around the bend of the road into sight
+of the inn, a "calico" pony detached itself from the group of riders and
+before those watching on the porch could hear her words, Molly was
+shouting to them:
+
+"We're all right! Everybody is all right--except the one that isn't! And
+he--Wait, I'm coming!"
+
+The three girls ran down the road to meet her, and even Lady Gray walked
+swiftly after, and in a moment more they had encircled the truant with
+their loving arms, forgetting that she had given them a needless
+anxiety.
+
+"They weren't Indians at all. They were just our own folks, but Leslie
+and I were frightened half to death! I don't know what would have become
+of us except the pony told our story. And he's only smashed up a little
+some way. They had to hold him on the horse--"
+
+"What! Leslie, my Leslie, my boy!" gasped Mrs. Ford.
+
+"Leslie? No, indeed! Nothing the matter with him only riding the
+rack-o'-bones. The 'Tenderfoot' man, and the cowboys say it served him
+right. Only he got off too easy with just a broken collar bone, and a
+sprained ankle, and some teeth gone--and a few other trifles like that.
+He--"
+
+"You can get off Chiquita now, Molly. I want to rub her down. Ain't she
+the best ever?" said Mattie, calmly lifting the rider down from the
+saddle.
+
+"Indeed she is! And how strong you are, to lift a big girl like me!"
+cried Molly, eagerly. "I do believe your little Chiquita saved our
+lives, Leslie's and mine."
+
+"Tell me what you mean, child. Where is Leslie?" demanded the Gray Lady,
+placing her hand on Molly's shoulder and peering into her eyes.
+
+"Why--I mean, what I say, course, Mrs. Ford. But Leslie's all right now.
+He's scratched with the briars and torn his clothes and has had to ride
+double with a cowboy, or drover, because he couldn't stand Beelzebub
+again. Mr. Roderick is riding that creature and--Here, here they are!"
+
+Once in sight of the house most of the party came up at a canter, Mr.
+Ford cheerfully saluting his wife, and the others waving their hats and
+showing off a few tricks of their steeds--while Dorothy was handed down
+from riding-pillion behind her host. Everybody's tongue was loosened at
+once and such a hubbub arose that Mrs. Ford clapped her hands to her
+ears, then caught hold of Leslie as he slid to the ground and ran like a
+girl to the house. She wanted a chance to kiss him before the rest came
+in and had learned long before this that her boy "hated coddling."
+
+However, he submitted to a little of it that night with a better grace
+than usual, understanding that he had given his mother anxiety; and told
+her as briefly as possible the whole story.
+
+"You see, Lady Gray, that 'Sorrel Tenderfoot' was too smart, so came to
+grief."
+
+"A good lesson to remember, son."
+
+"Course. Well, he drove into a road, a trail, and got stuck. The horses
+bolted, the wagon went to smash and he was hurt. Pretty bad, I guess.
+The others weren't at all, only frightened and sort of stunned. They
+were in a tight fix. So dark in there they didn't know which way was out
+and made up their minds to stay till daylight. That Jim Barlow--I tell
+you he's great!--he fixed a bed with the wagon cushions and laid
+'Sorrel' on it. Then he felt the man all over and saw his legs and arms
+were sound. After that he got the box of the buckboard right side up and
+made Dorothy get into that and lie down. He covered her with the robes
+and made Manuel promise to stay right beside her while he went back for
+help. Dorothy wouldn't let him go, at first, till he made her ashamed
+thinking about the 'Tenderfoot.'
+
+"He made his way back all that distance to the main road, just by
+noticing the branches that had been broken by their driving in. He was
+going to walk back to Denver for help, thinking that was the quickest
+way, but when he got out of the woods he couldn't go any further. He'd
+hurt his arm some way--Dad says it's broken--and the pain made him
+faint. We found him there--I mean the searchers did, and when he came to
+be told them the rest.
+
+"Lem Hunt and Roderick knew exactly where to look. They found the
+runaway blacks and captured them, or some of the cowboys did, and they
+made a litter of the wagon box, covered it with branches and carried him
+out of the woods. They've brought him all the way here for he insisted
+on coming. Said he'd be better cared for by Mrs. Roderick than at any
+hospital in Denver. He was sort of crazy and they didn't dare oppose
+him. That's why they are so slow. But they'll be here soon and he'll be
+put to bed. Lemuel says the man'll take a blazed trail the rest of his
+life, and will have time to get over his smartness while his bones heal.
+But I think it's too bad. I'm sorry for him, and so is Dad. Now, come.
+They're going to table and I'm hungry as a bear. Isn't it fine of Mrs.
+Roderick to get a meal this time of night, or day, or whatever hour it
+is?"
+
+"It wasn't Mrs. Roderick. Alfy was the moving spirit and the other girls
+helped. But not one mouthful shall you have till you confess your own
+fault. Why did you, Leslie, run away into all that danger against my
+wishes?"
+
+"Why, Molly--" began the lad, then checked himself for shame. "Why,
+Lady Gray, I couldn't let a girl like Molly ride away alone, could I?
+And she would go--just would. And the funny part was--we heard 'lions'
+or 'panthers', or something in the woods behind us. We'd stopped to rest
+and we thought so. Then we saw the searchers coming back and thought
+they were Indians! and the way we took to the woods would make you
+laugh. That's how I got to look like this. We might have been in them
+yet if little Chiquita hadn't stood like a post right beside the rock
+where we'd been sitting. Her being there, and Molly's hat and jacket
+that she'd taken off because she was too warm, told the truth. Dorothy
+saw the hat and knew it at once. So when Roderick came up and recognized
+Chiquita they made another search and found--us. But I tell you, Lady
+Gray, I've had all the lecturing I need just now from the other head of
+the family. I think Dad would have liked me to ride with him, at first,
+but he gave me his opinion of a boy who would 'sneak' off and 'leave his
+mother unprotected in a strange house at night.' Just forgive me this
+once, motherkin, and I'll be good in future; or till next time, any
+way. Now, come."
+
+Such a meal as followed had rarely been eaten even in that land of
+hungry people, where the clear air so sharpens appetite; and in the
+midst of it came the landlady herself, not even showing surprise, and
+certainly not offence, at the liberties which had been taken in her
+house. Fortunately, Jim's arm had been bruised and strained, only; not
+broken as Mr. Ford had feared.
+
+Then to bed and a few hours of sleep; another breakfast, as good as the
+first; after which buckboards were driven round and horses saddled;
+Herbert, Jim, and Manuel electing to ride while Monty was to travel in
+the wagon with Silent Pete, as driver. He was the better suited thus
+because Mr. Ford and Leslie were to be his companions, the gentlemen
+having arranged matters this time without any casting of lots.
+
+Lemuel drove the four-in-hand as on the day before, having as passengers
+Mrs. Ford and Miss Milliken--who had slept soundly through all the
+events of the night--with the four girls. Jedediah, Mr. Ford's colored
+"boy" also rode beside the driver, for the greater protection of the
+feminine travelers, should any need arise.
+
+But nothing did. All the untoward incidents of this journey to the
+Rockies had happened during its first stage. "Tenderfoot Sorrel" was
+left behind, of course, but he did not greatly regret that. He felt
+that he could more easily endure physical pain than the chaffing of his
+fellows at San Leon.
+
+As before, the start was made with a flourish of whip and horn, amid
+good wishes and farewells from the hosts of the Wayside Inn, and a sure
+promise to "come again!" Then a day's journey steadily onward and
+upward, through river-fed valleys and rocky ravines, with a mid-day stop
+at another little hostelry, for a change of horses and a plain dinner.
+
+Then on again, following the sun till it sank behind a mountain range
+and they had climbed well nigh to the top. Here Mr. Ford ordered a brief
+halt, that the travellers might look behind them at the glorious
+landscape. When they had done so, till the scene was impressed upon
+their memories forever, again the order came:
+
+"Eyes front! but shut! No peeping till I say--Look!"
+
+Laughing, finding it ever so difficult to obey, but eager, indeed, the
+last ascent was made. Then the wheels seemed to have found a level
+stretch of smoother travelling and again came Mr. Ford's cry:
+
+"All eyes front and--open! Welcome to San Leon!"
+
+Open they did. Upon one of the loveliest homes they had ever beheld. A
+long, low, roomy building, modelled in the Mission style that Lady Gray
+so greatly admired; whose spacious verandas and cloistered walks invited
+to delightful days out of doors; while everywhere were flowers in bloom,
+fountains playing, vine-clad arbors and countless cosy nooks, shadowed
+by magnificent trees. A lawn as smooth as velvet, dotted here and there
+by electric light poles whose radiance could turn night into day.
+
+For a moment nobody spoke; then admiration broke forth in wondering
+exclamations, while the host helped his wife to alight, asking:
+
+"Well, Erminie, does it suit you?"
+
+"Suit? Dear, I never dreamed of anything better than a plain shack on a
+mountain side. That's what you called it--but this--this is no shack.
+It's more like a palace!"
+
+"Well, the main thing is to make it a home."
+
+"Is it as good as the 'cabin,' father?" asked Leslie, coming up and
+laying his hand on Mr. Ford's shoulder.
+
+"Let us hope it will be! If the first inmates are peace and good will.
+Peace and good will," he repeated, gravely. Then his accustomed gayety
+replaced his seriousness and he waved his hand toward the entrance,
+saying:
+
+"Queen Erminie, enter in and possess your kingdom! Your maids of honor
+with you!"
+
+"My heart!" cried Alfaretta, following her hostess, like a girl in a
+dream. "I thought 'twould be just another up-mounting sort of place, not
+near so nice as Deerhurst or the Towers, but it's splendid more 'n they
+are, either one or both together."
+
+"Wonderful, what money can do in this land of the free!" remarked
+Herbert, critically estimating the establishment. "Think of a man having
+his own electric light plant away up here! Why, if it weren't for the
+mountains yonder one could fancy this is Newport or Long Branch."
+
+"Without the sea, Bert. Even money can't bring the sea to the
+mountain-tops," said Helena, though her own face was aglow with
+admiration.
+
+"It can do the next best thing to it. Look yonder," said Monty, pointing
+where a glimmer of sunset-tinted water showed through a hedge of trees.
+
+"Let's go there. It certainly is water," urged Jim Barlow.
+
+"Well, Leslie told me there was a strange waterfall near San Leon and I
+suppose the same money has pressed that into service. To think! That
+'Railroad Boss' earned his first quarter selling papers on the train! He
+was talking about the 'cabin' as we came along. It had two rooms and he
+lived in it alone with his mother. By his talk they hadn't always been
+so poor and she belonged to an old family, as 'families go in America.'
+That was the way he put it, and it was his ambition to see his mother
+able to take 'the place where she belonged.' That's how he began; and
+now, look at this!"
+
+All the young people had now gathered around the pond, or lake, that had
+been made in a natural basin on the mountain side, for thinking that
+their host and hostess would better like to enter their new home with no
+strangers about them, Dorothy had suggested:
+
+"Let's follow the boys! Jim's arm ought to be looked after, first thing,
+and I'll remind him of it. He'd no business to come on horseback all
+that long way, but he never would take care of himself."
+
+"Has Leslie ever been here before?" asked Molly Breckenridge.
+
+"No. It is as much a surprise to him as to his mother. But he's mighty
+proud of his father," answered Dorothy. "Look, here he comes now."
+
+He came running across the sward and down the rocky path to the edge of
+the lake and clapped a hand on the shoulders of Herbert and Montmorency.
+He did not mean to be less cordial to Jim Barlow but he was. For two
+reasons: one that Dorothy had extolled her humble friend till he seemed
+a paragon of all the virtues; and secondly what he had learned of Jim's
+eagerness for knowledge had made him ashamed of his own indifference to
+it. Even that day, his father had commended the poorer boy for his keen
+observation of everything and read him a portion of a letter received
+from Dr. Sterling, the clergyman with whom James lived and studied.
+
+The Doctor had written that the lad was already well versed in natural
+history and that his interest in geology was as great as the writer's
+own. He felt that this invitation to his beloved protege was a wonderful
+thing for the student, and that Mr. Ford might feel he was having a hand
+in the formation of a great scientist.
+
+There had been more of the same sort of praise and Leslie had looked
+with simple amazement at the tall, awkward youth, who had arrived in
+Denver with the rest of his young guests.
+
+"That fellow smart? Clever? Brainy? Well, he doesn't look it. If ever I
+saw a regular clodhopper, he's the chap. But that Herbert Montaigne,
+now, is rippin'! He has the right 'air,' and so has the shorty, the fat
+Monty, only his figure is against him," he had remarked to Mateo, who
+had instantly agreed with him. Indeed, the Mexican _never_ disagreed
+with his "gracious excellency, Senor Leslie."
+
+Mateo's service was an easy one and his salary good. Besides, he was
+really fond of his young master and formed all his opinions in
+accordance. So then he, too, cast a supercilious glance at Jim, and had
+caused that shy lad's color to rise, though beyond that he took no
+notice.
+
+Already as they stood there gazing over the lake, crimson with the last
+rays of the sun, Jim was studying the rocks upon the farther side and
+squinting his eyes at something moving among them. It was with a
+startled return to his surroundings that he heard Leslie now say:
+
+"My father wants to have you come in, Mr.--I mean James. The doctor is
+going to properly dress your arm."
+
+"The doctor? Is there a doctor here?" asked Dorothy, slipping her hand
+under Jim's uninjured arm, and conveying by that action her sympathy
+with his feeling of an alien.
+
+But he coolly drew aside. He wasn't going to be humiliated by any girl's
+cossetting, not even hers. He had never realized his poverty so
+bitterly, nor been more ashamed of that fact. Just because some richer
+boys looked down upon him was no reason he should look down upon
+himself. Also, it angered him that he really needed surgical attention.
+He had suffered intensely during the ride hither but he had kept that to
+himself. He meant to keep it to himself whatever happened, and to join
+in what was going on as if he were physically sound as the other boys.
+
+"It's only my left arm, anyway. I'd be a poor stick of a thing if I
+couldn't manage with the other," he had thought, bravely, despite the
+pain. Now here was he being made the object of everybody's notice; and,
+being Jim--he hated it! There was a surly look in his eyes as he replied
+to Leslie's message:
+
+"I guess not. I mean--there isn't any need--I'm all right. I'm all
+right, I say. I'm--Shucks! I'm bully!"
+
+It was Dorothy who blushed this time, she was so mortified by the
+rudeness of her "paragon." Whenever had he used such an expression? She
+flashed an indignant glance upon him, then coolly commanded him:
+
+"You come right straight along, James Barlow. You're Mr. Ford's guest
+now and must do what he wants, just the same as if he were Dr. Sterling.
+Besides, I know we all ought to be freshening ourselves before supper.
+Lady Gray hates untidy people. Come on."
+
+Again she linked her arm in Jim's and led the way up the slope toward
+the house, while at the mention of supper all the others fell into line
+behind her. And now Jim was already ashamed of his petulance with her.
+After all, she was the prettiest girl of them all; and, so far as he
+knew, the richest. She was "thoroughbred;" her family one of the oldest
+in its native State; and though the poorhouse boy had no family pride of
+his own he was loyal to old Maryland and his earliest friend. What had
+not Dolly been to him? His first teacher, his loving companion, and the
+means of all that was good coming into his life.
+
+"Say, Dolly, I'm sorry I said that and shamed you. Sorry I'm such a
+conceited donkey as to hate being looked down on. You just keep me
+posted on what's what, little girl, and I'll try to behave myself. But
+it beats creation, to find such a place as this up here on the Rockies
+and to know one man's done it. Kind of takes a feller's breath away,
+don't it?"
+
+They were a little ahead of the rest of the party and able to talk
+freely, so Dorothy improved the chance to give "her boy Jim" a little
+lecture; suggesting that he must never stop short of accomplishing just
+as much as Daniel Ford had done.
+
+"What one poor lad can do, another can--if he will! _If he will_, James
+Barlow! It's just the _will_, you see. There was a copy in my old
+writing-book: 'What man has done, man can do.'"
+
+"Shucks! I'm ambitious enough, but 'tain't along no money lines. What I
+want is learnin'--just plain knowledge. I wrote a copy once, too, and
+'twas that 'Knowledge is Power.' I made them capitals the best I could
+so 't I never would forget 'em."
+
+"Huh! For such a wise young man you talk pretty common. There's no need,
+Jim Barlow, for you to go back into all the bad grammar and chipped-off
+words just because you're talking to--me. I notice you are very
+particular and careful when you speak to our hosts. Oh, Jim! isn't this
+going to be just a glorious summer? Except when I think about Aunt Betty
+I'm almost too happy to breathe."
+
+Jim had stumbled along beside her, unseeing the objects that were
+nearest--the lovely shrubbery, beautiful flowers, and quaint little
+furnishings of that grand lawn--but with his eyes fixed on a distant
+mountain peak, bare of verdure, and seemingly but a mass of vari-colored
+rock; and he now remarked:
+
+"I wonder how much of this country that Dan Ford owns! I wonder if he's
+got a claim on the peaks yonder!"
+
+"Come back to earth, boy! Can't you think anything, see anything
+but--stones? Here we are at the door and I fancy this gentleman is the
+doctor. Good evening, sir."
+
+"Is this the lad with the injured arm?" asked the gentleman meeting the
+pair, and glancing toward Jim's bandaged arm, with the coat sleeve
+hanging loose above it.
+
+"Yes, sir, but it's nothing. It doesn't need any attention," said Jim,
+ungraciously.
+
+"Behave yourself, Jim. Yes, Doctor--I suppose you're that?--he is so
+badly hurt that he's cross. But it's wonderful to find a doctor away up
+here," said Dorothy. Her odd little air of authority over the great,
+loutish lad, and her gay smile to himself, instantly won the stranger's
+liking, and he answered warmly:
+
+"Wonderful, maybe, but no more so than all of Dan Ford's doings. Step
+this way, my son, and Miss, I fancy you'd best not follow just yet.
+Nurse Melton will assist me, if I need assistance."
+
+"A nurse, too? How odd!" said Dorothy turning to join her mates.
+
+She did not see Jim Barlow again that night. When the examination was
+made the doctor found the injured arm in bad shape, swollen and inflamed
+to a degree that made great care a necessity unless much worse were to
+follow.
+
+So, for the first time in his healthy life, Jim found himself an
+invalid; sent to bed and ministered to by a frail, sweet-faced woman in
+a white uniform, whose presence on that far away ranch was a puzzle to
+him. Until, seeing his evident curiosity, she satisfied it by the
+explanation:
+
+"Oh! I'm merely another of Mr. Ford's beneficiaries. My brother is an
+engineer on one of his railroads, and he heard that I was threatened
+with consumption. So he had me sent to Denver for a time, till San Leon
+was ready. Then I came here. I'm on hand to attend any sick folks who
+may need me, though you're the first patient yet. I can tell you that
+you're fortunate to number Daniel Ford among your friends. He's the
+grandest man in the world."
+
+Jim lay quiet for a time, till his supper was brought in. But he could
+not taste that. The dressing of his wounded arm had been painful in
+extreme, though he had borne the pain without a groan, and for that been
+greatly admired by both the surgeon and the nurse. He was now feverish
+and discontented. The "happy summer" of which Dorothy had boasted was
+beginning anything but happily for him. He was angry against his own
+weakness and disappointed that he could not at once begin his work of
+studying the rocks of this region. To do so had been his chief reason
+for accepting Mr. Ford's genial invitation, for his shyness shrank from
+meeting strangers and accepting favors from them. Dr. Sterling had
+talked him "out of his nonsense" for the time being, but he now wished
+himself back in his familiar room at Deerhurst lodge, with Hans and
+Griselda Roemer. They were humble folk and so was he. He had no business
+in this rich man's "shack" that was, in reality, a palace; where
+pleasure was the rule and work the exception. Well--things might happen!
+He'd take care they should! He was among the mountains--for that part he
+was glad; only regretful of the debt to another which had brought him
+there.
+
+The hum of voices in and about the big house ceased. Even the barking
+dogs were silent at last, and the music from the men's quarters,
+stopped. There was where he, Jim belonged, by right. Out in some of the
+many buildings at the rear; so many, in fact, that they were like a
+village. He guessed he'd go there. Yes. In the morning, maybe the Boss
+would give him a job, and he could work to pay his keep. His thoughts
+grew wilder and more disordered, his head ached.
+
+The nurse was sitting silent in an adjoining room. Actual watching was
+unnecessary and she understood her patient's mood, that her presence in
+his chamber worried him. It was his time--now or never. He crept from
+his bed and stepped out of the low window upon the wide porch.
+
+Even in his delirious confusion it struck him that he had never seen
+such wonderful moonlight, nor such a big, inviting world. The vagary of
+thought altered. He would not seek the workmen's quarters, after all.
+The mountains were better. They called him. They did not seem far away.
+He would not feel so hot and then so shivery if he could lie down on
+their cool tops, with only the sky above him. Aye, they called him; and
+blindly answering to their silent summons the sick boy went. The things
+he prophesied had surely begun to "happen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A MARTINET OF THE ROCKIES
+
+
+San Leon ranch was a large one. The dwelling house and many outbuildings
+were upon a rich plateau topping a spur from the great mountain beyond.
+On one side, the land sloped to the valley of the Mismit, utilized for
+the sheep farming; and across the river, or run, rose grassy fields,
+climbing one above another till they ended in rocky, verdureless soil.
+Here were the cattle ranges, and here the herds of horses lived their
+free life. The extent of the property amazed the newcomers, even Lady
+Gray herself.
+
+She was exploring the premises escorted by Leslie and her young guests,
+and piloted by the talkative Lem Hunt. For once he had attentive
+listeners. There was no fellow ranchmen to ridicule his oft-told tales,
+but eager ears to which they were new; and eyes as eager to behold the
+scenes of these same marvellous stories.
+
+All began and ended with "The Boss, he." Evidently, for old Lem, there
+existed but one man worth knowing and that was the "Boss, he."
+
+"I s'pose, Ma'am, you know how the Boss, he come to buy S' Leon. No? You
+don't? By the Great Horned Spoon! Ain't that great? Just like him. The
+Boss, he never brags of his doin's, that's why I have to do it for him.
+Well, Ma'am, I can't help sayin' 'twas a deed o' charity. Just a clean,
+simon-pure piece of charity. Yes, Ma'am, that's what it was, and you can
+bite that off an' chew it."
+
+Mrs. Ford smiled. She was always delighted to hear of her husband's
+generous deeds but rarely heard of them from himself. Also, she had
+supposed that the purchase of San Leon had been a recent one and was
+amazed now to learn it had been owned by Mr. Ford for several years. Not
+as it then was, for no improvements had been made to the home-piece till
+after he had found her that last winter in San Diego. Then, at once,
+preparations had been made for this home-coming, with the result of all
+the beauty that now greeted her eyes.
+
+"Tell us, Lemuel. I'm anxious to hear."
+
+Lem switched some hay from a wagon seat, that stood upon the ground, and
+motioned the lady to be seated. The youngsters grouped about her, Lem
+cut off a fresh "chaw," rubbed his hands and began. He stood with legs
+far apart, arms folded, an old sombrero pushed back on his head, a
+riding crop in hand, and an air of a king. Was he not a free-born
+American citizen, as good as could be found in all the country? Lemuel
+adored his "Boss" but he had not learned the manners which that "Boss"
+would have approved in the presence of the Gray Lady; who, by the way,
+was never more truly the "Lady" than in her intercourse then, and
+always, with the toilers at San Leon.
+
+"Well, sir, Ma'am, I mean--'twas really a deed o' gift. There was
+another railroader, rich once, done somethin' he hadn't ought to. I
+don't rightly know what that was. The Boss never told, course, and it
+never leaked out otherwise. That's no more here nor there. But he, the
+other feller, had his bottom dollar into S' Leon, and some dollars 't
+wasn't his 'n. He was countin' on this range bein' chock full o' silver
+an' he'd wheedled the rest to takin' his word for it. Silver? Not on
+your life. The sheriffs got after him. He hadn't a friend in the world.
+He lit out a-foot and got as far as Denver city an' aboard a train.
+Leastwise, under a baggage car, stealin' a ride. Course he got hurt.
+Happened the Boss, he was on hand. He's a way of bein' when other folks
+is in trouble. Heard the feller's story. Had knowed him out east and
+'lowed he was more fool than knave. Long-short was--S' Leon swopped
+owners. The first named had had to take his medicine an' I've been told
+he took it like a little man. The Boss paid in full, on condition 't all
+hands round got their level dues. Atterwards, the Boss made this a
+dumpin'-ground for all the down-in-the-world unfortunates he knew.
+
+"The doctor's one. He was just dyin' back yonder, same as Miss
+Melton. Doc, he took the place o' book-keeper, sort o' manager--I
+claim to be that myself--but to do anything needed. The's always
+somebody gettin' broke, legs, an' arms, and such. But as for gineral
+sickness, why there ain't never been none o' that to San Leon. No
+wonder that Dan Ford's a prosperous man! He lives his religion--he
+ain't no preachin'-no-practice-sky-pilot, the Boss, he ain't.
+
+"Ma'am? Like to see where the boys hang out? Well, come along. If things
+ain't the way I'd like to have 'em, you c'n allow 't I'm the only one's
+been in the ranks. Yes, Ma'am. I have that. Used to belong to a crack
+comp'ny out home and was one the picked men to shoot at Seagirt, New
+Jarsey. The National Rifle Range, Ma'am, as maybe you know. I've scored
+highest, more 'n once. That's how I come to sort o' set up in business
+out here. Shootin' an' hosses; them's my business; and every tenderfoot
+strikes S' Leon comes under my teachin' first or last."
+
+With that remark he cast a critical eye upon the assembled young folks
+and noted the kindling gleam of seven pairs of eyes. Only Jim Barlow's
+blue orbs were missing; but, of course, that nurse or doctor had made
+him stay in bed, which was a shame, the others thought, and Dorothy
+loyally expressed:
+
+"Course! That's one the things we're all wild to do--learn to handle a
+rifle. But don't let's begin till Jim gets well."
+
+A curious expression passed over Mrs. Ford's face. She was the only one
+present who knew of Jim's midnight escape. The knowledge had almost
+miraculously been kept from Lemuel and by the master's express orders.
+Whatever that talkative ranchman knew, all the world knew, as fast as
+his tongue could tell it.
+
+All had been so quiet in the sick room that the nurse had supposed her
+patient fallen asleep; and it was not till daybreak that she discovered
+his absence. She had immediately informed Dr. Jones, and he, in turn,
+the "Boss," who understanding the shy nature of the truant and knowing
+how he would dislike to be talked about, had instituted a quiet but
+thorough search. Only the trustiest men had been set upon this search,
+Mr. Ford taking the most active part in it. By his request the matter
+had been kept from his young guests, also; and they were to be made as
+happy as possible in their ignorance. As he said to Lady Gray, before
+leaving her:
+
+"Of course, we shall find him in a very little while. He can't have gone
+far afield, and we'll have him back in bed before any of those
+youngsters get wind of his performance. Nurse says he was flighty and
+feverish and I don't wonder. Doctor claims he'd rather have had a clean,
+sharp break to mend than all those bruised and torn ligaments. However,
+don't you worry. This party is going to be a success--don't doubt. Sorry
+to leave you with seven young folks on your hands--a little world in
+themselves, of varying ideas and wills. They can easily spend this first
+half-day in inspecting the ranch and, if they're as healthy and happy as
+they seem, will be too interested to give much thought to Master James.
+Good-by, don't worry."
+
+However, although they felt it would be well to wait for the injured Jim
+before beginning their lessons in shooting, Lemuel himself took the
+matter out of their hands, explaining:
+
+"I've lived long enough to know there ain't never but one time to do one
+thing, an' that if a feller don't snatch it then, afore it gets out o'
+reach, he'll be sorry forever atterwards. We'll go inspect the boys'
+quarters first hand. That's a part o' my business, anyway. Makes 'em
+mad, sometimes, but it's for their good. Nothin' like the army for
+trainin' folks right, an' so I tell 'em. Get jawed for it a pretty
+consid'able, but Lemuel G. W. Hunt--I'm named for the Father of my
+Country, Ma'am--Lemuel G. W. Hunt always does his duty, let come what
+follers atterwards. Right this way, Ma'am. Hep, hep, hep, right face!"
+
+The odd fellow led off with a military step and catching his humor the
+boys did likewise. Then, the girls laughed and marched, Herbert
+gallantly escorting Mrs. Ford, as the eighth of the little "Company A,"
+as Leslie immediately named the new "awkward squad."
+
+"And I say, Lem, it'll be just rippin' if you'll drill us in regular
+'tactics.' Once a day, anyhow. I'll get Dad to furnish the uniforms and
+it'll be a help because, you know, I'm bound for West Point sometime,"
+cried Leslie.
+
+Lady Gray's face resumed its look of anxiety that had passed for a
+moment, listening to Lemuel's talk. This West Point ambition of her
+son's was a sore subject with her, though his great desire for a
+military life had never been hidden from her.
+
+"If I can pass the physical exam., and the book one--either," he added,
+with a grimace.
+
+"Well, you'll have to know a power more 'n you do now, if you get into
+that place," said truthful Alfy. "I've heard Mis' Judge Satterlee,
+up-mounting, tell 't her boy near studied his head off, an' then got
+shut out. It's a terrible fine thing, though, if a body could. Why,
+up-mounting, we can hear the bands playin', guns firin', and Dolly
+there, she's seen 'em drill. Seen the battery-drill, she called it, and
+didn't guess how in the world them gray-coated boys could hop
+on-an'-off their gun wagons like they did. When I get home, I mean to go
+over to the Point myself and see 'em. If you should be there I'd take
+you something to eat."
+
+Leslie was now much more interested in hearing about the place of his
+dreams than in the present inspection of San Leon; and encouraged by
+this Alfaretta made Dolly tell how she and Molly had once visited the
+Academy and Molly's cadet cousin, Tom Hungerford.
+
+Molly interrupted the narrative with frequent comments and they all
+paused at the entrance to the Barracks, as Lemuel had named the long
+building of the workmen, while the story was told. Lemuel and Leslie
+were the most eager listeners, both faces alight with enthusiasm, as the
+two girls described their day at the military school.
+
+"Tom got leave off, to show us around, and Aunt Betty with Mrs.
+Hungerford--"
+
+"That's Aunt Lucretia, Tom's mother," explained Molly.
+
+"You tell it, Molly. You can do it better," urged Dorothy.
+
+"All right. I'd rather. Well, we went down in the morning early, on the
+boat, to be in time for early drill. It was summer time and the darling
+cadets were all in their white uniforms, fresh as daisies. Do you know
+those poor lambs have to change their white suits every day? Some
+oftener, if they get a single speck of dirt on them. Their laundry
+bills are something terrible. Terrible! poor dears!"
+
+Lady Gray laughed at the girl's sympathy with the afflicted young
+soldiers, and Dolly took up the tale again:
+
+"Well, they needn't worry. The Government pays for it, really. They just
+get a little salary each month and their expenses come out of that.
+Whatever else they have their own people give them. But, anyway, it was
+just lovely. If I were a boy and didn't want to be a great scientist,
+like Jim does, or a banker like Monty, or--or anything else, I'd be an
+army man."
+
+"Bother what you'd be, Dolly. You're only a girl. Go on with the story,"
+said impatient Leslie, while Lemuel nodded his head in satisfaction.
+Talk of soldiering touched the warmest spot in the old sharpshooter's
+heart. "Do hurry up."
+
+"Why, after all, there isn't much to tell--"
+
+"But there is," cried Molly. "About the luncheon in the church. Listen.
+We went everywhere about the grounds, saw the riding-school, the
+mess-room, the dancing-hall and all, a lot of places. Oh! yes, the
+library, too. Then it got noon and hungry-time and we'd brought an
+elegant lunch. Cold chicken and sardines and sandwiches and early
+peaches--the nicest we could get, and Tom's 'leave' gave him a chance to
+eat it with us. We asked him where we could and he thought a minute,
+then said in the church. Aunty Lu thought that was dreadful, to eat in a
+church! But Tom said it was the only place on the Point where we
+wouldn't be stared at by others. Folks were everywhere else; cadets and
+visitors--and oh! It was so pretty. All the white tents on the campus
+and the darling boys walking about in their white--"
+
+"Nighties?" suggested Monty, maliciously. It had been an ambition of his
+own to enter the Academy; but his being under age, his size--and several
+other good reasons, including his utter want of fitness in the matter of
+book learning--had prevented the realization of this fine dream. His
+failure had rendered him skeptical of the charms of the famous
+institution, and he now always mentioned it as a place quite beneath his
+own notice.
+
+The story promised to be a long one and Lemuel thoughtfully produced a
+chair and placed it for Mrs. Ford's use. Her eyes were on Leslie's
+interested face and she would gladly have postponed the recital; for,
+even more than the disgruntled Monty, she disliked the very name of West
+Point. However, in this matter, as in many future ones, her own fancy
+was to be set aside by the eagerness of her young guests. So Dorothy
+went on:
+
+"There wasn't anybody else in the church except ourselves. A few
+visitors came to the door and peeped in, to see a famous painting over
+the chancel, but finding us there went away again. That old church is so
+interesting! Tablets to famous generals everywhere--"
+
+"This isn't a history lesson! Go on with the story!" cried Herbert, who
+was so familiar with West Point that he desired no fresh description.
+
+Molly made him a little mocking face and herself took up the tale:
+
+"Well, we had our dinners there, sitting in some of the front pews, and
+the way Tom walked into that fried chicken and things would make you
+open your eyes. We were all hungry, course, after so early a breakfast,
+and the sail down, and all; but Tom was simply ravenous. He was so
+hungry he took away our own appetites, just watching. When he'd eaten
+all he could there was still a lot of stuff left; and Mrs. Calvert asked
+him if he knew any place where we could dispose of it; a garbage can,
+she meant, or some waste-box.
+
+"Tom said yes he did, and if she'd excuse him he'd show her. It was what
+he called 'slumgudgeon day.' 'Slumgudgeon' is a kind of stew made up of
+the leavings of lots of other meals and the poor, darling cadets just
+hate it. He said 'cold victuals' never came in as handy as ours did
+then. So he unbuttoned his jacket, that fitted him as if he'd been
+melted into it, and began to pad himself out with the leavings. Cake and
+chickens, pickles and sardines, boiled eggs and fruit--you never saw
+such a mess! And the way he packed it in, so as to keep an even sort of
+front, was a caution. You know the poor dears have no pockets in their
+uniforms. Not allowed. So that was the only way he could take it. He
+wanted to share it with his cronies after we'd gone and told Aunty Lu
+that it would have been a perfectly wicked shame to have thrown it away,
+when it would do him so much good. Oh! we had a glorious time. I do just
+love West Point--"
+
+"The cadets, you mean! I never saw a girl that liked the boys so well
+as you do, Molly Breckenridge. But I s'pose you can't help it. If 't
+wasn't for that you'd be just splendid, and _they_ don't seem to
+mind--much--anyway," remarked Alfaretta, beaming upon pretty Molly
+with loving smiles. Molly's liking for "boys" seemed to honest,
+sensible Alfy the one flaw in an otherwise lovely character.
+
+But Molly tossed her sunny head and laughed. Also, she flashed a
+mischievous glance into all the boyish faces turned toward her and on
+every one she saw a similar liking and admiration of herself. She was
+quite satisfied, was Jolly Molly.
+
+"Now, if we are to 'inspect' the 'Barracks,' isn't it time? So that we
+can get back to the house by the time James Barlow is ready to see us. I
+suppose the doctor won't keep him in bed all day; do you, Mrs. Ford?"
+said Helena Montaigne.
+
+She had already learned that the Gray Lady was bitterly opposed to
+Leslie's plans for the future and wanted to put aside the unfortunate
+subject of West Point. To her surprise, instead of lightening, the
+lady's face grew still more troubled, as she turned to scan the
+landscape behind her with a piercing gaze.
+
+"That story was just rippin'! When I get to the Point the first place I
+shall go to see will be that church! Hear me, Dorothy Doodles?" demanded
+Leslie, catching her hand and swinging it lightly as he led her forward
+into the first room Lemuel had opened. "Will you come over there and
+bring me just another such a luncheon, girlie?"
+
+"Well, yes. I don't like to promise things but I guess this is safe
+enough. When you get there--_when you get there_--I'll come, and you
+shall have the finest dinner Alfy and I can cook. We'll do it all by
+ourselves--_when you get there to eat it_!"
+
+"Oh! I'll be there, never fear. My! isn't this rippin'? How does the old
+soldier make the men keep such order, I wonder! Lem Hunt must be as
+great a martinet as he is talker. Look at him."
+
+The ranchman was in his element. He had long before marshalled the
+entire working force of San Leon into a "regiment." Any newcomer who
+declined to join it was promptly "left out in the cold." The "soldiers"
+were jolly company for themselves and none at all for any outsider who
+refused to obey the unwritten laws which honest old Lem had laid down
+for their benefit. "Captain Lem" was the neatest man of all, but he
+required the rest to come as near his standard as the disadvantages of
+previous bad training permitted.
+
+Now, in imitation of that West Point discipline he admired, he had
+pulled from his pocket a white linen handkerchief and was passing
+it gently but firmly over the few simple furnishings of this first
+apartment in the long row. It belonged to Silent Pete, just then engaged
+breaking to harness a spirited colt, exercising it around and around the
+smooth driveways of the "home piece." He was not so far away that he
+could not perfectly see what was going on at the "Barracks," and even at
+that distance his grizzled cheek flushed. He had risen late and been
+remiss in his room-cleaning. He hoped old Lem would forget to mention
+who was the occupant of that cell-like place, and, for once, he did.
+
+There was dust on the chest of drawers which held Peter's belongings,
+the cot was just as he had crawled out of it at daybreak, a horsewhip
+and blankets littered the floor, and the "Martinet" was so ashamed of
+the whole appearance of things that, after one hasty test with the
+handkerchief, he withdrew carrying the company with him. Yet, before
+leaving, he had drawn a piece of chalk from the band of his sombrero
+and made a big cross upon the dusty chest. Silent Pete would know what
+that meant: mounting guard for three nights to come! and a grim smile
+twisted Lemuel's lips, reflecting what that meant to one of his "Squad."
+
+The visitors had smiled, too, but with amusement at this odd old
+ranchman's discipline; and Monty had whispered:
+
+"What makes 'em put up with it? What right has he to order them around?"
+
+But Leslie, the young master of San Leon, was as much in the dark as any
+other stranger, and could only answer:
+
+"Suppose it's because he's a leader. Born that way, just as my father
+was, though it's a different way, of course. Otherwise, I can't guess.
+But I'm wild to get at the shooting lessons. I hope the rest of you are,
+too. The first step to becoming a real 'wild westerner' is to know how
+to handle the 'irons.' He's rippin', Lem is. But come on. He's getting
+away from us. I wish poor old Jim was here. It's a pity anybody has to
+be sick in such a place as this. I tell you, boys, I was never so proud
+of Dad as I am now, when I look around and see what a ranch he's
+got--earned--right out of his own head-piece! I don't see where he is! I
+wish he was here. I'd ask him about those uniforms and I'd get him to
+let old Lem off every other duty, just to teach us. Dad's a sort of
+sharpshooter himself. Once he--No matter. That story'll keep. Lady Gray
+is calling us."
+
+They had lingered to inspect some of the ranchmen's belongings, as they
+passed from room to room, Lady Gray and the girls going forward in
+Lemuel's company. She was beckoning her son and asked, as he came
+running up:
+
+"Please go across the lawn and ask Miss Milliken to join us. She went to
+her room to write letters, immediately after breakfast, but I see she's
+come out now and I don't want her to feel lonely nor neglected."
+
+Leslie darted away, but returned again to say:
+
+"She doesn't want to come, just now. She wants Jim Barlow. Says she went
+to his room but the nurse said he wasn't in. Jim knows about some books
+she wants to send for, when the mail-bag is sent out. Do you know where
+he is? Or father? 'Tisn't half-fun, this inspection of San Leon without
+Dad here to tell us things. I haven't seen him this morning, any more
+than I have Jim. Do you know where they are?"
+
+Poor Lady Gray was not much better at keeping secrets than old Lemuel
+was. She had had to put a great constraint upon herself not to reveal
+the anxiety which consumed her. Hours had now passed since Mr. Ford had
+ridden away, with a couple of men attending him. All the other men not
+absolutely required to look after the place had been despatched to
+search on foot. Their long-delayed return seemed to prove the matter of
+the sick boy's disappearance a more serious one than at first imagined.
+Her answer was a sudden wringing of her white hands and the tremulous
+cry:
+
+"No, no, I don't. Pray God, no tragedy marks the opening of our home!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A RIFLE PRACTICE
+
+
+"Mother, what do you mean? Don't turn so white and do speak! What
+'tragedy' could have happened up here in this lovely place?" demanded
+Leslie, putting his arm around the lady's shoulders and wondering if she
+had suddenly become ill. She was slender but had never complained of any
+weakness, nor shown the least fatigue during her long care of him at San
+Diego. Since then, she had been like a happy girl with him and his
+father but something was amiss with her now.
+
+In a moment she had calmed herself and was already blaming herself for
+her disobedience to her husband's request for silence. However, this
+last matter was a small one; for, if the missing lad was not soon found,
+all would have to know it. Indeed, it might be better that they did so
+now. They knew him better than his hosts did and possibly might give a
+clue to his whereabouts. So she told them all she knew, and the surmise
+that he had wandered away in a fit of delirium. The very telling
+restored her own courage, and, as yet, there was little fear showing
+upon the faces of her young guests.
+
+Except on Dorothy's. Her brown eyes were staring wide and all the pretty
+color of her cheeks had faded. As if she saw a vision the others could
+not she stood clasping and unclasping her hands, and utterly sick at
+heart for the loss of her early friend. Longer than she had known any of
+these here about her she had known poor Jim. He had saved her life, or
+she believed so, in her childhood that now seemed far away. But for Jim,
+the poorhouse boy, she had never escaped from Mrs. Stott's truck-farm
+when she had been kidnapped and hidden there. He had stood by her in all
+her little troubles, had praised and scolded her, and known her through
+and through. It was her talk about him which had made Mr. Ford invite
+him to San Leon--to his death, maybe.
+
+That thought was too much. Clinching her small hands and stamping her
+little foot she defied even death to hurt poor Jim, good Jim, brainy
+Jim, who was to astonish the world some day by his wisdom!
+
+"Oh! If you'd only have told me before! I would have had him found long,
+long ago! To think of that poor fellow wandering around alone, sick,
+crazy, suffering--not knowing where he was or what he was doing! And we
+strolling around, looking at old 'Barracks' and things, and telling
+silly stories of silly picnics! It was cruel, cruel! Come, Alfy. You
+like him, too. You don't look down on my poor boy--you come and help me
+find him!"
+
+She seized her old friend's hand and ran toward the house, which now
+looked anything save beautiful in her sight; and, turning, she saw the
+lake, gleaming in the noonday sun as it gleamed in the red rays of
+sunset with Jim there to admire it.
+
+"The lake! He's drowned! That's where he is, our Jim! In the bottom of
+that horrible lake!"
+
+Catching Alfaretta's hand more firmly she drew that frightened girl
+along with her to the edge of the pond and to a little boat that was
+moored there. Both lake and boat were merely toylike in proportion and
+the bottom of the pond was pebble-strewn and plainly visible through the
+clear, shallow water.
+
+"He ain't--he--ain't--he can't--you could see--him--He isn't--Oh! Dolly,
+Dolly Doodles! I'm sick! It makes me feel terrible queer!" wailed
+Alfaretta. "But Jim can't--Jim can't be drowned! _He can't!_"
+
+"Yes he can, too. Shut up. Help me untie that rope. Get in. Take an oar.
+Row--row, I tell you," snapped Dorothy, distraught.
+
+"I can't. I dassent! I never touched to row an oar in my life. Not in my
+whole life long, and--I--I shan't do it now!" retorted the mountaineer
+with equal crispness.
+
+But she had no need to try. The whole party had followed Dorothy to the
+water's edge and had divined her intent. Not one believed that Jim was
+drowned, though they could have given no good reason for this disbelief.
+Only that was too horrible. Such a thing would not have been permitted!
+Yet Herbert, as the best oarsman there and also as the loyal friend of
+the missing lad, assumed the place Alfy would not take. Without a word
+he did what Dorothy desired. He slipped the painter from its post,
+helped the girl to take her seat in the little "Dorothy," even smiling
+as he observed that it had been named for her, and quietly pushed out
+from shore.
+
+It was just as Alfy had said: the bottom of the lake was clearly visible
+everywhere, and no frightful object marred its beauty. Dorothy was
+utterly quiet now but her searching gaze never lifted from the water, as
+Herbert patiently rowed around and around. The group on the bank waited
+also in silence, though certain after that first circuit of the pond
+that Jim was not there.
+
+When they had gone around several times, and had crossed and
+criss-crossed in obedience to Dorothy's nod, Herbert brought the boat
+back to the little landing and helped Dorothy out.
+
+"He isn't there, Gray Lady. May I go to the doctor?"
+
+"Surely. I'll go with you. And don't look so tragic, darling. The boy
+will certainly be found. There will nothing else be done at San Leon
+until he is. Both my husband and myself agree on that point--that Jim
+Barlow's safety is our first consideration. He will probably be found
+near at hand, although--"
+
+"Hasn't he been looked for 'near at hand,' then, dear Gray Lady?"
+
+"Certainly. At the beginning. We didn't think he could have wandered
+far, yet when they failed to find him on the home-grounds, the searchers
+spread out in all directions. Here is the doctor coming now, if you wish
+to speak with him."
+
+"Thank you, I do."
+
+The gentleman came toward them and Dorothy ran to meet him.
+
+"Oh! sir, have you found him?"
+
+A negative shake of the head answered her. Then she plied him with all
+sorts of questions: how long could a sick boy live exposed to the night
+air, as Jim had been; without food or medicine; and couldn't he think of
+some place that nobody else had searched, so she might go and try it?
+
+He laid his hand upon her head and gently asked:
+
+"Was he your brother, little girl?"
+
+"No. I haven't any brother. I haven't anybody but Jim, that has known me
+always, seems if, and--and dear Doctor, won't you please, please find
+him?"
+
+Clasping her hands about his arm she looked up piteously into his face,
+and his own grew pitiful as he answered:
+
+"I will do my utmost. What I hope is that he will wander back, of his
+own will, just as he wandered away. Be sure I shall keep a sharp
+lookout, but it is Mr. Ford's wish that I do not leave the home-place
+till--at present. If he is found, I mean _when_ he is found, he will
+need my care and it wouldn't do for me to be away then. Else I should
+have gone out with one of the searching parties."
+
+That "when he is found" was reassuring. Evidently, the doctor expected
+the speedy return of the lad and all were relieved, even Dorothy.
+Alfaretta expressed her own feeling by saying:
+
+"Out here in this Colorado, seems if there wasn't anything but folks
+gettin' lost and other folks searching for 'em. I never heard anything
+like it," she finished with a sigh.
+
+The sigh was echoed by all the rest; then Mrs. Ford suggested:
+
+"Let us have luncheon now, then call on Lemuel to give us our first
+lesson in rifle-firing." She assumed a cheerfulness she did not really
+feel, but felt that the happiness of so many should not be spoiled by
+the absence of one.
+
+"Oh! Lady Gray, will you practice with us?" asked Leslie, eagerly.
+
+"To be sure. I'm going to 'play pretend,' as children say, that I'm
+just as young as any of you. In my busy life I've not had much time for
+'playing' but I mean to make up for lost time. Come, I'm sure that Wun
+Sing has made something nice for us. He--"
+
+"Wun Sing! _Wun Sing?_ Why that was the name of Aunt Betty's cook at _El
+Paraiso_! How odd that yours should have the same name!" exclaimed
+Dorothy, forgetting her troubles for the moment.
+
+"Not so odd, dearie, because it is the same man. He came to Mr. Ford one
+day while we were still in San Diego and confessed his regret for his
+behavior at Mrs. Calvert's home. And my good Daniel can never turn his
+back upon any penitent; so the result is the Chinaman reigns in our
+kitchen here. Doubtless he'll be pleased to see Alfaretta who taught him
+so many fine dishes."
+
+"Oh! good! May we go see him, Mrs. Ford?" demanded that young person,
+eager not only to see Wun Sing because he was one more familiar
+acquaintance but because she wished to settle a few old scores. "I'm so
+glad! I'll make him toe the mark here, see if I don't. Come on, Dolly
+Doodles, he's an old friend of yours, too."
+
+Alfy's eagerness infected even anxious Dorothy and gave an agreeable
+turn to the thoughts of all. So, at a nod of consent, the girls sped
+along the cloister, seeking the great kitchen and the salaaming
+grinning Chinaman within it.
+
+"Oh! how good you look, Wunny! Same old purple sack! same old shoes;
+same old twisted cue around your same old shiny black head! Same old
+nasty messes cooking! and same old Alfaretta to get after you with a
+sharp stick!" cried Leslie bursting in with all the others.
+
+Even Dorothy was laughing now, Jim quite forgot, while the cook held
+such a reception as had never been his before. Leslie went through some
+formal introductions, beginning with the lady of the mansion and ending
+with Miss Milliken, who had followed unseen till now.
+
+Wun Sing's back must have ached, so often and so low he bowed, while his
+tongue mumbled compliments to the most gracious and honorable visitors;
+but a look of real delight was on his swarthy face and one of great
+affection for smiling Alfaretta.
+
+"My heart! Ain't it just grand to find an old friend up here on the
+mountains! I declare, it does beat the Dutch!" and to this, her
+expression of greatest wonderment, Leslie added his own:
+
+"Just downright rippin'! He's worth all he costs just to make our Dolly
+forget that horrid Jim Barlow. I can't forgive him for running away and
+stirring up all this mess, sending Dad off on a tiresome ride and
+spoiling sport this way. He was good enough, I'd have treated him
+decent, all right, but I wish now he'd never been heard of."
+
+But the most of this was whispered in his mother's ear, as he stood
+beside her, his hand upon her shoulder, in that familiar, loving
+attitude which always made her so happy.
+
+Then she demanded of the proud _chef_ how soon he could have lunch
+ready, and he replied with another gesture of profound respect:
+
+"Light away, this instlant! By my honorable forefathers it is fittee for
+the most bleautiful!"
+
+Then he bowed them out of the place and they wandered to the pretty room
+where the meal would be served, and which because of its simple,
+cloister-like effect, Helena at once named "The Refectory."
+
+It had been a trifling incident, but it had had a happy effect. All
+tongues were talking now, planning, anticipating, wondering over the
+things they meant to do and to learn; while a man was sent across to the
+"Barracks" to tell Lemuel that they would like to begin their rifle
+lessons that afternoon.
+
+Mrs. Ford suggested naps for everybody, on account of their previous
+long journeys but none wished to sleep just then.
+
+"How can anybody be tired in this glorious air?" asked Helena, burying
+her nose in a beautiful bunch of wild flowers somebody had placed beside
+her plate.
+
+Even Miss Milliken was wide awake now and as happy as she ever could be
+anywhere. Her one complaint was that it was "so far from civilization."
+
+"But you knew that, Milly, before you came. Mamma stated everything to
+you as plainly as could be. You knew you were going to an isolated ranch
+on a mountain, so how could you expect daily papers, visitors, and such
+things? You've always said you loved quiet and, now you've got it, do be
+satisfied," begged Helena. She was really fond of the nervous little
+governess but sometimes lost patience with her.
+
+"Yes, dear, but suppose--suppose something happened? Illness at home, or
+something serious."
+
+Lady Gray gently interposed, and made, also, her little speech. It was
+her first and last advice, or request, to her guests and most of them
+were impressed by it.
+
+"Dear Miss Milliken, don't be troubled by 'being so far from
+civilization.' You aren't that, at all. My husband has brought
+civilization with him. I am amazed at all he has accomplished. We have a
+telegraph line--that he found necessary for his business, but that can
+be used by any of us. Bad news travels fast. Be sure if 'anything
+happens' we shall hear of it all too soon. And now I have but one
+suggestion to make for our life together, and I mean to apply it to
+myself first of all. It is: Let us put everything unpleasant under our
+feet, as far as possible, and each do his and her share to make this a
+wholly joyous summer. I'm inclined to 'worry' and it's a most
+unfortunate inclination. This is the first time I have had a chance to
+make a 'home' for Daniel and Leslie and I want it to be perfect. Will
+you all help me? Will you all take my dear husband's words for a summer
+text and make life at this dear San Leon a synonym of 'Peace and Good
+Will'?"
+
+Lady Gray's beautiful face was very earnest, there was even a suspicion
+of tears in her long-lashed eyes, but they did not fall, and, after a
+moment's silence, Leslie sprang to his feet with a:
+
+"Hip, hip, hurra, for the Gray Lady and her maiden speech! All in favor
+of following her lead, say 'Aye'!"
+
+All the company rose and the deafening "Ayes" which those young throats
+emitted were as flattering as confusing to the "speech" maker. Then she
+waved them back to their chairs and Wun Sing's perfection lunch was
+served.
+
+Of course they all missed their jolly host, and their hearts were still
+troubled because of the missing Jim; but each strove with the other to
+keep these feelings out of sight. This was hardest for Dorothy, who
+guessed that the lady's suggestion was meant for her most of all; yet
+she bravely tried to smile at every witticism made by her mates and to
+respond in sort as far as she could. They had been a little company of
+eight and because one was away should the seven be made to suffer? She
+would try not, and contented herself with one final question, as the
+hostess rose from the table and, the others hurrying "Barracks"-ward,
+she could whisper:
+
+"Even if they don't find my poor boy right away, you won't let them give
+up looking, will you, dearest Gray Lady?"
+
+Mrs. Ford drew the child close into her arms and kissed her tenderly:
+
+"Don't fear that, for a moment, darling. As if James Barlow were our own
+Leslie, the search for him would never be given up till he were found.
+Scouts will be looking for him everywhere; though, of course he's sure
+to be found near home and soon. Now, my dear little girl, shorten up
+that long face and trust to older heads to do the right thing. Your
+business now, as it has always seemed to be, is to make your playmates
+happy. Jim shall be found; and soon--I do believe. You've heard the men
+say that whatever 'Dan Ford, Railroad Boss' undertook he accomplished.
+Now let's put that matter aside and learn how to handle a rifle."
+
+"Captain Lem" had made great preparations for his "shooting school." He
+had called upon his own company, as far as he could find it, to help
+him. Most of the "boys" had gone searching, but the few who were left
+soon had a row of benches set out, a target placed, and the finest guns
+available stacked in readiness. It was really a very business like
+arrangement and the would-be students soon found Lemuel's rule was
+business only. For the boys he had placed arm-rests and they were to
+fire from the ground, aided by these slight supports.
+
+"The females can stand and shoot, on account o' their petticoats
+worryin' 'em, lyin'. An' as I can't do nothin' unless it's by rule an'
+rod, I lay it this way: Mrs. Ford, bein' she's the eldest--though she
+don't look it, Ma'am!--she'll begin. Nobody can have more 'n two tries
+to a round. Then Number Two takes it. The schoolma'am next, an' mebbe I
+mistook in that matter of age. But that's not here nor there. Mrs. Ford,
+Number One; the schoolma'am, Two; the rest the females follerin' in
+order. Then the boys. One, two, three--attention! Step right here, lady,
+and I'll show you the first position--how to hold your rifle."
+
+Captain Lem had put on a rusty uniform, a relic of former grandeur "back
+home," and carried his bent shoulders with a military precision that
+quite transformed him. He gave Gray Lady a salute, moved forward and
+placed her "in position" and handed her the rifle.
+
+"Hold it just this way, scholar, and sight your bull's-eye. Keep your
+eye on that, allowin' for a little play in the carryin', and now--pull
+your trigger--let her go!"
+
+Mrs. Ford obeyed, or thought she did. The result was that the gun
+kicked, she screamed, and threw it as far from her as she could. What
+became of the bullet she never knew, but she firmly declined any further
+lessons in the fine art of sharpshooting.
+
+"Look at Lem's face!" whispered Herbert to Molly who giggled and
+returned:
+
+"Wait till it comes my turn, I'll show him something!"
+
+The Captain, as they henceforth called him tried to hide his look of
+disgust by turning his back upon the group, and asking in a sarcastic
+tone:
+
+"Any more females want to take a try? The schoolma'am lady, for
+instance?"
+
+She ignored his question and sat down by her hostess to soothe that now
+abashed person for her failure. Captain Lem had withered even the lady
+of the ranch by his contempt.
+
+"Helena next!" cried Molly, fairly dancing about in her impatience.
+
+So Helena tried and made out fairly well. That is she succeeded in
+keeping the rifle in hand, she did not scream at the discharge, and she
+came within a hundred feet of the target. The lads applauded, noisily,
+and she mocked back at their pretended admiration, though she made one
+effort only and subsided on the bench beside the ladies.
+
+"All the same it's wonderfully exciting! And I mean to try again,
+to-morrow, if they'll let me," she remarked.
+
+"Let some of the boys try before we do, so we can see how it's done. Or
+you, Captain Hunt, you show us!" begged Molly.
+
+This was what he had waited for. With a strut he marched across the
+space between them and the target and carried that much further back. He
+longed for a target bearing an arrangement of letters that he could hit
+and cause to disappear, as at his boasted Seagirt, instead of a plain
+affair such as this he had to use.
+
+Strutting back to them he lay down, wriggled himself into position,
+muttered something about the sun in his eyes, hemmed and hawed, took
+final aim and--let her go!
+
+But she didn't go--not in the least. All unconsciously, he had taken an
+unloaded piece!
+
+There was no strut left in him as he rose to his feet, rather slowly,
+and faced his laughing audience; but he rallied after a moment and
+good-naturedly joined in the laugh against himself.
+
+However, discipline was over for that lesson. Without regard to any
+rules the youngsters rushed to the stack and took whatever gun was
+fancied. Then began an indiscriminate firing till Mrs. Ford grew
+frightened and implored them to stop. They did so, all but Alfaretta and
+Molly, who had both been fascinated by the sport and felt sure that
+they could hit the bull's-eye--which nobody else had done.
+
+"Come on, Alfy! Let's get down on our tummy, same's all marksmen do,
+let's!"
+
+Down they flung themselves and now, as eager for their success as they
+were, old Lem handed each a fresh rifle and sang out:
+
+"Let her go! A silver dollar to the gal that wins!"
+
+They fired--and the unexpected happened. Alfaretta's untaught hands
+succeeded where greater skill had failed. Her bullet went straight into
+the bull's-eye, into its very centre.
+
+"By the Great Horned Spoon! What an eye you've got, child of mortality!
+Why I couldn't ha' done better myself! Glory be!" shouted the excited
+ranchman, fairly dancing in his pride and glee. Then he helped Alfy up
+from the ground, where she still lay, wondering at the excitement about
+her, and peered critically into her blue orbs.
+
+"However could you see it? That fur away?"
+
+"Why--why, I didn't see it at all. I got scared and shut my eyes when I
+pulled that thing on it!"
+
+Captain Lem staggered as if he had been hit instead of the target and
+softly marvelled:
+
+"Such--dum--luck! She done it--with her eyes--shut!
+She--done--it--with--her--eyes--shut! Somebody take me out and lay me
+down. I'm beat."
+
+His ludicrous manner amused the others but frightened the too successful
+Alfaretta. Also, her attention was claimed by Molly's expression. That
+ambitious young person was looking very white about the lips, and was
+clasping and unclasping her hands in evident distress.
+
+"Molly, what's the matter?" cried Alfy, shaking her partner in the
+affair.
+
+Molly lifted one shaking finger and pointed into the distance:
+
+"I--I hit something, too!"
+
+Other eyes than Alfy's followed the pointing finger and a groan of
+horror burst from more than one throat.
+
+Indeed, and all too surely, Molly had "hit something, too!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A CONCERT IN THE MOONLIGHT
+
+
+Night fell on San Leon; and the searching party which had gone out in
+the morning, sure of prompt success, returned tired and dispirited. But
+their places were immediately taken by fresh recruits, Mr. Ford
+announcing that the matter would not be dropped, night or day, until all
+hope had to be given up.
+
+Except that Jim's clothes had been left in his room it might have seemed
+that the lad had run away, feeling himself out of place at San Leon. But
+the folded garments placed on the chair beside his empty bed told a
+different tale.
+
+"No, he has wandered off unknowing what he did. Well, when he comes back
+he shall find his place ready for him and the warmest of welcomes
+waiting. While we have tried--and will still--to visit every cabin and
+ranch within reasonable reach, there are many such little shacks dropped
+here and there among the mountains; and we have probably overlooked the
+one in which he is sheltered. Open hospitality is a feature of the west.
+Anybody who comes across the boy will be good to him. Now, let's have a
+little music and then to bed. A whole day in the saddle tires me, though
+I'm bound to get used to it yet, and so shall all of you. Come, Erminie,
+give me a song; and Dorothy dear, get out your violin."
+
+Thus said Mr. Ford, when their evening dinner had been enjoyed and they
+had all gone out to sit upon the wide veranda, the moonlight flooding
+the beautiful grounds, and the soft spring air playing about them.
+
+Dorothy felt that she could not play a note, and even Alfaretta was
+quietly crying in the retired corner she had sought, in the shadow of a
+pillar. But Mrs. Ford at once obeyed her husband's wish, and as her
+wonderful voice floated over them it banished every thought save the
+delight of listening.
+
+The "boys" came over from their "Barracks" and sprawled on the grass,
+entranced. Hitherto, their life on the ranch had been one of toil,
+lightened by sports almost as rough, with the evening diversion of
+swopping stories over their pipes. They hadn't been greatly pleased at
+the prospect of a lot of strangers living so near them, but already all
+that was changed; and though they didn't know, till Lemuel informed
+them, and this singer was one of a few famous _artistes_, they were
+moved and touched by the marvellous beauty of her voice.
+
+"You know, boys, it'd be worth ten dollars a ticket--gallery seats, at
+that--just to get into an opery house an' hark to yonder lady. An' now
+you're just gettin' it for nothin', free, clear gratis, take it or leave
+it, ary one. Fact. The 'Boss's' lady is an A 1 singer if she is a--I
+mean, a poor show at a rifle."
+
+The songs went on till the Gray Lady dared sing no more. Like all
+trained singers she was careful of her throat and unused, as yet, to the
+air of this region at night. But when she laughingly declared:
+
+"No more this time; not if I'm to sing again," there was a murmur of
+dissatisfaction from the group of men about the fountain; and old
+Captain Lem begged, in their name:
+
+"Just one more, lady, to sleep on. That kind o' music makes a feller
+hungry for more and sort-of-kind-of sets him thinkin' 'bout things back
+home."
+
+But Mr. Ford interposed:
+
+"No, Captain, not to-night! I want to have a lot of just such concerts
+so we mustn't put the _prima donna_ out of condition. But I've a little
+girl here with a fiddle and I tell you she can just make it talk! Come
+farther forward, Dolly dear, and stand close to me. Then 'rosin your
+bow' and get to work. Show these cowboys what a little girl-tenderfoot
+can do. Maybe, too, who knows? Maybe our Jim will hear it wherever he
+is and hurry back. At it, child, and call him!"
+
+Lady Gray feared this was a trifle unkind to the girl, who she wished
+might wholly forget the boy, but the master felt it not so. He knew that
+nothing would more thoroughly inspire her than this possibility.
+
+"Oh! do you think so? Then I'll play as I never did before--I will, I
+will!"
+
+She stepped out from the veranda upon the broad walk before it, and with
+the moonlight pouring down upon her white-clad little figure, her face
+uplifted to the sky, and her precious violin beneath her chin, she
+played, indeed, "as she had never done before."
+
+On and on she played; one ranchman after another softly suggesting some
+desired melody, and her eager little fingers rendering it upon the
+instant. The men ceased sprawling and sat up. If they had found the Gray
+Lady's voice a marvel, here was a greater. That any child--a despised
+"female" child--could evoke such music seemed past belief; and when, at
+length, Mr. Ford bade her render the beloved "Home, Sweet Home" as a
+finale, there was a reluctant rising of the audience to its feet,
+ordered to it by the Captain who, in rather husky tones, stated:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, and mostly the little gal, I give the sentiments
+o' my regiment, to a man, when I say all you tenderfoots is welcome to
+S' Leon. We wasn't very tickled before, thinkin' all our free livin's
+an' doin's was to be interfered with, but we are now. Three cheers
+for the company an' the treat they've give us, more especial for the
+Little One, and--Long may she wave! Hip, hip, hurrar!"
+
+The cheer was given with a will, and then again came the Captain's
+order:
+
+"Fall into line. Right about face. March! hep, hep, hep--hep!"
+
+But as they filed away Dorothy had another inspiration and, acting upon
+it, sent the delighted cowboys marching to the lively air of "Yankee,
+Doodle, Doodle Doo."
+
+"And now to bed!" advised the hostess. So within a very few moments all
+were in their rooms, tired and happy despite the worries of the day, and
+sure that all would come right at last.
+
+The four girls shared two rooms, facing one another and with two dainty
+beds in each. Milliken's chamber was at the end of the long passage
+beyond theirs, and those of the rest of the household across a wide hall
+which cut this wing of the house in two. In structure the building was
+very like _El Paraiso_, which the Gray Lady had admired and where the
+happiness of reunion had come to her; and it seemed to those who had
+wintered in the old adobe that they had but stepped into another home.
+
+Of course, sleep did not come at once. Four girls, even if together all
+day long, find much to chatter about at night, and this had been a day
+of "happenings" indeed.
+
+Dolly and Alfy came across to sit on Helena's bed and watch her dainty,
+slow preparations for retiring. Molly was already perched in the middle
+of her own white bed, hugging her knees and proclaiming for the
+twentieth time, at least:
+
+"Oh! I am such a thankful girl! After I fired that rifle and saw that
+purple mass of stuff lying on the ground I thought I was a murderer! I
+did so. Yet I was mad, too, to think Wun Sing had been such an idiot as
+to go between me and the target."
+
+"Herbert claims the safest place for others, when a girl shoots, is
+right behind the target. But it wasn't when Alfy hit the bull's-eye. How
+did you do it, child? It was wonderful and at that distance--which
+Captain Lemuel fixed for himself!" said Helena, brushing out her hair
+preparatory to loosely braiding it.
+
+"Oh! Nell, you're lovely that way! In that soft nightie--you do have
+such lovely, lacey things. I wish Aunt Betty would buy me some like
+them, but she won't. She's too sensible, and oh! dear! I wish I had my
+arms around her neck this minute!"
+
+"Put them around mine, Dolly Doodles, and quit wishin' for things you
+can't get. Do you s'pose I'll ever do it again?" asked Alfaretta,
+drawing one of Dorothy's arms about her own shoulder.
+
+"Do what again, child?"
+
+"Child, yourself. I mean fire right into the middle of the thing, and
+'honest Injun', I did do it with my eyes shut. I wonder if that ain't
+the rightest way to sharpshoot, anyway. The rest of you couldn't hit it
+anywheres near, with your eyes open. What say?"
+
+Molly yawned and stretched herself luxuriously, and Helena remarked:
+
+"Molly, you make me think of a Persian kitten! She does just that when
+she feels particularly good."
+
+"Well, I ought to feel good. I didn't kill Wun Sing. I just made a hole
+in his old purple blouse and I can give him another new one. If I can
+find one like it, and have money enough, and--and other things. If I had
+shot him instead of his clothes what would they have done to me? Would I
+have been hung by the neck till you are dead and the Lord have mercy on
+your soul? Would I?"
+
+"Oh! Molly, how horrible and how wicked! That's swearing!" cried
+indignant Dorothy.
+
+"Well, I like that! I mean I don't! I never swore a swore in my life and
+you're horrid, just horrid, Dorothy Calvert, to say so," retorted Molly,
+suddenly sitting up and flashing a look of scorn at her beloved chum.
+
+"It was really swearing, you know, though you didn't mean it."
+
+"It's what the Judge says--my poor father's one--when a man is condemned
+to death."
+
+"Aunt Betty says that any taking of the Lord's name _in vain_ is
+swearing and--"
+
+Foreseeing a childish squabble, due to over-excitement and fatigue,
+Helena gently interposed:
+
+"That's enough. Neither of you knows what she is talking about. They
+don't hang people nowadays, they electrocute them, and Wun Sing wasn't
+hurt. He was only badly scared and will keep a good distance from our
+rifle-range hereafter. Alfy did hit the bull's-eye, no matter whether
+she meant to do it or not. We've had a perfectly lovely evening and a
+perfectly lovely summer is before us. I mean to get up, to-morrow, and
+see the sun rise, so--off with you, girls. Molly and I are sleepy. Good
+night to both of you. What friends we shall be before this summer ends!"
+
+"Why, I thought we was now. I'm sure I don't feel much above any of you,
+even if I can shoot better 'n the rest," said practical Alfaretta,
+moving slowly toward the door.
+
+A shout of laughter greeted her words and Molly indignantly retorted:
+
+"You aren't one bit smarter than I am. You only hit an old target and I
+hit a man, and we didn't either of us mean to do it. But good night,
+good night. Wake early, 'cause Leslie says we've a great doin's before
+us, to-morrow. Something better than waking up to see the sun rise.
+Helena'll get over that, though. Such fine resolutions don't last."
+
+"You'll see. I--I think I shall keep a diary. Take notes of what happens
+up here on the Rockies. If I succeed I may--I _may_ write a book,
+sometime," said Helena.
+
+Molly and Dolly stared, seized with sudden awe of this ambitious young
+person, and Alfy stared, too; but she was not impressed and her comment
+was a not unkindly but perfectly sincere remark:
+
+"Why, Nell, you couldn't do that. It takes brains to--"
+
+"Young ladies! I am amazed at your disturbing the house like this, after
+retiring hours! Lights out, or off, silence at once!" ordered Miss
+Milliken, appearing in their midst. And at this apparition silence did
+follow.
+
+Back in their own room, Dorothy and Alfaretta pushed their little beds
+close together and knelt down to say their prayers. In the heart of each
+was an earnest petition for "poor Jim," Dolly's ending with the words:
+"And let me see his face the first thing in the morning."
+
+But Alfy reproved this.
+
+"We haven't any right to set times for things to be done and prayers to
+be answered, Dolly Doodles, and don't say no more. It's sort of saucy
+seems if, to ask for things and then keep thinkin' in your insides that
+they won't be give. You've asked and the Lord's heard you--now get up
+and go to bed."
+
+"Oh! Alfy! I wish you had--had--a little more spiritually!" wailed
+Dorothy, rather stumbling over the long word but obediently rising from
+her knees and creeping between the snowy sheets. "And I don't feel as if
+there was any use going to bed, any way. I know I shan't sleep a wink."
+
+"Fiddlesticks! You just do beat the Dutch! As if great Jim Barlow hadn't
+a decent head on his shoulders and needed the use o' your 'n! He
+wouldn't thank you for makin' him out such a fool. Good night. I'm goin'
+to sleep."
+
+Dorothy felt that this was simply heartless and sighed:
+
+"I wish I could! But I can't!"
+
+Then she drew the covers about her shoulders, stared through the open
+window at the moonlit ground, felt the scene a trifle dazzling, and
+closed her lids just to rest her eyes a minute.
+
+When she opened them again Alfaretta's bed was empty and neatly spread.
+Except her own belongings the room was in perfect order for the day, the
+sun shone where the moonlight had been, and the cathedral clock on the
+cloister wall was striking--
+
+"Oh! Oh! It's morning! It's _late_ morning, too, that's six, seven, nine
+o'clock! Oh! how could I sleep so? I never did before in all my
+life--except--well, sometimes, but I'm ashamed, I'm awfully ashamed of
+myself."
+
+As she sprang to her feet there was a tap at the door and a
+white-capped, white-aproned maid appeared, saying:
+
+"Good morning, Senorita. The Senora sent me to serve you and help you
+about your bath. It is ready, yes, and the other senoritas have
+breakfasted and gone out, _si_. By my Lady's orders you were not to be
+awakened till you roused yourself."
+
+"Oh! but I am sorry. I didn't mean to do this, for I know one of Mr.
+Ford's rules is early rising. I found that out at _El Paraiso_ and--yes,
+yes, please do help me. But tell me, what shall I call you?"
+
+"Anita, nina. Anita Mantez I am, from the dear City of the Angels, _si_.
+This way, _carita_, do not fear displeasure. They are all beloved, the
+fair young things, but you are nearest, dearest, so my Lady tells. For
+you will never be blamed, believe me."
+
+Dorothy made short work of her toilet and felt so refreshed by her night
+of sound sleep and her delightful morning bath, that the world outside
+seemed even lovelier than she remembered it. Also, she was hungry--so
+hungry! It was quite as Mr. Ford had said; that the mountain air made
+people almost ravenous, at first. Afterwards, one's appetite sank to the
+normal and to be out and doing was the one great desire of life.
+
+Anita led her to the refectory and served her with a dainty breakfast,
+disposed on exquisite "individual" dishes, and oddly enough, bearing the
+initial "D." Dolly lifted a cup and stared at it, wondering while Anita
+glibly explained in her patois of Spanish-English, that yes, indeed, it
+was the Senorita's own.
+
+Dorothy's heart was touched and grateful. Charming as her hosts were to
+all their guests, in many little ways they had singled her out as in
+this; and she understood without explanation from them that it was
+because of the part she had played in bringing together the once divided
+family. Very humbly and gravely she accepted these attentions, thankful
+in her deepest heart that she had been "inspired," on that past winter
+day, to lead the father and son across the mesa to the little cabin
+where Gray Lady dwelt alone. It had been a daring thing to do--an
+"assisting Providence"--such as wise Aunt Betty wholly disapproved; but
+that time it had been a fortunate one for all concerned.
+
+Now as the girl sipped her cocoa, turning the egg-shell like cup to
+catch the light, she wondered what she could still do to help her dear
+Gray Lady and to prove her own love. Then her dreaming was cut short by
+a hubbub of merry voices without, and, a moment later, a crowd of young
+folks tumbled through the big window, laughing, teasing, exhorting:
+
+"Lazy girl! Just eating breakfast and it's nearly time for lunch, seems
+if!"
+
+"Oh! The loveliest thing in the world!" cried Molly, clapping her hands.
+
+"Thank you," said Dolly, demurely, lifting her face for the other to
+kiss.
+
+"Oh! not you, Miss Vanity, but a beautiful thing on four legs!"
+
+"We're to take our choice and the white one's _mine_, for--" declared
+Alfaretta.
+
+"No white one for me! Dad says we're to do our own grooming and white
+ones have to be washed just like a poodle dog and--" began Leslie.
+
+"I had one once. His name was 'Goodenough,' and he was good enough, too.
+Could walk on its hind legs--" interrupted Herbert.
+
+"Oh, Dorothy! If you aren't going to finish that buttered toast, do give
+it to me! I never was so hungry in all my life. I simply can't get
+filled up, and--"
+
+"Montmorency Vavasour-Stark! You ought to be ashamed! After eating four
+chops, three boiled eggs, five helpings of potato, to say nothing of
+coffee enough for the regiment, and strawberries--"
+
+"Well, Mistress Molly Breckenridge, I don't know who set you to keep
+tally on my appetite! and I hate to see good things wasted. Want the
+rest of those berries, girlie? I know you don't. You're real unselfish,
+you are; and you wouldn't eat all the nice-ripe-red-strawberries-
+raised-under-glass-ripe-red-strawberries and give your neighbor none.
+And give your neighbor none, you-shan't-have-any-of-my-nice-ripe-red-
+strawberries-who-gives-his-neighbor--Molly, give it back! Aw, now,
+Molly! You wouldn't eat all the nice-ripe--Hold on! Bert Montaigne,
+that's a beastly shame! After I had to warble in that dulcet way for
+a plate of poor, left-over, second-hand strawberries, to have 'em
+grabbed by you and Molly--that's too much. Just one drop too much to
+fill my bucket, but I say, 'Little One,' I wish you'd get up late
+every morning, and have just such a superfine breakfast as this saved
+for you, and not be hungry at all yourself, but save it for a poor
+starved little boy who hasn't had a mouthful in an hour--"
+
+Monty was running on in this absurd way, yet holding his own in a three
+cornered scramble for possession of a dish of berries he had pre-empted
+from Dorothy's table; till, without saying anything, Helena calmly
+walked up, took the disputed dish from the contestants and, shoving
+Dolly aside to give up half her chair, sat down and began to eat them
+herself.
+
+"Two spoons with but a single dish! How touching!" cried Herbert, posing
+in pretended admiration of the pair, yet covertly watching his chance to
+add a third spoon to the two and get his own taste of the luxury.
+
+Not but that all had been served likewise, at the regular meal earlier
+in the day, and Monty's boasted appetite was but a part of the happy
+foolishness of their youth and high spirits.
+
+For they were all evidently greatly excited over something, and the talk
+fell back upon "choice" and "points" and "colors" with a comparison of
+manes and tails, till Dorothy sprang up, clapped her hands over her
+ears, and demanded:
+
+"One at a time! One at a time! Do tell me what you're all jabbering
+about and be quick! Just because I was lazy--I admit it, all right--I
+don't want to miss all the fun! Tell me!"
+
+But her answer did not come from any of the lively group about her. A
+shadow fell across the floor and Captain Lem appeared at the window.
+Leaning his elbows on the low sill he surveyed the interior with a
+quizzical smile, then observed:
+
+"If everybody's et all they can and has got time for somethin' elst,
+please to step over to the corral behind the Barracks. Time there was
+somethin' doin'! Come on, Little One. I'd like to have you head the
+procesh, for 'twas the Boss's orders, first pick for you. Hep, hep,
+hep--march!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A MODERN HORSE FAIR
+
+
+They departed as they had entered, by way of the window, Dorothy lifted
+through it by her admiring Captain Lem, whose heart she had wholly won
+by her music the night before, and by the deference she paid to his
+talk. She was eager to find out the cause of all this excitement and
+placed herself alongside him, as he led off with a military tread and
+tensely squared shoulders. It wasn't for him to admit that rheumatism
+commonly bowed those same shoulders, when he was "off duty" and secure
+in the shelter of his own room.
+
+"Hep, hep, hep,--hep," said the Captain marking time, and scowling at
+the irregular pace of the excited youngsters behind her. At which
+Dorothy promptly echoed his "Hep, hep, hep," and the others took the
+hint, pairing off into a compact little company and following their
+leader like soldiers on parade.
+
+Captain Lemuel smiled and nodded:
+
+"Good, Little One! 'Tis you has the head of sense, and fingers for the
+fiddle bow. The boys are all just proud to have you up at S' Leon, and
+anything you want done--say the word! All I want is to see you shoot
+well as you can fiddle. Ride, eh? Can you ride a horse, Little One?"
+
+"My name is Dorothy, Captain Lemuel, and I can--a little. Helena, too,
+is fine on horseback. She's the yellow-haired girl, you know. But why?
+What makes you ask?"
+
+They had come across the grass as far as the end of the Barracks, and
+still drilling his "awkward squad," the old ranchman wheeled about and
+ordered:
+
+"Halt! About--face!"
+
+Alfy giggled, but seeing the faces of all the rest, especially
+Dorothy's, sober and set in imitation of the Captain's, she stopped
+laughing and applied herself to the business in hand.
+
+"Hep, hep, hep--March!"
+
+They might have been veterans, instead of an awkward squad, so perfectly
+they now kept step and so fully they entered into the old man's whim.
+For only a whim they supposed this drilling to be, though in reality he
+had taken note of all their figures and, with the exception of Herbert's
+and Dorothy's, saw that each could be improved. Especially was there
+need of this in Leslie's case; and having been told of the lad's
+delicacy by his beloved "Boss," he had conceived this scheme of drill.
+
+"You see, Boss, I can easy enough cure that boy by 'whipping him over
+the others' shoulders,' so to speak. You've heard tell of that before, I
+'low. He's all right. He's a real likely, well-growed lad; and that West
+Point 't he's hankerin' for'd be the best thing ever happened to him.
+Exceptin' course 't it would nigh break his mother's heart, so he told
+me. Well, that's no more here nor there. A little drillin' in this
+Colorady air'll do 'em all good and set him up to a dandy shape. Yes,
+siree! You or your lady best just drop the hint to that there little
+fiddler-girl, 't seems to lead the rest of 'em round by the nose--though
+they like it, they like it an' her too! Couldn't help it, you see.
+Nobody could; eh, what?"
+
+"Indeed not! A daughter of our own could scarcely be dearer than little
+Dorothy. I'll have Mrs. Ford speak to her, and I'll make it worth your
+while, Captain, to do your utmost for Leslie's improvement. He has lost
+his cough; he does seem to be well, now; but--there is still enough
+delicacy about his appearance to make us anxious. You do your best, Lem,
+and so will I."
+
+The captain had drawn himself up with a little pride, but with an
+adoring look in his old eyes, and had answered:
+
+"Drop that, Boss, drop it! Of all the unfortunate, down-on-their-luck
+fellers 't this S' Leon ranch shelters now, I was the downdest! I ain't
+never forgot what you done for me, takin' me out the gutter, so to
+speak, and settin' me on my pins again. And if there's a single mortal
+thing 't I can do for you--that debt's paid an' overpaid, a hundred
+thousand times. A hundred thousand times, sir, yes, sir."
+
+"A hundred thousand is a sizable number, Lem--but we understand each
+other. Shake hands and--God speed your efforts!"
+
+This little talk had taken place on the night before, and Lady Gray had
+taken an opportunity to relate it to Dorothy. This was why she so
+eagerly fell in with Captain Lemuel's idea, though she forebore to
+mention it to any of the other young folks at San Leon. Lady Gray had
+warned her:
+
+"I would rather Leslie did not himself know, and if the others did he'd
+be sure to find it out. It would make him conspicuous, maybe worry him
+and set him brooding over himself, so I'm trusting you to keep it
+secret. And, in any case, what better amusement could you have? The
+regular exercise in this perfect air will be as good for you girls as
+for the boys."
+
+Now as Dorothy fell into step with the Captain, she realized that here
+was one thing, however slight, that she could do to prove her love for
+sweet Lady Gray. She could use her influence to keep up what the others
+considered a temporary game, entered into merely to gratify the vanity
+of an ex-sharpshooter; and as she now marched along by his side, she
+begged:
+
+"Do please, Captain, set a regular hour for this drill, and make us
+stick to it, just as in the regular army. I promise I'll not oversleep
+again--I'll try not, I mean. Will you?"
+
+"Sure, Little One, and I'll app'int you First Leftenant, Company B, San
+Leon Life Guards. Halt!"
+
+He stopped and faced his followers:
+
+"It has been proposed 't we make this a regular company, same as Company
+A, of the boys. I second the proposition. I'd be proud to train ye, if
+so be you'll hold up your end the musket. I mean, no shirkin' duty and
+bein' marched to the guard house, or sentinel work, for bad behavior.
+Put on your thinkin' caps and keep 'em on a minute. Down to West Point,
+where some of us is hankerin' to be, they don't allow no lyin'. A broken
+promise is the worst kind of a lie. So before you pledge your word, gals
+and boys alike, you--_think_. Think hard, think deep. I'll time ye. When
+one minute is up, to the second, I'll call for your answer. Everybody
+turn their eyes inside themselves and--_think_."
+
+With that the wise and shrewd old fellow pulled his silver time-piece
+from his pocket and placed it in the hollow of his hand. Then he fixed
+his eyes upon its white face and stood motionless, watching the second
+hand make its little circuit. When the sixty seconds had been counted,
+he held up his hand with profound gravity and called:
+
+"All in favor of forming a new Company, say 'Aye!' Contrary 'No!'"
+
+Every hand went up--but Leslie's. Every voice uttered an earnest "Aye!"
+save his, and Dorothy flashed an indignant, as well as disappointed
+glance upon him, exclaiming:
+
+"Oh! What a mean--I mean, what a rude boy! When all your guests are just
+suffering to be soldiers, you go and spoil the whole business. Why do
+you do that?"
+
+The lad flushed. He had been duly instructed by both parents in the
+duties of a host, even a young one; and he knew it was his business to
+see that all his guests were helped to enjoy themselves as they, not he,
+desired. It was the first time that he had had any responsibility of
+this sort and it didn't greatly please him. Now when he found they were
+all looking at him in that aggrieved way he tossed his head, thrust his
+hands into his pockets, and answered:
+
+"I know I proposed it and thought I'd like it, but I've changed my mind
+and now think it would get to be a confounded nuisance. I've never done
+anything, regularly, as you talk about, and I don't see any use in
+beginning at this late day when--"
+
+"When you're getting so old and infirm, poor dear!" said Molly,
+interrupting. In reality she cared little what they did at San Leon, so
+long as they were all together and having a good time. But she saw on
+Dorothy's expressive face a keener disappointment than the affair seemed
+to warrant and loyally placed herself in support of her chum.
+
+Leslie went on as if she hadn't spoken, though he glanced her way with a
+promise in his eyes to "get even" with her for that mockery:
+
+"We're up here on the mountains for a summer holiday. What's the use of
+making it a work day, then? It would be work--sure enough. There'd be
+lots of mornings when every one of us would hate it. Oh! you needn't
+look that way. You all would, sure. What's fun when you feel like it is
+quite the other thing when you don't. And nine o'clock comes pretty
+early in the morning. Doesn't it, Miss Dorothy?"
+
+The laugh was upon her and she joined in it. Yet she hadn't one whit
+abandoned her plan of helping Leslie against himself. But there was no
+use in arguing, and, small woman that she was, she tried strategy
+instead.
+
+"Well, Leslie, you make me think of Mr. Seth Winter's story about the
+eleven contrary jurymen. All 'contrary' except the one who couldn't get
+his own way. No matter, nobody wants to force you into hard work. Though
+I suppose you'll be willing, we, your guests, shall do as we please?"
+
+"Certainly," he replied with an absurdly profound bow, to which Dorothy
+merrily returned a sweeping courtesy.
+
+"Then the rest of us who have given our word will keep it. We will be on
+hand every morning, Captain, to be drilled in the noble tactics of the
+soldier. Aunt Betty says everybody always finds use for all the
+knowledge he possesses. Aunt Betty knows. She's lived almost as long as
+all our ages put together, and she's the very happiest person I ever
+saw. I don't know anything about soldiering yet but I'm going to learn
+what I can with this splendid teacher to instruct me--" here she made
+another profound obeisance to Captain Lem, who returned the courtesy by
+his finest military salute, mentally appraising the earnest little girl
+as the best of them all.
+
+"So that I shall have one more thing to put in my knowledge-box, ready
+to use if I ever need it. And while we are drilling you can amuse
+yourself otherwise, Leslie dear. Now, Captain, can't we go on and find
+out what wonderful thing is hidden in that corral behind these
+Barracks?"
+
+"Sure. Forward, march!"
+
+He faced forward again and even Leslie fell into step behind the others,
+willing to join in such "foolishness" as a temporary amusement.
+
+In fine order they reached the further end of the long building, marched
+around its rear, and came upon what Dorothy thought was a most beautiful
+sight. Within the wide paddock, or corral, as these westerners called
+it, was a small herd of young, thoroughbred horses. From a little stand
+outside the paling, Mr. and Mrs. Ford were watching the handsome
+creatures and talking with the grooms that attended them, concerning
+their good, and possibly, bad qualities.
+
+But at the sound of the approaching "squad" Lady Gray turned an eager
+face and called out, reprovingly:
+
+"Oh! my dears, how slow you have been! If I were your age and had been
+promised a horse for my very own, I shouldn't have tarried on the way!"
+
+"Our very own? What do you mean, dear Mrs. Ford?" asked Dorothy,
+hastening to bid her tardy "Good morning," before she more than glanced
+across the fence.
+
+"Just what I say, dear. Mr. Ford has had eight horses brought in for you
+young folks to use. Each is to make a choice for herself or himself,
+subject to change if any necessity for it. Your choice is to be your own
+property and I hope will give you lots of pleasure. Captain Lem and some
+of the other good horsemen will teach you anything you need to know.
+Why, my dears! How astonished you look! Didn't you understand? Didn't
+Leslie tell you?"
+
+For, indeed, surprise had kept them silent. None had guessed of having a
+horse of her "own," supposing from Leslie's words that they were only
+to have the loan of an animal during their stay at San Leon. Alfaretta
+broke the silence, explaining:
+
+"No, he didn't say any such thing. He said we was to come choose horses
+to ride, and when he said one was white I picked that out at once.
+I--can't really believe you mean it, Mrs. Ford, though--course--Ma
+Babcock--I never heard o' such folks--never--never--in my life. It
+certainly does beat the Dutch. I--Alfy Babcock--Dolly Doodles--Jolly
+Molly--Helena--to have horses of our own--it makes me cry! I, Alfy
+Babcock, ownin' a whole horse! Oh! My!"
+
+"Then I shall be very, very sorry the idea ever entered my husband's
+mind, of making such a gift. We don't want tears--we just want
+happiness, perfect happiness, up here at San Leon!" said beautiful Gray
+Lady, smiling, and looking fairer than ever in this new delight of
+making gifts, as freely as she wished. Her own life had grown so much
+happier, these last months, that she longed only to "pass on" happiness
+to all whom she knew. Alfy's tears really hurt her, for a moment, till
+Dolly explained, with an arm about the weeper's waist:
+
+"I reckon these must be what I've heard of as 'happy tears,' dear Lady
+Gray. Alfy is too pleased to do anything else--even to say 'thank
+you'--yet."
+
+Queer little Alfy had dropped her head on Dorothy's shoulder and was
+repeating in a low tone:
+
+"A whole horse of my own! Mine, Alfy Babcock's! A whole horse--a
+whole--livin'--horse--A--whole--horse!"
+
+"Well, you wouldn't want a half one, would you, Miss Babcock? Nor one
+that wasn't living?" demanded Monty, laughing. "Quit crying and let's
+choose, for that's what Leslie said we were to do. Is that correct, Mr.
+Ford?"
+
+"Entirely. But--see to it that your choice falls each on a different
+animal! Suppose you begin, alphabetically. Alfaretta first."
+
+Such a group of radiant faces as now peered over the paling! while
+without a second's hesitation, Alfaretta announced:
+
+"I choose that pure white one for mine!"
+
+"All right. Captain Lem, lead out Blanca and put on her side saddle,"
+directed Mr. Ford.
+
+A passage was opened in the paling and the beautiful Blanca was led
+forth, amid a murmur of admiration from everybody, except the girl
+herself. She could only stand, clasping and unclasping her hands, and
+gazing with dim eyes at this wonderful possession. The handsome saddle
+cloth was marked Blanca, and Mr. Ford explained that each animal was
+registered and its name had been chosen by its breeder. Most of these
+names were Spanish and suited well; as that Blanca meant "white," which
+the gentle little mare certainly was. To another corner of the saddle
+cloth, Captain Lem slowly attached the initial "A," as mark of
+ownership, then beckoned to Alfy that she should mount.
+
+All her mates watched her curiously, expecting to see her timid and
+reluctant. She treated them to a fine surprise; first by running to Lady
+Gray and rapturously kissing her hand, then returning to Lemuel, and
+letting him swing her up to the saddle, without an instant's hesitation.
+Dorothy stared, amazed; but she needn't have done so: Alfy was "her
+mother's daughter" as the saying goes, and inherited that good woman's
+love of horseflesh and fearlessness; and as she settled herself and
+received the bridle reins she kept murmuring the marvellous fact:
+
+"A whole horse--mine! And Ma Babcock's only got Barnaby!"
+
+"Who is 'Barnaby,' Alfy?" asked Leslie, going round to her side and
+critically inspecting her treasure.
+
+"Oh--he--Why, he's a mule!"
+
+A shout of laughter greeted this announcement and Lemuel moved away. He
+was disappointed that the beautiful Blanca had not fallen to Dorothy's
+share, for he believed the white filly to be the best as well as the
+handsomest creature in the corral. However, her turn was next, and he
+listened anxiously to hear what it might be. He wished she wouldn't be
+so over-generous in offering the choice to her mates, and in saying
+that if she disappointed them she wanted to change.
+
+"All are so fine. It can't make a bit of difference to me."
+
+"Choose! Choose! You dear old slow-poke, for I'm just dying to do so,
+too. I can't wait--do choose!" cried impatient Molly, skipping about and
+trying to cut short Dorothy's hesitation.
+
+"All right, then. I choose the 'calico'. She's so like another Portia
+that I used to ride 'back home.'"
+
+"Zaraza, for Dolly. A Spanish title, too, dear, and means 'chintz'--a
+'calico', if you please. Lead her out, Lem!"
+
+The pretty creature was brought out, arching her graceful neck and
+lifting her dainty hoofs as if she were dancing to music, as she was now
+to the clapping of hands and lusty cheers of healthy young throats. Then
+she was saddled, a decorative "D" attached to her saddle-cloth, Dorothy
+put upon her back, to take her stand beside Alfaretta on Blanca, while
+the others chose and were mounted.
+
+"It has been a real ceremony and a delightful one! Here's to the health
+and happiness of our young equestrians! Hip, hip, hurra!" cried the
+master of the ranch, with a boyish heartiness that sent the hats of the
+ranchmen from their heads and their voices echoing the gay "Hip, hip,
+hurra!"
+
+But, despite her happiness, Dorothy's face was thoughtful. There had
+been eight horses in the corral, as there had been, at first, eight
+young guests at San Leon. To Helena had been allotted a fine bay, big
+and powerful as well as comely, by name Benito; to Herbert a black,
+chosen by him for its resemblance to his own "Bucephalus," "back home"
+where Portia was, and from a sentiment similar to Dolly's. Then Lady
+Gray was asked to choose for the absent James Barlow, and did so as
+calmly as if he had but stepped around the corner and had deputed her to
+act for him.
+
+But it was noticeable that of all the splendid thoroughbreds within the
+paddock one was by far the finest. That was a dappled gray, perfect in
+every, point, and looking as if he were king of that four-footed
+company.
+
+"For Jim, I choose Azul, the Gray! You all know I love gray in color and
+I love the 'blue,' as his Spanish owners named him. Captain Lemuel,
+please saddle Azul for Jim Barlow, and, Daniel, will you use him,
+please, till Jim comes back?"
+
+Dorothy flashed a grateful look upon her hostess, then glanced at
+Alfaretta, sure of finding sympathy in that girl's honest eyes. But Alfy
+nodded, well pleased, and Mr. Ford rode to the head of the little
+cavalcade and took his place at Dorothy's side, while the others
+followed, two by two, to make a circuit of the grounds and test their
+mounts.
+
+The men cheered again and again as the procession started, Mr. Ford and
+Dorothy leading; then Leslie on the sorrel, Caesar, with Alfy on Blanca;
+Helena on Benito, with Monty on the chestnut, Juan--a mount well suited
+to his stature and requirements. Last rode Molly on Juana, another
+chestnut, and a perfect match for her brother--Monty's Juan; while
+Herbert's Blackamoor finished the caravan, last but by no means least in
+the creature's own proud estimation.
+
+They paced and they cantered, they trotted and they galloped, even the
+most inexperienced without fear, because of the vigilant attendants who
+raced beside them, as well as the high spirits of the others. Around and
+around the spacious grounds they rode, Captain Lem pointing out several
+fences and hedges he would have them leap, later on, and finally
+bringing up before the stately front of the house to dismount.
+
+As they did so Dorothy noticed a queerly dressed little boy sitting
+beside the fountain holding a basket in his hand and eagerly watching
+the cavalcade. Nobody else seemed to observe him, amid all the clatter
+and laughter. He looked to the sympathetic girl as if he were very tired
+and, leaving the rest, she crossed to him and asked:
+
+"Who are you, little boy? Do you want something?"
+
+Instantly, he offered her the basket, and as instantly vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+AN UNEXPECTED DEPARTURE
+
+
+Dorothy looked after the fleeing little figure as it disappeared behind
+a clump of shrubbery in the direction of the laundry.
+
+"A child of one of the workmen, I suppose, but such an odd, quaint
+looking child," she thought, and rejoined her mates. They were still
+standing beside the cloistered walk, talking, planning the wonderful
+trips which would be open to them now that they owned horses; comparing
+notes upon the points of each that they fancied they had already
+learned, while Mr. Ford declared:
+
+"This really is the most wonderful affair! Not that you have the horses,
+but that you show no jealousy about them. So far as I can see each of
+you is perfectly satisfied with his own choice and sure it was the
+wisest. I only hope our good James Barlow will like his Azul as well.
+Heigho, Dolly Doodles! What a quaint little basket! An Indian one and
+fine. Where did you get that?"
+
+"A little boy gave it to me. I suppose it is for Lady Gray, and here she
+comes."
+
+The lady had walked across from the Barracks, slowly, sauntering over
+the beautiful grounds, so fully in accord with them and the glorious
+day hat she was humming an aria from pure lightness of heart. She had
+not forgotten the missing lad for whom she had chosen the best horse in
+the herd, but it did not seem now that anything could be really amiss.
+He would surely soon be back, safe and well, and oh! how good life
+was! How dear the world, and how gracious that tender Providence which
+had crowned her life with joy! In this mood she came up to the group
+awaiting her and Dorothy put the basket into her hands.
+
+She hadn't expected anything of weight and nearly dropped it.
+
+"Why, dearie, what an exquisite basket! But how heavy it is!
+What--here--why? See how oddly it's fastened with rushes or something
+like them. I'll sit right here while one of you open it."
+
+She seated herself upon a carved bench beside a sun-dial and Leslie cut
+the rushes which were bound tightly about the basket. As he did so a
+plaintive little wail issued from it, and Lady Gray and he both jumped.
+
+"A baby! A foundling!" laughed Mr. Ford, pretending to be greatly
+frightened.
+
+"Open it, open it quick, please! I can't wait!" cried Molly.
+
+At the slightest touch now the lid fell off and there, lying on a mat of
+softest grass, was a tiny, new-born lamb. Ohs! and Ahs! and laughter
+greeted it, to which the small creature answered by another feeble
+"Ma-a-a!" then curled itself to sleep.
+
+"What a pretty present! Who could have sent it?" wondered Lady Gray.
+
+"One of the shepherds, likely; sheep herders they call them here. And
+it's the first time I ever saw a lamb 'snow white.' The comparison,
+'white as a lamb' is generally wrong, for they're a dirty gray. This one
+has been washed within an inch of its life--literally. Some of you girls
+better take it to the dairy and give it some milk," said Mr. Ford.
+
+"Maybe there somebody will know about it or we'll find the little boy
+again. He was so cute! Like a small Indian, he looked."
+
+"He might easily be one, Dorothy. There are still many bands of them
+roaming the mountains. Quite often, the 'boys' say, some come to San
+Leon. A peaceable lot, though, mostly, unless they get hold of liquor.
+But liquor turns even cultivated white men into brutes. Not likely we
+shall see any of them at this time of year, when life in the forest is
+pleasant."
+
+"Oh! Daniel, don't talk of Indians at all! I don't like them," protested
+Mrs. Ford, with a little shudder. "I hope that child wasn't one."
+
+"Well, we don't know that he was. There are many people belonging to San
+Leon and other neighboring ranches and a child more or less isn't enough
+to set us worrying. Hmm. Here comes the operator with a telegram. I was
+in hopes that I might escape them for a few weeks. News, Mr. Robson?"
+
+The clerk's face was grave and the young folks walked away; Dorothy
+carrying the basket with the lamb, the others following--with
+mischievous Molly prodding the little creature with her forefinger "to
+make it talk."
+
+But the boys were not interested in "young mutton" as Monty called it,
+and sought the ranchmen at their quarters to learn when they could go
+fishing, or what was better, hunting.
+
+"I don't see what you want to kill things for!" pouted Molly, while
+Helena answered:
+
+"Because they are--just boys! I only hope they won't be allowed to
+handle firearms, except for rifle practice under the trainer's care. So
+this is the dairy! What a fine one and away up here, where Milliken said
+there was 'no civilization!' Do you know, Papa is getting quite anxious
+for a stock farm? We think it's so queer for a man who knows nothing but
+banking, but some doctor told him it would be fine for his health. If he
+has cattle, I suppose we'll have a dairy. I mean now to find out all I
+can about such things because I know whatever Mr. Ford does will be the
+best possible. Odd! up here the dairymaids are dairymen! How spotlessly
+clean that one yonder looks, in his white uniform! I'm going to ask what
+he is doing now."
+
+She left the other girls to do so and from another worker in this
+up-to-date, sweet-smelling place, Dorothy begged a basin of milk for
+their new pet. It still remained in the basket, which was so soft and of
+such exquisite fineness that it could be folded like a cloth.
+
+Alfaretta still held the soft cover, which had slipped off when Leslie
+cut the rushes binding it on, turning it idly in her hands. Suddenly she
+stopped and stared at its inner side, then excitedly stooped where
+Dorothy was feeding the lamb and pointed, exclaiming:
+
+"For the land sakes, Dolly Doodles, look at that!"
+
+"Take care, Alfy! You're scaring this timid little thing so it won't
+drink. It hardly knows how, anyway. What? What do you say?"
+
+"I say look a there! _Jim! Jim!_"
+
+Dorothy snatched the cover from Alfy's hand and there, surely enough,
+was the letter D done in the curious handwriting which James Barlow had
+acquired; quite different both girls knew from that of any other they
+had ever seen. Then they stared at one another, not knowing whether to
+be glad or sorry.
+
+"What does it mean?" cried Dorothy at last, while Molly drew near to
+learn what had happened to surprise them. For answer Alfaretta handed
+her the cover and fairly gasped out:
+
+"Jim--our Jim--wrote that--or painted it--or--or--It's Jim, true as
+preachin'!"
+
+"Huh! then all I can say is that this paragon of a Jim has a mighty
+poor style of writing. Looks more as if that lamb had bumped its
+itsy--witsy--heady--and made it bleed. That's some Indian 'mark' that
+the maker of the basket put on it. Don't try to get up any excitement
+over that."
+
+Alfy shook her head but Dorothy did not look up. She was searching the
+soft, wilted grass that lined the basket; and, in the bottom, tied to a
+bunch of faded flowers was a little glistening stone. The pebble was
+marked by another D, traced in the red juice of some plant.
+
+The basket went one way, the lamb another as Dorothy sprang to her feet
+and danced for very joy.
+
+"Yes, it's from Jim--it's from Jim! And he's alive--somewhere he is
+alive! Oh! I am so glad, so glad!"
+
+Alfy was glad, too, of this reminder of the lad's existence, but she was
+also ashamed of him.
+
+"Huh! I don't see what there's to be so tickled over, for my part! Jim
+Barlow's actin' like a regular simpleton. And he's mean, too. He's
+meaner 'n pussley, makin' everybody such a lot of trouble. Folks riding
+night and day to hunt for him--some out scourin' round this very
+minute--and him just stayin' away 'cause--'cause--"
+
+"'Cause what, Alfaretta Babcock?" demanded Molly sternly. As always she
+was loyal to her beloved Dorothy whose joy Alfy was rapidly spoiling by
+her contempt for the truant.
+
+"'Cause, I s'pose he hasn't any decent clothes to come home in. He
+didn't take his with him and clothes don't grow on trees, even in
+Colorado. But--if I knew where he was I'd take 'em to him and give him a
+piece o' my mind along with 'em."
+
+"Give it to me, instead, missy. I'm kind of sort of hungry for it!" said
+a familiar voice behind them, and there was Captain Lem leaning on the
+sill of the dairy window and looking at them with that amused expression
+of his. He seemed to find a lot of young folks the most entertaining
+company in the world. He had hated their coming and had instantly veered
+around to be thankful for it. Already his mates were teasing him about
+it and prophesying that Lem had done his last job on the ranch.
+Hereafter, if he was missed, all the "boys" would have to do would be to
+hunt up Dorothy, or her chums, and find him.
+
+"What's a doin', younkers? Hope your ridin' round didn't tire ye none.
+Hello! Gone to raisin' sheep, have ye? Mighty pretty little creatur',
+that one is. Where'd you find it?"
+
+Even Helena left off learning dairy work and hurried with the others to
+the window to learn his opinion.
+
+He took the cover and the stone and carefully studied the inscriptions
+on them. Cocked his head sidewise, put on his spectacles, screwed up
+his eyebrows and his lips, and ejaculated:
+
+"That's a poor fist--whoever done it!"
+
+"Maybe it is; but both Alfaretta and I recognized it at once. You see
+poor Jim almost taught himself to write. He'd begun that even before I
+first saw him and it's hard to unlearn things, you know. Else, Jim's so
+smart he'd have written better than any of us by this time. Yes, indeed!
+Poor Jim is very, very clever!" said Dolly warmly.
+
+Captain Lemuel shook his head, and remarked:
+
+"I 'low you call him that by way o' compliment. But back home when we
+called a feller 'clever' it meant he hadn't much sense. I've seen that
+sort, 'clever' souls 't scurcely knew enough to come in out the rain.
+This here one 'peared the same to me. Course, I hadn't been acquainted
+with him longer 'n next to no time but if he was so smart, as I s'pose
+you're meanin' to state, he hid it amazin' well. Hmm. But--but--if this
+is a handwrite o' his 'n, our business is to take it straight to the
+'Boss.' What you goin' to name your lamb, Little One?"
+
+Dorothy lifted the little animal and gave it to him through the window.
+He caressed it tenderly enough in his strong hands, for he loved all
+animals, though horses best.
+
+"Why, I hadn't thought. I mean we hadn't. And it isn't ours, anyway, if
+it was sent to the Gray Lady."
+
+"Your Gray Lady's name don't begin with a D. It's plain as the nose on
+your face who it's meant for," he answered, promptly.
+
+"Then if it is really mine--how lovely!--I'll just call it Snowball."
+
+"Pshaw, Dolly Doodles! If I had a lamb sent to me by a poor lost feller
+like Jim, I'd name it after him and not so silly like that. Do call it
+Jim, junior," argued Alfy.
+
+"Yes, sissy, but--but it ain't that kind of a lamb," observed the
+Captain, siding with his favorite at once.
+
+Molly giggled and even Helena smiled, but Alfy simply pouted.
+
+"Huh! Well, then if Jim won't do, call her Jiminetta--that'd be after me
+and him, too, same's I'm Alfaretta."
+
+Dorothy laughed, too, now, and stopped studying the rude letters traced
+on the cover and the stone. They but deepened the mystery of Jim's
+disappearance and present whereabouts. She remarked:
+
+"We don't often enough take time to say your whole name, child. It's
+generally 'Alfy.' Let's compromise and call our lamb Netty."
+
+"Good enough! And if the little creatur' takes after most Colorady folks
+or flocks, she won't care a mite what name she has so she ain't called
+late to dinner. Haw, haw, haw!"
+
+Laughing at his own ancient witticism, Captain Lem started houseward
+with "Netty" in his arms, the little thing nestling down in them as if
+it knew it had found a friend. But his face was troubled. He didn't
+like this secret signal from the missing James and he liked less the
+fact that the lad's messenger had been a small Indian. However, this
+seemed a small matter to what was awaiting him, as Mr. Ford came toward
+him, walking rapidly, and, apparently, in deep thought.
+
+"Lem, do you think you can run San Leon without me for a few days?"
+
+Captain saluted his "chief" and replied, a trifle testily: "That's what
+I have been doin' for a purty consid'able spell, ain't it, Boss?"
+
+"Yes, but you hadn't eight youngsters on your hands then, to keep happy
+and out of mischief. Boys you know, Lem--"
+
+"I know. I've been one. Wish 't I was again. What's up, Boss?"
+
+The girls had followed the Captain, slowly, and eagerly discussing Jim's
+message--if it was such--and its probable meaning; but they paused at a
+little distance, not wishing to interrupt the men's interview which,
+from the expression of their faces, was a serious one.
+
+But Mr. Ford saw them and beckoned them to come up; and then explained
+to them as well as to the old ranchman:
+
+"We have had telegrams that call us east. Away east, as far as New York.
+I feel that we must leave you young folks--for a few days--as few as we
+can possibly make them. It isn't business or I'd depute somebody else
+to act for me. It's this: A wireless dispatch has been received that a
+very old lady, an aunt of Erminie's, will arrive in that city on the
+steamer which is due in just three days. She has lived abroad for many
+years and is now very feeble, helpless, in fact, from paralysis or
+something of that nature. She brought Erminie up and has been the best
+and truest friend my wife ever had. We owe her everything, and feel that
+we cannot leave her to land in a strange city, broken in mind and body,
+without her 'daughter' to care for her. We must go, for I don't want
+Lady Gray to take the trip and responsibility without me. If all goes
+well, we should be back in less than a fortnight--could be much sooner
+except that Lady Gray wants to bring Aunt Rachel to San Leon; and we
+will have to make the return journey by very easy stages, as her
+strength will allow. It is trying, too, that, having learned of our trip
+east, Miss Milliken insists upon returning with us. She hasn't been
+happy here and I find she's worrying about her heart. The altitude of
+San Leon is bad for her, she thinks, and since she puts it on that
+ground neither Erminie nor I can urge her to remain. But--"
+
+"'But,' don't you worry a minute, dear Uncle Dan!" cried Dorothy,
+clasping her hands around his arm and using the title he had asked for
+many times, though she had rarely done so before. All along, despite his
+great generosity and kindness, she had stood just a little in awe of the
+"Railroad Boss," and he had been simply "Mr. Ford" to her as well as to
+all his other young guests. But it needed only one look of anxiety on
+his noble face to rouse all her loving sympathy. She repeated: "Don't
+you, nor sweet Lady Gray, worry one single minute about us or things up
+here at San Leon. We'll be as good as good! Helena, here, is a better
+caretaker than poor Miss Milly. Between ourselves, we're glad she's
+going. She's been a burden to Nell, all the time, instead of a help. I'm
+sorry about her heart but--I'm glad she's going. Now--when do you start?
+Isn't there something I--we--can do to help you off? Do let us help!"
+
+The gentleman's face had lightened. His girl guests had accepted the
+situation beautifully, and he could but hope as much for the lads. In
+any case he must go; and, indeed, at once. He was so pressed for time
+that they disliked to trouble him with the message the lamb had brought,
+and watched him walk swiftly away without a further word.
+
+"Huh! He needn't be afraid we'll do anything we oughtn't! And I don't
+see as we're going to be so much alone, after all. There's the trained
+nurse, and though the doctor's gone to Denver he'll come back."
+
+"She's sick herself, this last day or so, Alfy. We mustn't count on her
+nor on Dr. Jones. But there's Mr. Robson, Captain Lem, Anita, Wun
+Sing--and lots of ranchmen left. Oh! we'll be all right!" said Dorothy.
+"But the Captain has walked off with 'Netty'--forgotten all about her, I
+guess."
+
+"Well, I must go to poor Milly. She never can keep her head when
+anything happens suddenly, like this. She has complained, incessantly,
+that she could hardly breathe up here and I'm glad she has the chance to
+go now. But I can fancy my dear mother's face, when Milly walks into the
+Towers without me!" said Helena, hurrying away.
+
+A half-hour of activity followed, the girls taking Lady Gray's simple
+packing out of her hands, although that much-travelled _prima donna_ was
+never disturbed by sudden changes from place to place. Indeed, she was
+happy over this coming trip, under her husband's escort, and to meet her
+dearly loved Aunt Rachel.
+
+Jedediah had his master's suit-case ready in even shorter time and it
+was only Miss Milliken who delayed matters by her fussiness.
+
+However, the buckboard came around, Silent Pete holding the reins over
+the four-in-hand, and Captain Lem rather jealously regarding him; until
+his eye fell upon his "awkward squad" and he remembered the greater
+responsibility placed upon himself. Then he was reconciled to see
+another man drive his horses, reflecting:
+
+"Well, I needn't grumble, I'm the one Boss trusted most. Seven
+youngsters in hand and one in the bush--land knows where!--is a bigger
+job 'n just drivin' a four-footed team. I ain't no call to feel lonesome
+but just to feel sot up. Funny, ain't it, Lem! You a regular,
+dyed-in-the-wool old bach to find yourself suddenly playin' daddy to
+seven strappin' boys an' gals! Seven an' there'd ought to be eight.
+Ought to be--_must be_--that's what it spells to Captain Lemuel Hunt.
+For if--if--as I reasonably suspicion--that there Jim Barlow, poor
+writer, has fell into the hands of a passel of Injuns, his cake's dough,
+lessen I can rake it out their oven into mine."
+
+The departure of the buckboard, with solemn Silent Pete in charge, had a
+depressing effect upon the group left watching it. Everything would go
+on just as usual, of course. Why should there be any difference?
+But--how lonesome it was! How they would miss Lady Gray's sweet voice
+and presence, and the "Boss's" jokes and laughter!
+
+The thought was too much for tender-hearted Alfy, and after a
+spluttering, and sniffling to stem her own grief, she burst into an
+audible boo-hoo, that promptly started Molly's tears, though she shed
+them silently. All, indeed, were very sober and Leslie's face was pale.
+He hadn't realized till now how necessary his mother had become to his
+happiness, and he felt sorely inclined to follow the example of the
+weeping girls though rather indignant against them. It wasn't their
+Lady Gray who had left, nor their beloved Dad. He exclaimed, testily:
+
+"Girls, quit that! I'm your host now and I say--no crying! What I
+propose is--do something. Let's ride to Bald Eagle Peak--or Rock. You'll
+need clear eyes to follow that trail, but there'll be just time enough
+to do it before bedtime. Hurray for 'Boots and Saddles!'"
+
+Captain Lem answered quickly:
+
+"Lad, you can't do that! You mustn't take that road till you know more
+about ridin' 'n you do now, nor unless you start by daybreak. I wouldn't
+try it myself, old mountaineer as I am, at this hour, lessen it was a
+case of life and death. No, you can't go."
+
+Leslie's temper rose and he retorted:
+
+"I'm 'Boss' here now and don't you dare say 'mustn't' to me!"
+
+The sharpshooter laughed ironically; and this enraged the boy still
+further. His riding whip was in his hand and, with a furious look at the
+Captain, he lifted it and brought it down upon the old man's head--who
+staggered backward, then fell to the ground as if he were dead.
+
+"Leslie! Leslie!" shrieked the onlookers, "what have you done?"
+
+"Killed him--I--guess!" he gasped and threw himself beside the prostrate
+ranchman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE SHEEP HERDER'S CABIN
+
+
+When, in the delirium of fever, Jim Barlow strayed from his room at San
+Leon, the one idea in his mind was that the mountains called him. One
+distant peak, in especial, seemed imbued with life, using human speech
+and gesture--warning him to come, and come at once, lest some terrible
+thing befall him. He must obey! He must--he must!
+
+He set off at a run, his bare feet unconsciously seeking the smooth
+driveway of the home-piece, and following it at breakneck speed till it
+ended in the road below the mesa. There the rougher going hindered him
+somewhat, but not greatly, and he kept to the highway till it reached a
+river and a bridge.
+
+Beyond the bridge the road divided into three forks, the northern one
+ascending steadily toward the peak to which his fancy still fixed itself
+and he struck off upon this. How long he travelled he did not know,
+though his unnatural strength due to his fever must have lasted for
+hours. Gradually, that fierce, inward excitement that drove him on gave
+place to a sudden weariness, and he dropped like a stone on the spot
+where it overcame him.
+
+As the morning rose, clear and bright, a company of horsemen, riding in
+single file toward a distant pass, came upon a prostrate, nearly naked
+figure lying in their path. The horsemen were Ute Indians, and like many
+of their white brothers, were prospecting for gold. All sorts of
+precious metals were to be found in these Rocky mountains, and were
+their own rightful inheritance. They were peaceably inclined to share
+and share alike with the pale faces. For years there had been friendship
+between them and the red men had learned many things from the white. Not
+the least had been this craving for gold; and where once they would have
+toiled only in the chase, to shoot and kill the game with which the
+mountains abounded, they now longed for the glittering stones hidden
+within them.
+
+But they were in no haste. The gold was hidden--it would keep, and they
+had ridden all night long. So, at sight of poor Jim, lying motionless,
+they dismounted and discussed him.
+
+"He is dead," said the foremost, in his own tongue which, of course, the
+lad would not have understood, even if he had heard.
+
+Another stooped down and turned the boy's face upward. It was scratched
+with the underbrush through which he had made his way and the light
+garments he wore were in shreds. His feet were swollen and bruised and
+the bandages had been torn from his arm.
+
+"Not dead. Might as well be. Heap bad," said another Indian, gravely
+shaking his head.
+
+There were four in the party and one of them filled a cup at a nearby
+spring and dashed the water over the lad's face. His fit of exhaustion
+was about over, anyway, and the shock of the ice-cold water revived him,
+so that he opened his eyes and looked into the dark face bent above him.
+
+But there was no intelligence in this look and presently his lids
+drooped and he was once more oblivious to all about him.
+
+The Indians held a consultation. Three were for going on, after they had
+breakfasted, and leaving the vagrant to his fate. One was for giving
+help and, being the leader of the party as well as a red-skinned "Good
+Samaritan," his counsel prevailed.
+
+When they resumed the trail, Jim Barlow was carried with them, very much
+like a sack of meal across a saddle bow. But carried--not left to die.
+
+When he again opened his eyes, and this time with consciousness in them,
+he was in a small shanty, rude in the extreme; and his bed a pile of
+hemlock boughs spread with a woollen blanket. He lay for some time
+trying to think where he was and what had happened to him, and idly
+watching the bent figure of a man sitting just outside the doorway of
+the hut. The man was smoking and a little boy was playing in the sand at
+his feet.
+
+Jim couldn't see anything interesting in these two strangers nor in the
+cabin itself and, with a feeling of great weakness, closed his eyes once
+more, and for many hours of sound, refreshing sleep. When for the third
+time he awoke his senses had returned and only the weakness remained. He
+tried to speak and after several efforts succeeded in asking, audibly:
+
+"Where am I?"
+
+At sound of his voice the man outside rose and came to the boy, nodding
+his head in satisfaction but in silence.
+
+"Where--am--I?" asked Jim, again.
+
+The man shook his head. By his appearance he was Mexican, but he wore an
+Indian costume of buckskin, once gaily decorated and fringed but now
+worn and very dirty. His straight black hair hung low over his forehead
+and his hands looked as if they had never seen water. His face was not
+ugly, neither was it kind; and he seemed more stolid than stupid.
+
+"Where--am--I? Who are you?" again demanded Jim, trying to get up, but
+instantly sinking back from utter weakness.
+
+There was no answer; but, after a long contemplation of his guest, the
+Mexican crossed to a little stove, wherein a few sticks were burning.
+From a rusty coffee pot which stood upon it, he poured some liquid into
+a tin cup and brought it to the lad.
+
+Jim tried to sit up and take the cup into his own hand but he could not;
+so, with unexpected gentleness, the man slipped his arm under his
+patient's shoulders and raised him to a half-sitting posture. Then he
+held the cup to Jim's lips, who drank eagerly, the muddy coffee seeming
+like nectar to his dry, parched throat.
+
+The drink refreshed him but he was still too weak to rise, or even care
+to do so. Dozing and waking, wondering a little over his situation yet
+mostly indifferent to everything, the hours passed.
+
+Jim's interest was next aroused by the man's dressing of his arm. He did
+this with real skill, removing the big leaves of some healing plant,
+with which it had been bound, and replacing these with fresh ones,
+confining them in place by long strips of split reeds.
+
+The soft, cool leaves were wonderfully comforting and with the easing of
+the pain serious thoughts came. To the injured lad everything now seemed
+a blank from the evening meal at San Leon, after his arrival there,
+until now. Why he had left that ranch and why he had come to this queer
+place he could not imagine; but the picture of the beautiful,
+mission-like house was distinct, and of Dorothy walking across its lawn
+beside him.
+
+Dorothy! It seemed a long time since he had seen her or heard her sweet
+voice chide him for his misdoings. Why--now he remembered--he hadn't
+said good-night to Dorothy, his first faithful friend. But it is
+needless to follow the gropings of Jim's mind back to the realization of
+his present situation. Yet the first and strongest feeling which
+possessed him was that he must tell Dorothy where he was. Dolly was such
+a hand to worry, silly Dolly! And she was his best, earliest friend.
+
+The Mexican brought him his breakfast of bacon and corn bread, with
+another cup of that coffee which always stood upon the stove. A child
+came with the man and gazed at Jim with solemn, wondering eyes.
+
+Jim returned the stare with interest. This was the first small Indian he
+had ever seen and to judge by the little fellow's face he might have
+been an old, old man--he was so grave and dignified.
+
+"How are you, sonny?" said Jim.
+
+The midget simply blinked.
+
+"Can't you talk, kid?" again questioned the stranger, holding out his
+hand.
+
+The little boy did not answer, save by placing his own chubby, extremely
+dirty hand on Jim's extended palm.
+
+"Good. You're friendly, if you are dumb. Sort of needs washin', don't
+it? Water. Can you bring me some water? I'm thirsty."
+
+The child walked to a big tank, or half-barrel, outside the door and
+dipped the tin coffee cup within it. But he was too short to reach the
+low supply and giving himself an extra hitch upwards, over the edge, the
+better to obtain the draught, he lost his balance and fell in head
+first.
+
+Jim's low bed commanded a view of this and he started to rescue the
+youngster, but the man was before him. He treated the accident as if it
+were an ordinary occurrence, pulling the child out by the seat of his
+leather breeches, shaking him as one might a wet puppy, and setting him
+on his feet without a word. Indeed, words seemed the most precious
+commodity in that queer shanty, so rarely were they used. But the
+father, if such he were, himself filled the cup with the stale water and
+gave it to the child, who carried it to Jim as calmly as if no trouble
+had attended his getting it.
+
+"Thank you, boy. What's your name?"
+
+"Name--Jose," said the man answering for him. He pronounced it "Ho-say,"
+and Jim was pleased. Knowing that he might meet people who spoke
+Spanish, in this trip west, the studious lad had brought a Spanish
+grammar along with him on the train and had glanced into it whenever he
+had a chance. Of course, he could not speak it himself, nor understand
+it well, nor was the dialect here in use very much like the correct
+language of the grammar.
+
+"Jose, where is this place?"
+
+The child stared. Then suddenly went out of doors and returned with a
+baby lamb in his arms. He plumped this down upon Jim's breast and smiled
+for the first time. The lamb was his latest, greatest treasure and, in
+his childish sympathy, he offered it to the "hurted man." With his good
+arm, Jim made the little animal more comfortable, while Jose vanished
+without again. This time he returned with a fine basket of Indian
+workmanship, and this was filled in part by glittering stones and in
+part by flowers. All these he deposited on the bed beside the lamb, and
+folded his arms behind him in profound satisfaction. He had done his
+very best. He had given the sick one all his things. If that didn't cure
+him it would be no further business of Jose's.
+
+The man of the house had now seated himself beside the stove. He placed
+an earthen pan beside him on the clay floor and laid a bundle of rushes
+beside it. Also, he took down from a peg in the wall an unfinished
+basket, and reseating himself, proceeded to weave upon it. He used only
+the finest of splits, torn from the reeds, almost like thread in their
+delicacy and he worked very slowly. From time to time he held the basket
+from him, studying its appearance with half-closed eyes, as an artist
+studies a picture. Frequently, he lifted the coffee pot to his lips and
+drank from its spout.
+
+Jim watched him in silent admiration of his deftness with the weaving
+and in disgust at his use of the coffee pot--thinking he would want no
+more draughts from it himself. All the time his mind grew clearer and he
+began to form plans for telling Dorothy where he was--though he didn't
+know that, himself; but, at least, of letting her know he was alive. She
+would have to guess at the rest and she would surely trust him to come
+back when he could.
+
+When the weaver looked up again Jim beckoned him to approach. Rather
+reluctantly, he did so. For his own part he was getting tired of this
+helpless lad, left in his hut by White Feather, his Ute brother-in-law.
+If Moon Face were living, the Ute maiden who had been his wife and
+little Jose's mother, it wouldn't have mattered. To her would have
+fallen the care. Nothing had gone right with him, Alaric, the sheep
+herder, since Moon Face fell ill and died, though he went often to that
+far place in the forest where her body had been secretly buried in the
+crevice of a great rock. Moon Face had left him for a few days' visit to
+a camp of her relatives and there had taken the small-pox and died,
+despite the fact that she had been treated by the wisest medicine men
+and immersed in the sweat-box, the Indian cure for all ills. If he had
+been near enough to such a thing, or had had energy enough to prepare it
+up here at his home, Alaric would promptly have subjected poor Jim to
+similar treatment.
+
+As it was, the isolation of Alaric's hut and his laziness saved the
+wanderer from this. Now, as he obeyed the boy's summons, he was brooding
+over his misfortunes and was more grim even than usual.
+
+"Well, young man?"
+
+Jim was surprised. The man had been so silent, hitherto, that he
+imagined they two had no language in common.
+
+"So you speak English! That makes it easy. I want to send a message to
+the place I--I left. Will you take it?"
+
+Alaric shook his head, firmly declining.
+
+"Don't get ugly. If you won't go, will you send somebody?"
+
+The Mexican pretended that his English did not go so far as this. He
+obstinately would not understand.
+
+Then followed a long argument which greatly wearied Jim and simply
+failed of its object. At last, he named "San Leon" and Alaric's
+expression brightened. That was the place where there was plenty of
+money and the sheep herder loved money. He had been there. It was not
+far away, by a road he knew, yet he did not care to go there again,
+himself. There had been a transaction of horses that wasn't pleasant to
+remember. Old Lem Hunt had accused him of being a thief, once on a
+time, when some thoroughbreds had been missing from the San Leon
+corrals, and Alaric had had hard work to prove his innocence. He had
+been obliged to prove it because, in Colorado, men were still sometimes
+inclined to take justice in their own hands and not wait for the law to
+do it for them.
+
+The truth was that the sheep herder had not, personally, taken a single
+steed from San Leon. He had merely "assisted" some of his Indian friends
+to do so. He had even carefully kept all knowledge of the affair from
+the ears of his brother-in-law, White Feather; a man who indeed loved
+fine horseflesh, as all the Utes did, but preferred to increase his
+herds by legitimate trading.
+
+The other Indians, whom Alaric had "assisted," had paid their assistant
+in honest gold--he wouldn't take any other sort of payment--and there
+had been more gold changing hands in order to secure the real thieves.
+And because he loved the gold Alaric had thus assisted both sides and
+received double pay. Also, he had left an unsavory memory of himself at
+San Leon as well as offended his Ute relatives; and White Feather not
+only prevented harm being done to his Mexican brother-in-law, but also
+used the occasion to make Alaric subject to himself. Thus it was that he
+had made the sheep herder take in the sick lad he had found on the trail
+and swear to be kind to him.
+
+"San Lean? _Si_.... _En verdad_. Well, senor?"
+
+If this injured, half-naked youth had hailed from that rich man's ranch
+it might be worth while to hearken to what he wished.
+
+"I want to tell a girl there that I am not dead. I want to send just
+that message, till I can go there myself. Do this for me and I
+will--will pay you--when I can."
+
+Alaric considered. From present appearances there seemed small chance of
+Jim's ever paying anybody for any service. Yet--there was White Feather
+to please and there was possible payment at San Leon. He nodded
+acquiescence.
+
+"Then get me somethin' to write on!" begged Jim, vastly excited by this
+chance to set himself right with his friends.
+
+He might as well have asked for the moon. Writing was not an
+accomplishment of Alaric's and he had never owned a scrap of paper fit
+for such use. Yet the longer he pondered the matter the more willing the
+man became. Finally, he took Jose upon his knee, and, emphasizing each
+word of instruction by a stern forefinger and a threat of fearful
+punishment for disobedience, he instilled into the little fellow's mind
+the fact that he was to go to San Leon ranch; to find there a pretty
+girl in a white dress; a girl with big brown eyes and dark curly hair. A
+girl who was always laughing and who always wore a red bow on her head.
+He, Alaric, would go with his son as far as the cypress hedge,
+bordering the west side of the lake. There he would wait for the child
+to do his errand and return, and would himself be out of sight of that
+old sharpshooter, whom he feared.
+
+He had another inspiration--of generosity and greed commingled. That
+lamb of Jose's. He could afford to give that away because it wasn't his
+own, nor even really the little one's. It belonged to the rich ranch
+owner whose sheep he herded, up here on the lonely mountain. The girl
+for whom this sick boy wished a message might like the lamb and give the
+papoose money for it. Money would be far better for Jose than any pet.
+
+After this course of silent reasoning, Alaric bestirred himself to
+action. He had often had to make his "mark" upon some paper of
+agreement, the nearest to writing that he could come. He understood that
+Jim wished to make his own now. So, selecting a bit of glittering stone
+that was fairly smooth, he handed it to the lad, and afterward crushed
+the stem of a plant which exuded a red juice. With this other sharp
+pointed bit of stone dipped in this juice, anybody might make as many
+"marks" as he chose upon the flat stone.
+
+Jim was quick to understand the suggestion but real writing was out of
+the question. The best he could accomplish was that D which was in his
+peculiar hand. By signs, more than words, Alaric expressed the whole
+matter; and Jim eagerly caught at the suggestion. The lamb would be a
+pretty gift for Dorothy and would tell her better than words that he
+remembered her and was safe. Only--the little animal was like everything
+else seen in this cabin--so dirty! He couldn't send it to dainty Dorothy
+in such condition. In a few words he explained to the shepherd his ideas
+about it and was amused by the infinite contempt shown on Alaric's face.
+
+However, he made short work of that matter. He was now impatient to be
+off, the sooner to get that possible payment of gold; and remembered
+that White Feather had commanded him to serve the sick stranger to the
+best of his ability. With a flippant gesture he seized the lamb and
+carried it to the tank outside the door; and sousing it up and down till
+its dusty fleece was white and itself nearly drowned, he threw it on
+Jim's bed to dry.
+
+Jose found his voice and jabbered in a mixture of Spanish and Indian,
+expressing his pity for his pet; then brought handfuls of grass and
+leaves to rub it with. This vigorous attention, in which Jim used his
+own sound arm, soon restored the lambkin to a beauty that surprised them
+all. More grass and flowers were put in the bottom of the basket with
+the marked stone, the lamb upon this cushion, and the cover fastened on.
+
+Alaric informed Jim that such a basket was worth a great deal of money.
+He had learned the art of making such from Moon Face, who had travelled
+sometimes to the distant railway line and sold them to tourists. It was
+so tightly woven it would hold water; and in his pride over his
+handiwork the weaver would have poured a dipper of it into the basket to
+prove his statement.
+
+"No, no! The poor little thing has had more than its share of water!
+Best save the rest for yourself!" protested Jim, with a feeble attempt
+at a joke.
+
+Alaric desisted then, hung the dipper back on the tank, seized the
+basket in one hand and Jose in the other and strode away. The last
+glimpse Jim had of them showed poor little Jose's fat legs being swung
+along, touching the ground only now and then, as they utterly failed to
+keep up with his father's pace.
+
+Left alone, Jim lay still a long time, idly fingering some bits of rock
+which the child had scattered upon his blanket. He felt very cold; and
+again, in another moment, he seemed to be burning up. He thought of the
+water in the tank. He was desperately thirsty, his throat growing dry,
+his lips swelling; and alternately he longed to dip his head in that
+barrel and drink--drink--drink! then shivered with disgust remembering
+the various uses the stale fluid had been put to. Finally, sleep, or
+unconsciousness, overcame him and for many days he knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+PLAY THAT WAS WORK AND WORK THAT WAS PLAY
+
+
+The silence that followed Leslie's frightened cry, as he hurled himself
+to the ground beside the old man he had struck, lasted but an instant.
+Then, recovering their scattered wits, Herbert and Monty stooped and
+lifted the Captain's head.
+
+The movement roused him and he opened his eyes, drawing a long breath as
+he did so and trying to speak. But he couldn't do that yet; nor, indeed,
+till Dorothy had come back with a glass of water, for which she had
+instantly run to the house as Captain Lemuel fell.
+
+Dipping her fingers in the water she moistened his lips, and when he
+parted them as if demanding more, she gently dropped some between them.
+He swallowed with an effort but, presently, his strength returned and he
+tried to rise. The lads helped him and were overjoyed when he said,
+quite clearly and with a touch of his native humor:
+
+"Ain't so tough as I thought. Eh, what? Lessen a little tenderfoot
+like--Why, what's he down for? Tried it on himself?"
+
+At the sound of his victim's voice an infinite relief surged through
+Leslie's heart and he lifted a very white face to look at the ranchman.
+
+"Oh, Captain Lem! I--I was wild to do that! I beg your pardon--please
+forgive me--if you can!"
+
+The petition ended with a sob, that was really a gasp for breath, due to
+the excitement of his rage, and the anger of his mates changed to pity
+for him.
+
+"His weak heart! How ill he has made himself!" thought Helena,
+compassionately putting her hand under his arm and helping him to his
+feet, where he stood trembling and still breathing with much difficulty.
+
+Dorothy had told her of this weakness of the lad's and that his parents
+had been somewhat doubtful if he could endure the rarefied air of that
+high region. If he could it would cure that other weakness of his lungs
+and they hoped for the best. She was frightened by his appearance and
+inwardly resolved to oppose any sort of fun which might bring on a
+return of this attack. She had already heard her brother and Monty
+proposing a bear hunt on the more distant peaks of the mountains and
+decided that it should never take place.
+
+But Captain Lem was answering the boy and she listened to his words:
+
+"Course, sonny, I shan't lay it up again' you. An' I allow 't there's
+one thing decent about you: if you're quick to get r'iled you're just as
+quick to own yourself in fault. I'm willin' to wash the slate all clean
+now, an' start over again with any little problems we may meet, same's
+when I was a little shaver, an' 'tended deestrict school an' got my sums
+wrong, the teacher made me do. I'm no hand to lay up malice just 'cause
+a feller's got more 'n his share o' temper, specially not again' your
+father's son. Anybody 't spells his name Ford can do most as he's a mind
+to with Lemuel Hunt. Only--_don't you dast to do it again_; 'cause I'm
+some on the temper myself, an' I ain't much used to bein' struck.
+So--so--just don't show off any more o' that there little playfulness
+again. That's all."
+
+Too proud to show how really shaken and miserable he felt, the
+sharpshooter retired to his own quarters at the Barracks and was seen no
+more that night: but he sent word to Dorothy, the "Little One," that
+Netty, the lamb, had been given a soft bed close to his own and would be
+carefully attended.
+
+The hours passed quietly till bedtime, which all the young strangers at
+San Leon felt inclined to make early that night. Seven young people,
+with all the means of enjoyment at hand which these had, should have
+been very merry, but these were not. The absence of their hosts made the
+great house seem very empty. Nobody had heart for any music, though
+Dorothy bravely brought out her violin and Helena took her place at the
+piano, ready to accompany. But, unfortunately, the first melody which
+came to Dolly's mind was one that Father John, Aunt Betty, and poor Jim
+had each loved best--"Auld Lang Syne."
+
+She mastered a few strains and the tears rose to her eyes. She suddenly
+felt lonely and helpless, so far from all who had hitherto made her
+happy world. So, rather than break down completely and let the tears
+fall, she nodded to Helena and put her beloved Cremona "to bed," as she
+called its placing in its case.
+
+"Let's play 'Authors,'" suggested Molly.
+
+"'Authors' is the dullest game going," objected Monty.
+
+"That's because you're not well read. If you knew as much about books as
+Jim Barlow--" she retorted, teasing, then stopped abruptly. That was an
+unfortunate reference, for who, alas! could tell if that too studious
+youth were alive or dead?
+
+Alfaretta hurried to cover this mention by demanding:
+
+"Let's sing 'rounds,' 'Scotland's burning,' or 'Three Blind Mice.' Now
+don't stop to object or say nothin' but _just begin_. I will, and Nell,
+you follow. Then the boys, if any of 'em can sing a note. Sometimes
+their voices go 'way up in Q and sometimes 'way down suller. But they
+can try. Now--here she goes: 'Three Blind Mice--Three Blind Mice--For
+mercy's sake, Helena Montaigne, why don't you take it up? I sing one
+line, you know, then you sing the same one over--and we each do it three
+times then change to 'They--all--run--after--the--butcher's--wife--who--
+cut--off--their--tails--with--a--carving--kni-i-ife!--You--never--see--
+such--a--sight--in--your--life--as--Three--Blind Mice!' By that time
+Dolly'll be ready, over cryin'. She can sing real nice if she's a mind
+to. Listen! Everybody do it real solemn, no giggling, no forgettin'
+your parts, where you go in and come out at and doin' that part about
+the butcher's wife and the tails just as fast as you can speak it and
+the end--as--s-l-o-w--a-s--s-l-o-w. Begin!"
+
+Alfy's rich, though untrained voice, started the song and Helena
+followed on time, singing very sweetly, indeed, until she came to that
+tragic part about the tails, when she burst out in a giggle and a vain
+effort to race along as rapidly as Alfy had done.
+
+Herbert could sing well. He helped Alfaretta carry the thing through to
+a triumphant finale, they two alone; for all the others had laughed
+themselves out of place and tune, with Monty interspersing the melody by
+outrageous cat calls and screechings of "Maria Maouw, come and catch
+these Three Blind Mice!"
+
+"Maria! Maria! Pussy, pussy cat Maria--Come to supper!" echoed Leslie,
+laughing as he rarely laughed. To him this company of young people was
+wholly delightful--except when he felt it his duty to entertain them.
+When they were thus willing to entertain him everything was all right.
+He had had so few young intimates in his life that each of these
+youngsters seemed wonderful to him. Their nonsense and good natured
+chaffing of one another kept him amused at all times and was doubly
+pleasant to him that night.
+
+For, like Dorothy, he felt oddly forlorn and deserted in this great
+beautiful home that was practically his own; and he wished as he had
+done before that he might step into that cottage of the Babcock's,
+"up-mounting" where Alfaretta belonged and where she said everyone was
+as jolly as the day was long. He hadn't liked Alfy at first and he
+still rather looked down upon her. She wasn't of his station in life,
+she _would_ not see that money made such a great difference, whether
+one had it or had not. She was greatly lacking in delicacy of speech,
+but she was honest to a fault. Not honester than Dolly, perhaps, but
+in another way. She hadn't hesitated to give him one of those generous
+"pieces of her mind" with which she regaled anyone she considered at
+fault; and the "piece" she had cut for him that day had been:
+
+"Well, Leslie Ford, if bein' rich as Croesus--whoever he was--or havin'
+all creation to wait on you can't make you no better 'n a coward--I pity
+you. Yes, I do. That was the lowest-down, orneriest trick to hit an old
+man like Captain Lem, without givin' him a chance to help himself. Why,
+a boy that hadn't a cent, an' never looked to have, couldn't ha' been no
+meaner. An' just sayin' 'Forgive me' don't undo that job. Worst is, you
+raised a bigger welt on your own insides, on that thing Mr. Winters
+calls your conscience, 'n you did on his old head, an' it won't heal so
+quick, neither. I sure was ashamed of you, I sure was."
+
+This lecture had been in response to his appeal, as they chanced to
+stand together in the cloistered walk, waiting for supper:
+
+"You don't think very badly of me, do you, Alfaretta, for getting so
+angry?"
+
+The lad was very unhappy and very ashamed. He hoped to recover his own
+self-respect by hearing his mates declare the recent affair had been
+"nothing." Herbert had gone so far, indeed, as to say that he, too,
+would have resented being told "must" and "mustn't" by a mere hired man,
+but Leslie knew that Herbert would never have struck anybody under any
+provocation; and Monty had simply remarked: "Well, if you really liked
+to soil your hands that way, all right."
+
+Alfy was the first of the girls he had interviewed, though he had
+gratefully recognized Helena's compassion and Dorothy's distress--for
+himself. Molly--he guessed he wouldn't question Molly. That young
+person had a flippant tongue and she was always inclined to "call a
+spade a spade." He couldn't imagine her calling a coward a hero--and his
+own heart told him he had not been that. But Alfy was poor and intensely
+grateful for all his parents were doing for her. She would be the one to
+soothe his self-esteem and overlook the episode, he thought, and so he
+appealed to her.
+
+Alfy's opening remark had been:
+
+"I can't say I think very well. You might ha' done worse, course, you
+might have used that pistol I saw you cocking round, this morning, if
+you'd had it handy; and that you've got no more use for than a cat for
+two tails. You beat the Dutch, Leslie Ford. You're feelin' mean as
+pussley and you're coaxin' me to contradict you."
+
+Then had followed that larger "slice" of the girl's opinion, recorded
+above. It hadn't left a very pleasant "taste" in the lad's "mouth."
+
+Summons to supper was an agreeable sound, just then, and nobody referred
+to the event again. Yet, as has been told, the evening was a dull one
+for most of the party, the singing of the "rounds" its greatest
+amusement. Just as this ended, Dr. Jones appeared to read family
+prayers.
+
+Mrs. Ford had instituted this on her arrival at San Leon, and Mr. Ford
+had conducted the little service with a dignified sincerity which could
+not fail to impress his young guests. On leaving, he had requested the
+doctor to take his place, saying:
+
+"No ceremony that will help to bring a blessing on our home must be
+omitted just because I am away."
+
+But, to-night, they missed the master's earnest voice and Gray Lady's
+wonderful singing of just the familiar, common hymn which everybody
+knew. The house-servants, and such of the ranchmen as would, filed into
+the spacious music-room and took their seats in reverent quiet. This was
+new business to most of those rough westerners and they came partly from
+curiosity, partly from admiration of "Dan Ford, Railroad Boss"; so great
+a man in their opinion that whatever he did they felt must have some
+merit in it.
+
+Helena took her place at the piano and the other girls stood beside her;
+and Herbert, obeying a nod from Dorothy also came forward. Monty and
+Leslie reluctantly followed. They had grouped themselves thus when the
+master was present but had hesitated now from a foolish shame before
+these untutored workmen.
+
+Dorothy's face lighted with gratitude and between the lines of the hymn
+Molly murmured, "Good boys," while Alfy sang with even greater vim than
+her beloved "rounds."
+
+Then swift good nights and rest. It had been a busy, an exciting day;
+and Dorothy was soon asleep, though again her mind had been full of
+wonder concerning absent Jim and she had meant to lie awake and, as
+Alfy expressed it: "Cipher out where he could be."
+
+But still she could not worry greatly. The arrival of the lamb with his
+message assured her that he was alive and, she argued, must be well
+since he had not forgotten her.
+
+But in one room there was no desire for sleep. Leslie was still restless
+and excited. His heart bothered him. He missed his parents more than he
+would acknowledge even to himself. He was fractious and tried Mateo's
+patience sorely.
+
+"No, Mateo, I shan't go to bed till I get ready. No matter if my mother
+did say ten o'clock, it was because she didn't understand. You can't go,
+either. I want you to talk."
+
+"Certainly, senor."
+
+But when silence followed Leslie impatiently inquired:
+
+"Well, why don't you?"
+
+Poor Mateo sighed. Commonly his tongue would run so fast that his young
+master would order him to be quiet. Now, when requested, the valet could
+find no word to say. He stood behind his master's chair, idly turning
+with his foot the corners of a mighty bear skin which lay upon the
+floor. It was the skin of an enormous grizzly, that had been shot by
+Captain Lem and another _caballero_, or horse trainer and had been
+mounted by themselves with infinite care, as a gift to their employer.
+The head was stuffed to the contour of life, and the paws outspread and
+perfect. It was, indeed, a most valuable skin and Leslie had admired it
+so greatly that it had been spread as a rug upon his floor. It annoyed
+him now to see Mateo toying with it and he bade him stop.
+
+The Mexican flushed and sighed:
+
+"It is that _el senor_ is not well, _si_?" he suggested, suavely.
+
+"Yes, I am well, too," retorted the boy, who felt wretched, with a
+curious oppression on his chest.
+
+"Imagine, Senor Leslie, what it must be to kill, to slaughter such a
+monster!"
+
+"Ah! a monster, indeed! But I shall kill just such another, you'll see.
+What's the use of a ranch on the Rockies and not go bear hunting? They
+can't keep me done up in cotton wool just because I used to cough a
+little."
+
+"Certainly not, senor."
+
+"Oh! shut up with your everlasting 'certainly nots!' You're as tiresome
+as an old woman. I wish you'd stayed in San Diego, where you belong."
+
+Mateo was amazed. He was really devoted to Leslie and they had rarely
+disagreed. He scarcely knew the lad in such a mood as this and realized
+that something must be done to give a pleasanter turn to things. A bear
+hunt? Was that what the young senor had set his heart upon and been
+denied? An inspiration came to him.
+
+"_Caramba!_ Behold! I have a fine thought, me. Will it please _el senor_
+to listen?"
+
+"Of course. That's what I said to do--to talk."
+
+Then Mateo did talk. For five, ten minutes, with many a gesture and
+mixture of Spanish and English, till his listener's face grew radiant
+and he sprang from his chair with a hip, hip, hurra! All his crossness
+was over and he now allowed Manuel to settle him for the night with a
+good nature not to be exceeded by anybody.
+
+The morning found all the young folks happier than they had been on the
+night before; and, nobody was late for breakfast. It had been explained
+to them that each one should attend the grooming of his or her own
+horse. There would be men to wait upon them, of course, and for the
+girls but little labor. Yet Mr. Ford believed that they would all be
+benefited in health by this pleasant task and that the intimacy which
+should exist between horse and rider would be thus furthered.
+
+Breakfast was scarcely over when Captain Lem appeared on the porch. He
+looked older than usual and uncommonly pale under his weather toughened
+skin, and he had put on his "specs," which he disliked. However, his
+manner was as gay as ever and he began:
+
+"You cert'nly are the laziest set o' youngsters I've met sence I was
+knee-high to a hop-toad. Reckon if anybody'd give me a horse when I was
+your ages I'd ha' beat the sun a-risin' to see if 't had lived over
+night. The boys is waiting in the stables, and gettin' pretty cross.
+Some on 'em sort-of-kind-of feel 's if they was playin' nurse to you
+kids, and the notion don't go down none too good even to oblige Dan
+Ford, Boss. They've lived in the open, most of the boys has, and are
+better used to roundin' up stock than to tendin' tenderfeet youngsters.
+Eh, Little One? Ain't you nowise curious to hear how Netty passed the
+night?"
+
+One thing was evident to them all--the sharpshooter's ready tongue had
+suffered no hurt from the unhappy incident of the day before.
+
+Dorothy ran to put her hand in his, exclaiming:
+
+"How dreadful of me! I had forgotten that darling thing. Actually
+forgotten. How could I when she came from Jim?"
+
+Away she sped toward the Barracks, her white frock and scarlet ribbons
+making a pretty spot of color on the wide shaven lawn; but practical
+Alfaretta remarked:
+
+"If that ain't just like Dolly Doodles! Make her think she's neglected
+somebody and off she flies, forgettin' things better worth rememberin'!
+The idea! She'll go right to cleanin' that calico filly, Zaraza, an'
+never think a mite about her clean clothes. Not till she gets 'em
+dirty--then nothing'll do but she must put on fresh. White frocks ain't
+so easy did up, either, so I'll go get our high aprons, that Mrs.
+Calvert had made for us to dust the house in, at Paradise. We've got
+quite a lot of 'em and, girls, if you'd like, I'll bring a couple for
+you, too."
+
+"You dear, thoughtful little caretaker! I'll be ever so obliged for the
+loan till I can make one for myself," answered Helena gratefully, giving
+her mate a smile that made Alfy happy.
+
+Eager to see their horses but not so pleased with the idea of grooming
+them, the lads sauntered toward the stables and corral, Leslie
+intimating that he thought "a quarter judiciously applied would be
+better than soiling himself by stable-work."
+
+Neither Herbert nor Monty knew Leslie well enough yet to understand this
+shirking of what they anticipated as a delightful task. Herbert had
+always been used to horses, and to fine ones. He loved his own
+Bucephalus, "back home," as a dear friend, and looked forward to equal
+enjoyment in his new Blackamoor. With a little laugh he glanced at his
+young host and remarked:
+
+"If I could help it I would never let another hand than mine touch that
+superb animal your father gave me. I hardly realize it yet, that it is
+truly my own. Why, I mean to train him to hurdles and high jumps, and
+when I go back east, this autumn, I'll get myself proposed for the
+Highland Valley Hunt and--elected, if I can. I say, this is just a
+glorious chance to learn what I couldn't at home, where houses are thick
+and farmers so stubborn they will object to one's riding to hounds
+across their property. Howev--"
+
+Monty interrupted, rather jealously:
+
+"Oh! Quit that riding-to-hounds talk! I don't know a thing about
+horses--except a saw-horse, that my mother insisted I should work on to
+reduce my--"
+
+"'Too, too solid flesh!'" broke in Leslie, laughing now and eager to
+watch the inexperienced "fat boy" make his first attempt at grooming a
+spirited beast.
+
+But they were apt to break in thus upon each other's remarks and no
+offence taken, and they were soon at the stables, where the girls were
+already assembled. One glance at his sister, covered from neck to foot
+by a brown gingham apron, reminded the fastidious Herbert that he was
+not fixed for dirty work, and he promptly begged a set of overalls from
+the nearest workman. The other lads followed his example, discarding
+jackets and vests, and beginning on their new tasks with a zeal that was
+almost too eager.
+
+Even Leslie had done the same, willing for once to try this new game and
+see if there was any fun in it, as Herbert seemed to think. But his
+fingers shrank from handling the curry comb and brushes, absolutely new
+and clean though they were, and the best he accomplished was a
+roughening of Caesar's coat which disgusted him as well as the horse. At
+last, with a remark that "looking on was good enough for him," he
+tossed his brushes aside and signalled an attendant to finish the task
+so badly begun. To his amazement, the hostler declined:
+
+"Sorry, Master Leslie, but the Boss's express orders was--have you do it
+yourself."
+
+Leslie's eyes flashed. This was insubordination, indeed! Wasn't he
+master at San Leon, now? Then Captain Lem drew near, to pick up the
+brush and explain in a matter-of-fact way:
+
+"Best never rub anything--nor anybody--the wrong way, lad! This sorrel,
+here, 'd be sp'iled in next to no time if his hair ain't smoothed the
+way natur' meant it should lie. There. That's how. See how it shines?
+And just look at Herbert and his black! By the great horned spoon! Them
+two is cronies a'ready--hand-in-glove, pals! And let me say right here
+an' now; there ain't no comfortabler love nowhere in this world than
+that 'twixt a horse and his owner--if the last has got sense. Now pitch
+in, sonny, and don't let nobody get ahead of you on that line. No,
+siree! What'd the Boss say?" Then turning toward Monty, valiantly
+struggling with this new business, he inquired in real kindness: "Want
+me to lend a hand, youngster?"
+
+Poor Monty would have given many "quarters" to say "yes." But he was too
+plucky. His face was streaming with perspiration, he had worried the
+chestnut, Juan, till the creature threatened to kick, and he ached from
+head to foot. But he had glanced across to that open space where four
+girls were making a frolic of this "horrible mess" and manliness held
+him to his duty. But he couldn't refrain from a snappy:
+
+"No, I don't! And how long at a time does a fellow keep at it? How tell
+whether a horse is groomed or isn't?"
+
+"Ginger! Do you know when your shirt's buttoned or when it ain't? Just
+look at Herbert's piece o' work an' do accordin'. But keep cool, Monty.
+Don't get r'iled an' don't rile your nag. You'll do all right--you've
+got the makin' of a horseman in ye!"
+
+Thus encouraged, Montmorency Vavasour-Stark renewed his efforts, though
+with less force and better judgment. There is always a right and a wrong
+way to everything and the worried lad had, at last, fallen upon the
+right. He "would be a horseman!" Hurray! That opinion from such a source
+was worth lots!
+
+Well, that first lesson was over at last. Seven tired youngsters
+stripped off aprons and overalls and proceeded to mount the horses they
+had groomed and most of them were happy. It had been worth while, after
+all, to get thus familiar with the animals; and the girls, at least,
+remembered that their hosts had spoken of how beneficial it would be for
+their beloved son to be with such creatures as much as possible. Like
+the rifle practice, it was all for Leslie and Leslie's health; and they
+would have been willing enough to help this good work along, even if
+they had not got all the fun out of it for themselves, which they did.
+
+They rode "off bounds," that morning; following Captain Lem, with a
+couple of trained horsemen riding at their rear. Perhaps of all the
+company, Herbert and Molly were happiest. They were as much at home in
+the saddle as any cowboy of them all, and their high spirits spread to
+their mates, so that even they regretted the order that the leader gave:
+
+"Right about, face! Rifle practice--nine o'clock, sharp!"
+
+They hadn't a minute to lose; yet when the "awkward squad" repaired to
+the Barracks only the four girls answered to roll call. The lads came
+straggling up, later, their heads close together, an air of profound
+mischief and mystery about them, and Dorothy heard the words "Bear Hunt"
+escape from one of them.
+
+Her heart sank. Leslie was, indeed, coming to take the place he had
+declined in the "ranks," rather going with the crowd than be left out
+alone; but there was something in his manner that Dolly did not like.
+Were the three boys planning to steal off by themselves, despite Captain
+Lemuel's warnings?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE HEN OF WUN SING
+
+
+But whatever wild schemes were hatching in the heads of the three lads
+nothing seemed to come of them.
+
+Days followed one another in such peaceful routine that Dorothy felt
+ashamed of her fears, as well as ashamed of her composure regarding Jim
+Barlow. The longer he was absent the less they spoke of him. That he was
+alive, somewhere, all were sure, and that he would return sometime or
+"when he gets good and ready," as Alfaretta coolly observed.
+
+"He seemed like a very odd chap, the little I saw of him," said Leslie,
+and did not regret the stranger's absence.
+
+Herbert was loyal and insisted that "Jim was a royal chap--once he shook
+off his awkward shyness a bit. Why, the yarns Jim Barlow could spin
+about woodsy things and habits of wild creatures would make you sit
+right up and take notice. Oh, Jim's all right--only bashful."
+
+"That's so. Why, that fellow, don't you know, that fellow really plans
+to go sometime, to Africa, or some other place and live with monkeys
+just to hear them talk. He--"
+
+"He might have stayed right here with us--or you, Monty dear," said
+Molly, sweetly.
+
+Monty merely frowned at her but continued:
+
+"There is a man did that. True. Went into the woods and lived in a
+cage--"
+
+"All that trouble and expense for nothing," again remarked Molly; and
+this time Monty changed the subject, asking:
+
+"Have you heard about Wun Sing and his hen?"
+
+"Oh! never mind hens. What do you say, folks? Suppose we get old Lem to
+go with us into the mountains yonder and look for Jim?" said Herbert.
+
+"You needn't do that. You'd not find him. He's hidden himself on
+purpose, I believe, and only sent back Netty to let us know he was alive
+and well. Even Molly thinks that," said Helena; "and I, for one don't
+care to hunt up boys who don't want to be found. I think Jim's shyness
+is at the bottom of the matter. It's kindness to let him alone and--"
+
+Dolly looked serious and shook her head while Monty again demanded:
+
+"Have you heard about Wun Sing's hen?"
+
+"I wonder what he's going to give us for supper! I'm nearly starved.
+There never was such a place for appetites--eating doesn't stop that
+hollow, all-gone feeling a bit!" calmly stated Alfy, with a tragic air.
+
+"Alfy, you little pig! It isn't more than an hour since we finished
+dinner," reproved Molly, laughing.
+
+"Well, I can't help that. I wish 'twas supper-time. Let's go in the
+kitchen and ask for a piece--like the children home do, bless 'em!"
+
+"I say, you better not! Wun Sing's hen--"
+
+"Monty--quit! Let's all go ask for a 'piece'!" cried Leslie, throwing
+his arm around the "fat boy's" shoulder and forcing him along with the
+others.
+
+Herbert pulled out a jew's-harp--procured nobody knew where--and headed
+the procession with a vain attempt to render "Yankee Doodle" so that it
+could be recognized for itself. Then all fell into line, with the
+laughter and nonsense natural to a company of care free "youngsters" as
+they were now known all over the premises.
+
+But as they passed a room just beyond Leslie's own, he poked his head
+through the window, to demand of Mateo, lying within:
+
+"Any better, boy?"
+
+"_Gracias_, Senor Leslie. Much better. Only, the hen of Wun Sing; the
+omelette--Ah! I suffer, _si_. I groan--I am on fire. The heathen
+creature and his foul fowl!"
+
+"What's the matter, Les? Is that your pert valet laid up in yon? What's
+up?"
+
+"Rather--what's down? The boy hasn't been well, or says he hasn't these
+three days. That's why I had to put off the bear--"
+
+"Mum! Dorothy's just behind us and she has ears all round her head! But
+we'll do it, yet; either with or without him. It'll be rippin' fun, but
+if that girl gets wind of it she'll stop it, sure."
+
+"I wonder if we'll see Wun Sing's hen!" said Monty again.
+
+"Stark! I tell you if you mention that fowl again I'll stuff her down
+your throat!" cried Herbert, dropping his jew's-harp and engaging with
+Monty. But the latter was round and easily slipped through Bert's
+fingers, and the scrimmage was playful, anyway.
+
+Resuming their march they entered the great kitchen, now wholly deserted
+save by the Chinaman, who cowered in a corner, praying lustily to his
+honorable forefathers and burning some sort of stuff before a little
+image on the floor beside him. Like a good many others of his race, Wun
+Sing was "good Chlistian" when it suited him to be, but a much better
+devotee of his ancient gods when real trouble overtook him.
+
+Wun Sing was in trouble now. Bottomless trouble, he feared, and so
+wholly engaged in his devotions that he didn't take any notice of the
+noisy youngsters foraging his stores. Until, from the corner of his
+eye, he saw Alfy poking into a little wall-cupboard that was his own
+property and used to shelter his dearest treasures.
+
+"No, no, Missee Alfaletta! No, no. Wun Sing's chalm no wolkee if lill
+gels meddle!"
+
+He rose from his prostration on the floor and fairly flew to the girl's
+side, pushing her hand aside from the key she had almost turned, his
+whole manner expressing great agitation.
+
+Of course, she desisted at once, even apologized for her action, but her
+old co-worker in Mrs. Calvert's kitchen begged pardon in his own turn
+and after his foreign fashion. In his broken English he eagerly
+explained that he and his belongings had been _bewitched_.
+
+His hen--the so beloved hen of Wun Sing, that he had brought from far
+away California, along with some garden seeds and roots, the hen had
+been entered by an evil spirit and the days of Wun Sing were numbered.
+Already he felt the dread sickness stealing over him, as it had already
+stolen upon his old neighbor of San Diego--the so afflicted Mateo. He
+had been praying and offering gifts to his little clay god but so far
+no good had come. Within the cupboard on the wall he had placed a
+"charm"--a terrible charm, in his opinion and if that failed not only
+he but all at San Leon were doomed. Would that he had never heard of
+the place, even for the extra big wages the rich owner had offered.
+He--
+
+When he had reached this point, Alfy shook him demanding:
+
+"What makes you such a fool, Wunny? That little old image on the floor
+is enough to make you sick, course, it's so filthy dirty. I hope you'll
+scrub your hands good with soap before you touch any food for other
+folks to eat. What's the matter with the hen, anyway?"
+
+Having put this question, Alfaretta walked to the sink and turned the
+spigot over her own hand, which suddenly felt soiled by contact with the
+Chinaman's shoulder. Then she remarked:
+
+"We're all hungry. Tell us where we can find something to eat."
+
+The cook shook his head and Alfy foraged for herself: presently securing
+from the pantry a box of crackers and a jar of cheese. Armed with these
+refreshments she felt she would be sustained until the regular supper
+time, and invited her mates to accompany her on a visit to this
+wonderful hen whose name was in everybody's mouth.
+
+Wun Sing protested; but when they were determined, he tremblingly
+presented each of the youngsters with a bit of red paper, inscribed in
+black with a few Chinese characters. Laughingly, they pinned these on
+and so protected from "evil chalms" sought the little wire enclosure
+which the Chinaman had made for his petted fowl, upon his first coming
+to San Leon.
+
+The hen had been the gift of his opulent kinsman, Der Doo, and was far
+too precious to its new owner to be allowed with the other poultry. It
+had lived in state within its little wire-covered yard, supplied with
+fresh grass each day and fattening upon the best of food. For its night
+accommodation, Wun Sing had constructed a tiny pagoda-like house
+imitating a temple of his native land. Here the pampered fowl slept
+luxuriously, and for a time had been the delight of its owner's eyes.
+
+"Let's sit down on the grass and watch it awhile. We can eat our
+crackers here, first rate, 'cause if we get thirsty we can drink out of
+the spigot o' running water that cooky has fixed for the hen," suggested
+Alfy.
+
+So they ranged themselves in a semi-circle, with the crackers and cheese
+in the centre and awaited developments.
+
+"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" crowed Herbert, in excellent imitation of a
+rooster.
+
+"Oh! hush! Hens don't do _that_; they just
+say--cut-cut-cut-cut--cut-tarket!" corrected Molly.
+
+Immediately the rest took up the mocking cries, to the evident distress
+of poor Wun Sing, who stood in the background, his face yellower than
+common and his hands clasping and unclasping nervously.
+
+But neither cat-calls, crowings, nor cacklings, coaxed the invisible
+fowl from her palace-like retreat. So, soon tiring of this, they fell to
+talking of other things and forgot the creature; till, suddenly, from
+within the temple came a crow that beat even Herbert's noisy ones. It
+was so loud and so sudden, and was so closely followed by a jubilant
+cackle, that all of them were a trifle startled while Wun Sing threw
+himself down in real terror.
+
+The cackling continued a longer time than is usual and ended in another
+masculine crow. Then there solemnly stalked into the little yard a very
+handsome fowl, of the Plymouth Rock species, who strutted about as if
+she were the queen of all hens.
+
+"Huh! Nothing the matter with that biddy, Wun Sing! I wish 't Ma Babcock
+had her in our hennery, up-mounting. What's wrong with her, you think,
+Wunny?"
+
+"Missee Alfletta--_eggs_!"
+
+"Well, what's a hen's business in life but to lay eggs?" demanded
+Herbert, laughing at the Chinaman's curious expression.
+
+Then it came out. That hen did lay eggs--such eggs! She was a big hen
+and her eggs so small, and so many! Ah! she was bewitched. She was
+bewitching Wun Sing. She had already bewitched Mateo, yes. It began the
+very day the master left. On that sorrowful, august occasion that pent
+up, solitary fowl deposited two eggs in her softly lined nest.
+
+"That might be. Ma's hens do that, sometimes, good breeds," said Alfy,
+in answer to the Chinaman's impressive statement.
+
+With all this company of doubters around him Wun Sing felt secure enough
+to go on and state that on the day following there had been four eggs!
+Then one--then again seven--the mystic number. Latterly there had been
+eight, nine, as high as ten! All in one twenty-four hours! Could a fowl,
+free from an evil spirit, so conduct itself? No. No, indeed. Wun Sing
+knew what he knew. Disaster was coming. There was trouble on the wing.
+It would light upon San Leon. They were doomed--doomed--doomed!
+
+"I don't believe it!" declared Leslie. "But a hen of that character
+_ought_ to crow as well as cackle. How much'll you take for her, cooky?
+I'll buy and start a hennery to stump the world. Anybody want to go in
+with me on this deal? San Leon Chinese Poultry--Warranted to Make
+Possessors Rich! The Egg Trust of San Leon! I say, boys, the thing's
+just rippin'!"
+
+"Undo that little gate, Wunny. I'm going in to collect the eggs. Come
+on, Alfy, or anybody," cried Dorothy, laughing. "That empty cracker box
+to hold them in. By the way, Wunny, when did you empty the nest?"
+
+He assured her that he had done so the last thing before retiring on the
+night before. He had already taken two from it this day. Now by the
+cackle--there must be--Ah! he finished his speech with a wild flourish
+of his hands, then put them before his eyes to shield them from an
+uncanny sight.
+
+Those outside the little poultry yard waited in curiosity for the others
+to come back. The two girls within it had their heads close together
+peering into the hen-temple, while Monty had squeezed his plump body
+through its little door with the cracker box in hand.
+
+"Oh! I say, come out of there! How many have you found?" called Herbert.
+"Hurry up! Nell and Molly are getting scared. Fact!"
+
+"I'm not," denied Molly, but Helena said nothing. It was absurd, but she
+was actually catching some of the Chinaman's nervousness over this most
+uncanny fowl. And a moment later, she was relieved to see the
+egg-hunters turn around and Monty emerge from that "heathen temple," the
+cracker box held tightly in his hand. He carried it as if it were heavy
+and his face was almost as solemn as the Chinaman's. The box contained
+eleven eggs!
+
+Wun Sing gave one glance and fled, and trying to take the box into his
+own hands, Leslie dropped it--with the natural result.
+
+"Well, they may be bewitched eggs but they can break 'allee samee!' I'm
+sorry, Wun Sing, but I'll pay for them! And say, did anybody ever hear
+of such a thing before?" asked Leslie, astonished.
+
+Nobody had; and seeing Dr. Jones crossing the grounds at a little
+distance they ran to him with the marvellous tale. He listened
+attentively and even walked back with them to see the hen for himself.
+His decision put bewitchment out of the question.
+
+"The bird is a freak of nature. I have read of such before, but they are
+rare. Either that--or--are you quite sure that no practical joke has
+been played by any of the boys--or by yourselves?"
+
+His keen study of their faces revealed nothing mischievous on any. They
+were all as honestly surprised as himself, and he then made a close
+inspection of the little place. The pagoda stood exactly in the centre
+of the yard, so far from the wire-netting on every side that no arm
+would be long enough to reach it and drop eggs into the nest at the
+back. Wun Sing always kept the key of the Chinese padlock on the wire
+gate and entrance through it without his consent could not be made.
+
+"It doesn't look like a hoax, and it's not to be wondered at that the
+Chinaman was scared. We all are--at the unusual and unexplainable. But
+this is simple. It is a freak of nature and the hen will probably die
+soon, of exhaustion."
+
+The Doctor walked away and Molly made a funny little face behind his
+back.
+
+"I call that real mean, to take the mystery out of it in that way! I've
+been getting delightfully goose-fleshy and creepy, just to find the
+spook is nothing but a silly old hen that's outdone herself. I hate to
+be disappointed like that. I wish something would happen, real
+hair-raising, as Indians, or bears, or even a few catamounts!"
+
+"If they did, I'd like to be on the spot. I bet you, Molly Breckenridge,
+you'd run faster than anybody if those things did happen," teased Monty.
+
+Saying that, he exchanged an odd glance with Leslie, who nodded and
+said:
+
+"Come along, boys, let's visit Mateo in a body. Force of numbers you
+know. He lays it to eggs--Wunny's bewitched eggs, but I lay it to
+cowardice. There's nothing the matter with my valiant valet but
+downright scare. After proposing the thing, too, and being the best
+figure of all to do it. Ta, ta, ladies! We shall meet again--at feeding
+time. Eh, Alfy? I mean Miss Babcock!"
+
+"Huh! Don't you think I didn't notice 't you ate more 'n anybody else of
+the crackers and cheese. Good-by!"
+
+They separated, the girls to their own rooms to freshen themselves for
+the evening and for a long talk over the delights of this wonderful
+summer; yet in all their happiness, a deep regret was in their warm
+hearts for Jim Barlow's absence and the wish that they might know where
+he was and that he was well.
+
+The lads sought Mateo in his room, and though the valet pretended
+slumber he was promptly roused by the energetic attentions of his
+visitors.
+
+"Look here, Mateo, we know you're shamming. The fact is that after
+getting us all wrought up to this bear business and agreeing to take the
+chief part, you're afraid. Either you think the 'boys'll' get lively
+with their shooting-irons and hunt the bear too well, or else--I don't
+know what else. Only this, you can't pretend to be hoodooed or
+'bewitched' with any of Wun Sing's omelettes. That's all up. The
+doctor's taken a hand in that and I know it isn't indigestion you're
+bewitched with--it's plain sneak. Now, boy, get up!"
+
+After Leslie's long speech, that ended in the terse command, Mateo
+raised himself on elbow and protested:
+
+"But it is of the illness, I, senor, _en verdad_. The omelette of Wun
+Sing--"
+
+"May have been a little too rich for you, Matty lad, but don't worry.
+That wonderful fowl has shortened her life by her own ambition. I
+suppose she had a certain number of eggs to lay during her earthly
+career and she concluded to get the job over with. She's an all right
+Chinee hen, but _she's_ the one that'll die, not you nor Wunny Sing.
+Doctor Jones said so. We've interviewed him on the subject. Doctors know
+a lot. So, be decent! Get up and practise a bit."
+
+Thus adjured by Herbert, for whom the valet had a great admiration,
+Mateo threw off the light covers and rose to his feet--fully dressed. He
+had only lain down, professing himself ill, whenever there was danger of
+his young master appearing.
+
+With a swift change of front, he now fell in with the lads' notions, and
+thereafter followed an hour of "practice," accompanied by curious sounds
+and growlings. All this behind locked door and tightly shuttered
+windows--something almost unknown at peaceful San Leon.
+
+At supper time there was a subdued air of mystery about the three lads,
+which Dorothy noticed, if none of the other girls did. Also, they were
+so extremely courteous and thoughtful that it was rather overdone.
+However, politeness was agreeable, and there followed the happiest
+evening the young guests had spent since the departure of Gray Lady for
+the east.
+
+The fading moonlight was now supplemented by the electric lights, making
+the wide lawns brilliant as day, save where the deep shadows fell, black
+in contrast. At midnight, Dorothy awoke. Something had startled her and
+she sat up in bed, shivering in fear. How queer! she thought and peered
+through the window as if expecting some unwelcome sight. There was
+nothing unusual visible and, except for a curious creeping sound, as of
+some large body moving stealthily on the veranda floor, nothing to
+hear.
+
+Strange that brave Dorothy's heart should beat so fast and she turn so
+cold. She wished Alfy would awake. She wanted to hear somebody speak.
+Then she scorned herself for her foolishness, wondering if she, too, had
+caught the Chinaman's terror of "bewitchment." Oh! this was horrid! Alfy
+would go right to sleep again, even if she were awakened, and she must,
+she must hear somebody human!
+
+She opened her trembling lips to call: "Alfy! Alfy dear, please wake
+up!"
+
+But the words were never uttered. Something had come into view at her
+open window which froze them on her lips.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE GRIZZLY AND THE INDIANS
+
+
+For a moment Dorothy sat still in bed, afraid to move or cry out while
+the great animal at the window remained equally motionless. Then she was
+able to shriek:
+
+"Alf! Helena! Somebody--help--help! HELP!"
+
+Alfy leapt from her little bed with an answering cry, frightened by
+Dorothy's screech, and hurriedly demanding: "Why--why--what?" then
+rubbed her eyes and stood transfixed with horror.
+
+A moment later the whole house was in an uproar. The lads came running
+from their rooms, yelling in sympathy with the cries of the girls, the
+doctor rushed from his office-bedroom clad only in pajamas; the nurse
+forsook her sick bed--which she had not left before since first stricken
+with a chest attack; Anita--Wun Sing--kitchen boy--all the household
+gathered in the great corridor upon which the girls' rooms opened.
+
+Such an uproar had never been heard at peaceful San Leon since its
+foundation stone was laid; and the sounds carrying clearly in that night
+air, out from the Barracks rushed a horde of cowboys and workmen with
+Captain Lem in lead.
+
+"A bear!"
+
+"The Grizzly! The Grizzly!"
+
+A grizzly it was sure enough. All the feminine portion of the household
+retreated to the empty chamber of Miss Milliken, slammed down its window
+and locked themselves within; then from curiosity opened the door a
+little way, to peek through the crack.
+
+"Oh! Oh! It's coming this way--why doesn't somebody shoot it!" cried
+Helena, running back to look through the window panes.
+
+The great animal had now dropped from its upright position at Dolly's
+window and was crawling on all fours back along the wide porch. It
+certainly was coming that way but--it couldn't get in!
+
+"Could it? Can bears--open--open--things?" gasped Molly, retreating to a
+wardrobe and hiding within it, whence she demanded in a torrent of
+questions information of all sorts concerning bears and why nobody
+killed it before it killed them!
+
+Oddly enough, nobody had interfered with the creature's movements thus
+far, though some of the men had run back to the Barracks for firearms,
+and just then unlucky Wun Sing came round the corner of the building and
+met it face to face. He had run at top speed in the opposite direction
+from that the beast seemed taking when he had first espied it, issuing
+from his room beyond the kitchen. Seeing it headed that way he had
+instinctively chosen the other, not reckoning that even bears can change
+routes.
+
+Then the yell that rose belittled all which had gone before.
+
+Grizzly uprose on his hind feet and rushed to meet poor Wunny, squeezing
+him in a terrible embrace that checked the Chinaman's yell instantly.
+Until a touch of Bruin's teeth upon his thinly clad shoulder and a bite
+of sharp teeth awoke it again. A clutch of his queue from the great paw
+brought forth greater shrieks and seemed to give the victim an
+extraordinary strength. By some means he wrenched himself free and
+escaped, the grizzly pursuing on all fours again--and both headed toward
+the lake.
+
+Whether Wun Sing's purpose was to throw himself within it he didn't know
+himself, but the road toward it was the clearest and offered his best
+chance. Half way to the water his feet caught in his long night blouse
+and he tripped. Instantly the grizzly was upon him. The great furry
+creature sprawled over the prostrate cook, growling and snapping his
+teeth but as yet inflicting no further injury, and the man underneath no
+longer knowing anything, for his terrified senses had taken leave of his
+quivering body.
+
+Slowly the bear got upright again and, for a moment towered above his
+helpless victim. Then seeming to have satisfied his rage in that
+direction, he resumed his natural position and moved back toward the
+house. He kept his great head well lowered, wagging it from side to side
+and, altogether, conducting himself like a half-blind or greatly
+bewildered bear.
+
+By this time the men from the Barracks had reappeared, well armed; but
+as the grizzly climbed upon the veranda floor again they hesitated to
+fire because the low windows opening upon it were full of peeping faces.
+Silent Pete, alone, dared approach the creature as near as the other end
+of the veranda. This man had been a mighty hunter in his youth, when
+Colorado was an almost unknown country with few settlers and big game
+plentiful. His old blood had warmed to the conflict now, though he was
+silent as ever and paid no heed to the warnings called to him by his
+ranch mates. Creeping stealthily forward toward the encounter he watched
+his grizzly enemy with exultation, his thought being:
+
+"He's tough! He's an old one! His hide's thick--I must make no mistake.
+When I get nigh enough to hit him through the heart--wish he'd rise up
+again--queerest actin' grizzly I ever met--likely my last one--so
+anxious to meet me he come a-visitin'--he, he, he! Ah! he's
+risin'--I'll--"
+
+Out on the electric lighted grounds the men were grouped with their
+rifles, all anxious to fire and all eager to delay till the last moment,
+watching this wild beast so uncommonly near at hand. Why, from its
+movements it might almost have been a tame animal escaped from some
+menagerie. Besides, the trophy belonged to Silent Pete. He was first and
+hardiest to face the brute and only if his famously sure shot failed
+would they fire to the rescue. Yes, the bear was the old hunter's
+legitimate prize--they'd wait, guns ready--
+
+"Don't shoot! Oh! men, don't shoot! DON'T SHOOT!"
+
+To the utter amazement of everyone, up flew Dorothy's window and out she
+leaped, so close behind the creeping grizzly that she almost touched
+him: she was gesticulating wildly and her repeated cries of "Don't
+shoot!" startled old Captain Lem almost to numbness.
+
+What was that she was saying?
+
+"He isn't a bear! I see his feet! Bears don't wear--SHOES!"
+
+Alas! Her cry came too late. As bruin reared himself old Peter's shot
+rang out. An instant later, with such a cry as never issued from the
+throat of any bear, he dropped to the veranda floor and lay there
+motionless. The great bear hunt was over.
+
+Five minutes later the grizzly rug was back on the floor of Leslie's
+room and the lad who had masqueraded in it to frighten a few girls,
+the over-zealous Mateo, lay on his own little bed with Doctor Jones
+probing for the bullet which had entered his shoulder.
+
+Fortunately, it had not lodged there but passed straight through leaving
+a clean flesh wound which would promptly heal, the doctor said, but that
+would keep unhappy Mateo in bed for a few days. He had feigned sickness
+when there was none, dreading to act the part he had just so
+unfortunately done. But the young master's will had been too strong and
+the suggestion had been Mateo's own.
+
+"The punishment, for once, has fallen upon the guilty person. You'll
+have time to reflect, Mateo, that frightening timid people is scarcely a
+manly pastime. I trust there'll be no more skylarking till Mr. Ford is
+home. You will be kept upon a rigid diet till I order otherwise, and
+good night."
+
+So said the doctor, leaving his patient to his own thoughts and assuring
+himself that all the young folks had retired to their rooms again. He
+had administered no further reproofs--nor needed to do so. It was an
+exceedingly crest-fallen trio of lads who disappeared from view, when
+once the extent of Mateo's injury was learned, and a very quiet one.
+
+But the excited girls were not so quiet. They had to talk it over,
+simply had to!
+
+"I thought it was queer all the boys were in their day clothes," said
+Helena, with her arm about Molly, who was still shaking with fright, now
+and then, despite the fact that the affair was all over.
+
+"I noticed, too, but I thought they'd just dressed awful quick. But
+suppose it _had_ been a real one--would it have eaten us up?" she begged
+to know.
+
+To which Alfy replied from her own room:
+
+"No, Molly Breckenridge, don't be a goose. _We'd_ have eaten _him_
+up, course. We'd have had bear steak for breakfast--Some say it's
+good. Don't s'pose with all them men around they'd have let it live
+very long? No, indeedy. But Matty did it real cute, after all, didn't
+he? Must ha' been terrible hot, trampin' around under all that skin.
+Well, we ought to go to sleep, but seems if I'd never catch another
+wink. I wonder what became of Wunny! Last I saw him he was lyin' flat
+on the ground--thinkin' he was et up, I guess. Dolly--My heart! Dolly
+Doodles is asleep a'ready. Did you ever see such a sleepy head, Nell?"
+
+There was no answer from the room across the hall, so Alfy curled down
+among her pillows and composed herself to sleep. But her mind wasn't at
+rest. She kept seeing, in her fancy, the prostrate figure of Wun Sing,
+and hoped some of the men from the Barracks had looked after him. She
+felt as if she must get up again and go to see for herself. But--out of
+doors at night didn't seem quite the same, even to this sensible girl,
+as it had done before the bear scare. Besides--something really was the
+matter with her eyes. They felt as if they were full of sand--she'd just
+shut them a minute to--
+
+She was asleep at once. A body simply could not stay awake after
+bedtime, in that Colorado air! And it was well she could not. Else, the
+warm-hearted girl would have suffered fresh alarm.
+
+It was a belated household which struggled out of heavy slumber the next
+day, and as Dorothy lazily yawned and stretched her arms above her head
+it seemed as if all the exciting events of the night must be part of her
+dreams. Alfy woke, too, as reluctantly as her mate and just as Helena
+appeared from her own room, looking a little heavy-eyed but fully
+dressed. She bade them good morning, but waited for no response before
+she added:
+
+"The house seems unusually still, and I don't smell coffee. I generally
+do, the first thing. I sometimes think it's the odor of that wakes me. I
+wonder if Wun Sing's fright and his worry about his poor hen has made
+him ill! I'll go and see; and if the boys aren't up I'll call them."
+
+The lads answered sleepily to Helena's summons, yet were not long in
+appearing on the porch, where the other girls promptly joined them. As
+if by common consent nobody mentioned the escapade of the night, though
+it was in the minds of all and all were really longing to discuss it.
+The boys because they wished to "explain," and the girls thinking that
+to treat the "joke" with silent contempt would be their severest
+punishment. Nobody even mentioned unlucky Mateo, who had lent himself to
+the furtherance of the affair, only to be the one to suffer most from
+it.
+
+"Hmm. Isn't it past breakfast time?" asked Monty, at last.
+
+Herbert looked at his watch, and exclaimed:
+
+"Ten minutes to nine! Who'd have believed it? Horses to be groomed
+before drill, and time up already. I wonder--But here's Nell. She's
+coming from the kitchen and looks important. What's up, Sis?"
+
+"Several things. First, the hen of Wun Sing lies dead in her coop."
+
+"O-oh!" "Ah!" "Unwise, ambitious hen!" were the exclamations which
+responded; and Molly added:
+
+"That isn't all. There's something worse on Helena's mind than the death
+of a bewitched hen! Out with it, child! After--I mean--my nerves won't
+stand any more."
+
+"Didn't know you had nerves," laughed Alfy. "What's happened, Helena?"
+
+"Wun Sing has disappeared."
+
+"W-h-a-t?"
+
+"It is true. He has gone, nobody knows where. There's a man from the
+Barracks, the one who does the cooking over there, getting breakfast.
+Captain Lem is flying around in a terrible state of mind. He's angry
+with you boys, says there'll be neither drill nor rifle practice to-day,
+but the horses _must_ be groomed just as soon as we get our breakfasts.
+He's sent a half-dozen men looking for the cook, now, and they expect to
+find him soon."
+
+"So they did Jim! Seems if there wasn't anything doing on this ranch but
+just getting lost," wailed Alfaretta, turning a little pale; while Molly
+nervously begged:
+
+"Somebody tie me fast! Tie me fast! It'll break my father's heart if I
+get lost, too!"
+
+Captain Lem came up at that moment. He looked so stern and unlike
+himself that the young folks were all of them awed by his manner. Even
+light hearted Monty slunk back, "shaking in his shoes," while Leslie
+dropped his eyes and lost all his bravado.
+
+"Hark to me, Squad! Every mortal son an' gal of ye! I'm riled--I'm mad.
+Here am I left in charge, so to speak, of your doin's, and of the work
+on the ranch, anyways. Your smart-aleck work has turned everything
+topsy-turvy. Men took from their reg'lar jobs to go hunt worthless
+Chinamen, and take his place a-cookin'. Hens dyin' to right an'
+left--pizened by some your doses, likely--"
+
+"Oh, no! Captain, I'm sure nobody would do such a cruel thing as poison
+helpless creatures!" protested Dorothy, running to clasp his hand.
+
+He had on his "specs," which they had already learned he used mostly
+when he was angry, and they were very glittering just then. But Dorothy
+would not be put aside. She clung to him till his mood softened and
+removing the menacing "specs," dropped them in his blouse pocket. Then
+he smiled upon her, rather shamefacedly, though he felt that he still
+had good cause for offence.
+
+"Well, Little One, you've got ways to win a feller, 'spite of himself.
+If they was all as good as you--"
+
+"Oh! they are, and even lots better! 'Twas just lads' foolishness that
+they mistook for smartness. And they, we, all of us will do all we can
+to help. Where can we look for Wunny? He's the first one to be thought
+of. And I'm sorry he was so scared. Also, he'll be sorry himself over
+the poor hen. What can I do?"
+
+"Go along an' eat what breakfast you can get. Then tend to your horses.
+Likely, they're hungrier 'n you are and I'll go see 't they're fed. But
+hear me! Not another mite o' foolin' with serious things till Dan Ford
+gets back an' takes the reins into his own hands. 'Twas the mercy of
+Providence--nothin' else--that that jabberin' shallow-pate Mateo wasn't
+killed plumb out. Silent Pete's used to grizzlies. He's used to
+_killin'_ 'em. It's his trade, a deal more 'n 'tis to tend horseflesh. I
+wouldn't like to stand as nigh hand to his gun as that Greaser did last
+night. Now, hurry up and eat. Then report for duty. I'm off to mine."
+
+"Where do you suppose Wun Sing is?" asked Helena, of anybody who chose
+to answer.
+
+Nobody did: it may be stated right here that he was never again seen at
+San Leon. The "bewitched dead fowl" was duly buried in her own
+courtyard, the little gate to this locked, and its key hung up in the
+cook's wall-cupboard. But Wun Sing came no more. Everything belonging to
+him was left as if he meant to return at any minute, but he did not
+come.
+
+They searched the pebbly bottom of the lake, thinking he might have
+drowned himself in his superstitious fear, but he was not there: and
+after days had been wasted in the fruitless search, Captain Lem had his
+belongings packed together and sent to his relative, Der Doo, in San
+Diego. Whence, at the very end of the summer word came back that he had
+reappeared in that city, a wreck of himself, but it was hoped that with
+time and good Chinese cooking he would recover his scattered wits and
+his own culinary skill.
+
+Meanwhile, many messages came from the travellers in the east. The
+expected old aunt had duly arrived but in no fit condition to travel
+further for the present. Gray Lady sent dearest love and hoped all her
+big, new family would find San Leon the happiest place in the world,
+and the most peaceful. She had lived long enough to understand that
+peace and harmony were the most precious things in life. She longed to
+be with them and would be as soon as it was right. Meanwhile, let all be
+patient as possible over her enforced absence and just feel that she was
+with them in spirit all the time.
+
+"Odd, isn't it? That she who so longed to have this home and so enjoyed
+it should have to leave it to us, a lot of strange youngsters, to use
+instead?" said Helena, one evening some time later, as they all had
+gathered about the fountain in the soft sunset light, to talk over
+happenings and plan things for the coming day.
+
+Since the escapade of the false bear hunt there had been a notable
+absence of pranks. An ominous peace had settled over the whole young
+company, remarked by the astute Captain Lem as the "'ca'm before a
+storm.' 'Tain't in natur' for 'em to be so demure an' tractable. No
+siree. They've 'tended to their groomin' like reg'lar saints, an'
+they've learned to drill amazin' well. They don't shoot none to hurt,
+yet, 'ceptin' that Leslie himself. Sence he's waked up an' took an
+interest he's done fine. He's the best o' the lot and his knowin' that
+is what inspires him to do better yet. That, an' hopin' to please the
+Boss. But--I hope the storm'll blow over--the one they're brewin'. And I
+wonder what in creation ever did become o' that first boy, or of
+Wunny."
+
+For as yet no news had come of the latter and the former had almost
+dropped out of thought--save now and then in Alfy's, and always in
+faithful Dorothy's.
+
+Now that they were better riders and had become what their teacher
+called "pals" with their horses, they were daily given larger liberty.
+In company with him, and sometimes without him, they rode long distances
+over the roads, the narrow trails, and the almost imperceptible paths
+which led over the mountains and through the forests.
+
+The wild flowers of Colorado are innumerable, almost, and most of them
+were new to Dorothy, the flower-lover. In search of these she was
+tireless and many hours were spent after her return from her rides, in
+pressing her "specimens" and preparing herbariums. In this delightful
+work she had the company and help of Dr. Jones, himself a well-read and
+enthusiastic botanist.
+
+Helena spent hours over her journal: "taking notes" for future literary
+labors. Alfy and Molly were content to do nothing save be happy. As Alfy
+expressed it:
+
+"I never was so lazy and I likely never will have a chance to be again.
+I can work when I have to and I can play just as hard."
+
+The lads fished, rode, hunted small game, and tried various feats of
+horsemanship, lariat casting, and even--when they were especially
+energetic, played ball. There was a fairly good team among the ranchmen
+and they entered into the sport with vim. Only Leslie found the exercise
+too violent and was content to lounge and watch the rest.
+
+This evening, sitting together so cosily, the peace of the beautiful
+scene gradually soothed them all to quiet. They had settled the plans
+for the morrow and were as happy as such care-free children could be.
+Helena picked up her guitar and played soft melodies upon it, the others
+humming them under their breaths--not to disturb the player, only Alfy
+presuming to fit real words to the music but not interfering with it.
+
+Suddenly Dorothy raised her eyes from the playing fountain, on which she
+had been dreamily gazing and thinking of lost Jim. A sound, faint, of
+horses' footfalls had entered her dream. With a silent gesture of alarm
+she sprang to her feet, staring with wide eyes at a company of Indians
+ascending the hill. They avoided the hard driveway, their horses
+treading with velvety softness upon the shaven lawn. They were many in
+number, twenty perhaps, and they were in gala dress. Head-dresses of
+eagles' feathers, gaily colored, hung from their crowns over the sides
+of their mounts, to the length of a man's height. They uttered no
+sounds, looked neither to the right nor left, but like a dreadful,
+phantom procession moved straight forward toward the fountain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A TRIP TO BALD EAGLE ROCK
+
+
+Molly gave one glance and screamed. Then flung herself to her knees and
+buried her face in Helena's lap, who pityingly drew her light skirt over
+the child's head. Nobody else moved nor spoke. All felt their last hour
+had come.
+
+"An Indian raid!"
+
+This was their thought and then of their helplessness. This company was
+only the forerunner of more!
+
+"Massacre! Oh! to die like this!"
+
+Even the lads' faces blanched, but resolution flashed from their
+observant eyes, and these beheld a strange spectacle.
+
+The superbly mounted Indians, in their gaudiest attire, bead-decked
+shirts and fringed leggings, their supple feet clad in embroidered
+moccasins, outshone even the most magnificent of "Wild West" shows; and
+without a spoken word each understood the desire of their Chief. They
+rode to the semi-circle of concrete before the main entrance to the
+great house and ranged themselves around it, the Chief in front, alone,
+and as the last hoof fell into position where the rider wished, they
+became as rigid as a company of warriors carved in stone.
+
+"What will they do next!" was the wonder in all the observers' minds,
+as they gazed in fascination at this curious sight.
+
+What they would do next seemed long in coming. Though it was but a few
+moments it seemed like ages while the redskins waited, stolid, immovable
+before the doorway of the mansion. But, at last, the spell was broken.
+
+Across from the Barracks, around the corner, through the cloistered
+walk, came Captain Lemuel, whistling. He was in good spirits; ready to
+join his "Squad" beside the fountain and have an evening's "gabble" with
+the youngsters. They had been abnormally good that day. Wholly obedient
+to his restrictions in the length of their rides, eager to improve in
+their shooting--which was so far removed from "sharp"; and in every
+respect so "decent" that he puzzled his brain to find the best story to
+tell them of old days in Colorado and of his own prowess therein.
+
+But, as he passed the corner, his whistling ceased. The story was told!
+And a far better one than any his memory could furnish.
+
+The young watchers caught their breath. Poor Captain Lem! Rushing thus
+to his own undoing! But still they had to gaze and gaze--they could not
+turn their eyes away; and gazing they beheld a stranger thing than any
+which had gone before.
+
+That was the jolly Captain clapping his hands as if in glee, bowing
+before the silent Chief, almost prostrating himself, in fact. Afterward
+a brief clasping of hands between the two and the Captain beginning a
+long harangue in a strange tongue, interrupted now and then by grunts
+and gutturals from the attentive Indians. Then giving the Chief his
+finest military salute, the Captain "right faced" and silently marched
+away. The Indians as silently followed him, the Chief first, and the
+others in single file, till they all disappeared toward the Barracks,
+and the youngsters were left gasping in amazement.
+
+A sigh of relief rose from them in unison and, hearing it, Molly lifted
+her face. She only had seen nothing of the pantomime, or such it seemed
+which had been enacted, though she had heard through her terror the
+whistling of the Captain and its abrupt ceasing.
+
+"Is--is--he--dead?" she whispered.
+
+"He's the liveliest dead man I ever saw. Come on, boys! That's the sight
+of our lives! Who's afraid?" cried Herbert, springing up and eager.
+
+But his sister clutched his arm. "No, no, Bert! You mustn't! You
+shan't!"
+
+"I shall and will! So should you--all! Whoever they are they're
+friendly. Else old Lem wouldn't have seemed so pleased and led 'em off
+with his best 'hep, hep, hep,' that way. I'll bet they're Utes, good
+neighbors of the white ranchers, but they're genuine Indians all the
+same and I'm going to see them. My! But I did feel mighty weak in the
+knees for a minute! I thought it was all up with yours truly. Come on, I
+say!"
+
+He really wished to follow but, evidently, he also wished to have his
+courage bolstered by the presence of his mates.
+
+Oddly enough it was Monty who first joined Herbert. He was still half
+afraid, yet also wild with curiosity. His was the least war-like spirit
+there, but he couldn't withstand this knowledge at first hand of real,
+live Indians.
+
+One after another they all followed. In any case they would be safer
+among the ranchmen than here in this lonelier spot, and Lemuel's manner
+had been quite different from fear.
+
+As they slowly passed around the house, whose corner hid the Barracks
+front view, they were wholly reassured. The lawn was wide and a good
+distance was still between them and the red-skinned visitors, but they
+could see all that was going on. The Indians had all dismounted, a lot
+of the cowboys had come forward to meet them, and the fine horses they
+rode were being led off to a still more distant and disused corral.
+Here the animals were turned loose, their blankets and trappings
+removed, and the ranchmen themselves at once setting to work to rub the
+fine creatures down and to supply them with ample fodder for the night.
+A big trough in the corral, through which running water was always
+piped furnished them with drink; and the entrance being secured, the
+attendants went back to the Barracks' porch, that extended from one
+end to the other of the long, low building.
+
+Upon the porch floor the blankets were spread and the Utes squatted on
+them, greatly pleased at their reception. Pipes were lighted and smoked,
+Captain Lem and several others joining in what looked to be a ceremony
+of welcome. A few of the ranchmen hurried to the Barracks' kitchen and
+prepared supper for the visitors, and after this was eaten by the
+strange guests, sitting where they were under the porch roof, the
+discarded pipes were again resumed and some sort of palaver followed.
+
+In this talk Silent Peter took the leading part. He was escorted by
+Captain Lem to the side of the Chief, none other than White Feather, and
+placed upon another blanket, handed a fresh pipe, and left to do the
+honors of the occasion. Meantime Captain Lem sent a messenger across to
+the watching youngsters, that they should come quietly to his own room
+at the Barracks and observe matters from that nearer point.
+
+"But--is it safe? What does it all mean?" demanded Leslie of the man.
+
+"Safe as can be. Why, that's White Feather, Chief of a band of Utes and
+one of the best friends your father has. Fact. He's awful disappointed,
+too, to find the Boss away. Came on a visit of ceremony, with the finest
+bucks in his band, to get acquainted and do a little horse-trading.
+That's all. Silent Pete can talk Injun and has travelled not a little
+with this crowd, afore he settled at San Leon. Huh! Did you think they
+was from the Plains?"
+
+"What's the difference? An Indian is an Indian, isn't he? Not to be
+trusted, any of them. I don't think my father would like to have the
+boys treat those fellows as they're doing. You men ought to arm
+yourselves and drive them off the ranch."
+
+The young ranchman regarded Leslie with a look of amused contempt, then
+retorted:
+
+"Well, you may be a rich man's son but what you don't know about your
+own country'd fill books! All the rest afraid, too? 'Cause if you are,
+you'd better get out o' sight. Captain Lem has asked White Feather to
+let him bring you over to meet him an' the old feller's said yes. He
+said it as if he hated to but was willin' for Lem's sake to do you the
+honor. Great Scott! Why, you young idiot, White Feather's a great Chief,
+a king among his people, feels he ranks with our President, or the Czar
+of all the Russias! Well,--well, I'm beat. I thought 't they had schools
+back east where you tenderfeet come from. I supposed you'd learned that
+there's more 'n one kind of Indian in this big country. Why, sir, the
+difference 'twixt the Arapahoes, or the Cheyennes, and them peaceable
+Utes yonder--humph! Well, are you comin' or not?"
+
+Leslie had resented the talkative ranchman's comments on his own
+ignorance but had the grace to conceal it. He had even jested a little
+at his own expense and said that he must "read up on Indians." Then he
+led off his party toward the Barracks and, arrived there, found Captain
+Lem vastly relieved. It was greatly to Mr. Ford's advantage to be on
+cordial terms with all his neighbors, in that isolated region, and the
+loyal Captain realized this. Both he and Silent Pete had to regret the
+fact that, at present and in their employer's absence, they could not
+venture on the trading; but at the old hunter's suggestion they had
+assumed the responsibility of giving White Feather the finest horse in
+stock. This was a magnificent black stallion which had never been broken
+to harness and with a temper that threatened ill to any man who
+undertook the task.
+
+The youngsters came up and filed before White Feather, standing now, and
+gravely accepting their timidly proffered hands, as the name of each was
+mentioned. His own response was a friendly grunt but he was evidently
+bored by the affair and passed the girls over with the slightest notice.
+His eye lingered a bit longer upon the lads and it seemed that he was
+measuring their heights with his eye. But he let them go, almost as soon
+as he had the girls, and as Molly exclaimed when they had retreated to
+Captain Lem's room:
+
+"I never felt I was such a litty-bitty-no-account creature in all my
+life! I wouldn't be an Indian squaw for anything! But wasn't he just
+grand--and hideous?"
+
+Then Captain signalled to them that they would better return to the
+house. The Chief evidently considered the presence of females an
+intrusion and that of such slender, white-faced lads but little better.
+Upon Leslie, as son of the ranch owner, he bestowed several grave stares
+but no more speech than on the others.
+
+So from the unlighted music-room they watched for a time in silence;
+till everything grew quiet at the Barracks, all lights out, and the
+strange guests asleep on their blankets upon the porch. Then they, too,
+went to bed, greatly stirred by the fact of such uncommon acquaintances
+so close at hand, and with entirely new ideas of Colorado red men.
+
+By daylight the visitors had gone, so silently that nobody in the house
+itself had heard their departure. With them, too, had gone Rob Roy, the
+black stallion; and, what seemed valueless to the givers some old
+garments of the ranchmen. From one a coat, another a sombrero, a
+blanket, shoes, underwear, and from Silent Pete himself a complete
+hunter's outfit.
+
+All his comrades were surprised at this, for he kept the buckskin suit
+as a souvenir of earlier days, when he was as free to roam the forests
+as any Indian of them all and the blood still ran hot and wild in his
+veins. He was an old man now. He pondered much on the past and he spoke
+little to any man. But he talked with the Chief in that warrior's own
+tongue and in tones not to be overheard by any others. When that bit of
+talk was over he had brought out the precious suit, neatly folded and
+bound about with a marvellous lariat--also another dear possession--and
+had placed them in White Feather's hands.
+
+Then he relapsed into his usual quiet and the life at San Leon resumed
+its usual routine. The visit of the Indians became as a dream, but news
+of the early return of the absent hosts sent new life and ambition into
+the minds of all their young guests.
+
+Drills no longer were irksome. Were they not to show Mr. Ford how well
+they could carry themselves? As for rifle practice, there was such
+prolonged and continual popping of guns that Dr. Jones lamented his
+disturbed quiet and Nurse Melton had often to seek the most remote
+quarters to escape the startling sounds.
+
+Riding, also, was kept up with great zest. It had proved true that the
+more one learned of his horse, the better he loved it, the greater the
+silent understanding between it and himself. They now had races of all
+sorts and daily. Hurdles had given place to great hedges and ditches,
+which most of the animals distinguished themselves in leaping. Monty was
+still the hindmost in everything, yet showed his pluck in sticking to
+his saddle at all risks, and sometimes with startling success.
+
+So well, indeed, had they learned horsemanship that on a certain
+glorious morning before sunrise, the seven youngsters were already in
+saddle, alert for the long-coveted ride to Bald Eagle Rock, under the
+guidance of Captain Lem himself, with Silent Pete and another ranchman
+to carry the luncheon upon two soberer steeds. It was to be an all-day's
+outing and a goodly little company which would enjoy it. As soon as
+possible after arrival in New York Mrs. Ford had procured and sent back
+to San Leon, readymade habits and riding clothes for her girls and boys,
+not forgetting to include one for absent Jim, which Dorothy had
+carefully placed along with his other belongings in his own room; so
+that now arrayed in these gifts they all looked fine and fit.
+
+"We might be going for a ride in the Park instead of a climb through
+woods and over rocks! I do hope we won't tear our clothes!" said careful
+Helena; while Molly returned with native carelessness:
+
+"Well, I think a ride to the top of the Rockies is worth at least one
+habit!"
+
+"I shan't spoil mine, not 'nless I get tumbled off Blanca, someway.
+I've got dozens of safety-pins and I shall pin my skirt--I mean
+drawers--whatever they call these 'divided' things--so tight they can't
+get torn. I never had a habit before. Course not. I never even had a
+horse," said Alfaretta.
+
+"Well, without the horse you wouldn't have needed the habit, dearie.
+But I do like this riding astride, as Lady Gray thought best we should
+do on hard trips. And aren't we happy? Only--only--if poor Jim was
+here!" answered Dorothy, with a little cry of delight that ended
+rather drearily.
+
+But now they were off! And no further thought of anything or anybody
+except the pleasure of the moment rose in any mind.
+
+Captain Lem had not over-rated the difficulties of that trip. The
+beginning was fairly easy, the road or trail wide enough for two to ride
+side by side, and one had leisure to admire the surroundings. But when
+they came to that same turn of the roads, beyond the river, and took the
+route which unhappy James had followed in his delirium, they could no
+longer travel in pairs.
+
+And now was proved the good judgment of Captain Lem in training them to
+a familiar knowledge of their horses and in their close friendship.
+
+"Guide 'em--point out the way you want 'em to go--then trust
+the creatur's to do the best for them and you!" advised the old
+sharpshooter, halting at the top of the first steep climb, to breathe
+his own horse and let the stragglers come up. "More 'n that you can't
+maybe all follow just the same track. Blanca there, is goin' to pick
+her way, cautious an' careful as a gal in a nice new white frock, like
+them the Little One wears. She ain't goin' to tear her white dress,
+Alfaretty, so don't you get scared if she falls a good ways behind the
+rest. She's a sociable beast, is Blanca, and she'll get to the top all
+right, give her time. But Dolly's calico'll nigh bust herself to be
+first. More 'n that she's the keenest nose for a shortcut of any horse
+in the batch. She's little and she's light, and she'll trust herself in
+places 't no bigger creatur' would tackle. All right, everybody? Girths
+tight? Stirrups to suit? Then--trust your horses' wits and--let her go!"
+
+It had been planned to have lunch on the Rock itself, and to be back at
+San Leon in time for a late supper. An early breakfast had been taken,
+of course, but not with the usual heartiness, for they were all too
+excited to eat. Bald Eagle Rock was the highest point in that region and
+it would be a fine thing to remember if they held out to reach its
+summit.
+
+Meanwhile the road thither lay through a deep forest; down and along
+ravines; steep climbs of slippery rocks; and over masses of ferns and
+underbrush. After Captain Lem's halt and harangue they all became
+silent. They had all they could do to keep in their saddles, and, as
+he had prophesied, the animals they rode chose each a slightly
+diverging route.
+
+However, they frequently called out to one another, their gay halloos
+and yodels echoing along the mountain side, to the glad assurance of
+themselves and the affright of the forest wildings. But the lads who had
+hoped to sight some big game, preferably a live grizzly and had brought
+their guns with them, were disappointed in that. Nothing fiercer than a
+coyote crossed their path. It was as if the forest had anticipated their
+invasion and put itself on guard.
+
+Dorothy obeyed Captain Lem's advice implicitly. She did not try to guide
+Zaraza but let the pretty creature follow her own will, so long as that
+will pointed straight upward. This gave the girl time to study the
+flowers and ferns along the way and sometimes she slipped from her
+saddle to gather and closely inspect them. She did not herself call out
+but contented herself with listening to the shouts of the others, and,
+for some reason, her thoughts were more upon the missing Jim than they
+had been of late.
+
+"Oh! how that boy would like this ride! How he'd pull out his little
+hammer and peg away at these wonderful rocks! What specimens he'd
+collect! and how his sharp eyes would see every little bird and beast
+that moves through this wilderness! Oh! I hope, I hope, he is still
+alive and safe. If I could only see him!"
+
+Suddenly, the forest seemed strangely still. Zaraza stopped to breathe
+and Dorothy listened keenly for the halloo of her mates. Hearing none
+she ventured on a little shout herself which, low as it was, awoke a
+thousand deafening echoes all about her. Or so it seemed. With a thrill
+of horror, she remembered how Molly had once been lost in a far away
+Nova Scotian wood, and the girl's description of her terror. She wished
+she hadn't thought of that tale now. But, of course, this was quite
+different. They were many in this company, ten all told, and somebody
+must be very near. It would all come right. She mustn't be a goose and
+get frightened just because, for a moment, she heard nobody. Yet, Alfy's
+words rang in her head:
+
+"Seems if there was nothing happens but somebody gets lost up here at
+San Leon!" and Molly's absurd appeal: "Tie me tight!"
+
+After a moment when Zaraza seemed rested she urged the docile creature
+forward, and now the "calico" had certainly discovered a smooth and easy
+way. That was good. It must be a well-traveled road, though it was still
+but a "trail" to her eyes. Probably this was the final stretch of the
+trip, and in a moment she would come face to face with the gigantic
+Rock.
+
+Instead, the way grew smoother all the time and now quite level. A
+little way farther she could see a wide plain, or mesa, with sheep
+grazing. How odd! that anybody should feed sheep upon a mountain that
+looked all rock and forest, seen from below. The sun was hot. It must be
+noon. She hoped she wouldn't be late for that famous lunch they had
+talked about so much.
+
+Zaraza trotted around a last clump of trees, as if she knew her task was
+ended, and her own feeding time at hand.
+
+Then Dorothy brought her up with a sharp, silent tug upon the reins.
+Yonder in that open space was a small hut, or cabin; and sitting on the
+ground before it was an Indian, with a little Indian child beside him.
+Evidently, they also were having a mid-day meal, for she saw the child
+lift a tin dipper to his lips and drink.
+
+Zaraza whinnied. She was thirsty and scented water, and at that sound
+the man sprang up and turned around. For one astonished moment he gazed
+at that girlish apparition and Dorothy at him. Then with a cry of
+ecstasy she sprang to the ground and sped toward him.
+
+"Jim! O Jim!"
+
+"Why--Dorothy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+PROSPERITY AND PARTING
+
+
+They were both so excited that at first they couldn't talk, but could
+only stare at each other in speechless delight. Jim was trembling, for
+he was still weak from his long illness, and he steadied himself by
+attentions to Zaraza and by bidding Jose in Spanish to bring the
+stranger a drink.
+
+Dorothy dropped down upon the stones where they had been sitting and
+watched the child.
+
+He did not now dip water from the tank at the cabin door but from a
+nearby spring, which Jim had found and cleared of rubbish. The spring
+had always been there; but it had been easier for lazy Alaric, the
+herder, to fill the barrel now and then--or let the rain do it for
+him--and use from that till the supply failed. He did not yet understand
+how the stagnant water had had anything to do with his own fever, that
+had followed on Jim's partial recovery.
+
+Children are quick witted. Jose came running back with the dipper, after
+having carefully rinsed and filled it at the spring, as Jim had taught
+him. His eyes were bright and there was a winning smile on his chubby
+face, now clean. He recognized Dorothy as the girl to whom he had given
+his pet lamb and promptly demanded:
+
+"_El cordero? Donde?_"
+
+Dorothy stared at him, then put her hands on each side his chubby face
+and kissed him. The child screamed with delight and repeated his
+question. At which the girl also laughed and turned to Jim, asking:
+
+"What does he say? What does he want?"
+
+"I reckon he wants his lamb. He's asking you where it is," answered the
+lad, gladly using this chance to air his own new knowledge.
+
+That broke the spell of not knowing how to begin and their loosened
+tongues wagged fast enough after that. Dorothy forgot all about her lost
+company and seizing a piece of the coarse bread her old friend had been
+eating devoured it as if it had been a great delicacy.
+
+Jim laughed, glad to see her so hungry and so eager, and obeyed her
+command:
+
+"Now begin just as we used to do at home at Deerhurst. 'I went from
+here' and don't you miss a single thing until you come to 'and here I
+am.' I'll help you start. You went from San Leon the very night you got
+there. Now why?"
+
+"I shall never know why, girlie. I was crazy with fever, I guess. I
+hadn't been real well before I came west and that was one reason Dr.
+Sterling made me come. He thought the change would cure me. It didn't. I
+must have got out the window but I don't really know, only I half
+remember that. Then the next thing I did know I was in Alaric's cabin
+yonder with him and little Jose here. I was pretty sick. I couldn't
+write but I was wild to tell you where I was and not to worry nor think
+me terrible mean. I didn't want to act that way, you know, even though I
+did find myself in the wrong box with those other rich boys----"
+
+"No such thing, Jim Barlow! That was all your own self-consciousness.
+They're the nicest boys in the world and the friendliest. And it seems
+you can remember some things--bad ones--even if not how you ran away and
+got away up here to this peak. Jim, I'm ashamed of you. I certainly am!"
+
+But the way in which she reached out and clasped his hand in both of
+hers disarmed the words of all offence. Jim threw back his head and
+laughed as he hadn't done in many a day. It was just glorious to be
+scolded again by his old comrade! It was so homelike that he felt "more
+himself" than any softer speech would have made him.
+
+"Well, go on! Do go on!"
+
+"Alaric isn't half bad. I reckon I'd have died but for him. An old
+Indian chief, of the Utes, White Feather Alaric called him--his
+brother-in-law----"
+
+"Oh! I'm well acquainted with him. Don't stop to tell that part, but
+just do go on."
+
+Jim stared and retorted:
+
+"Oh! you are, eh? But I've got to tell about him 'cause it was he who
+found me and brought me here. Picked me up on the road somewhere. I've
+had a suspicion--just a suspicion, don't you know?--that Alaric wasn't
+any too glad to see me. It's a mighty little house and he's a mighty
+lazy man. But he had to do it. He's afraid of White Feather, though I
+tell you, Dolly Doodles, he's a splendid Indian. If all red men were
+like him----"
+
+"I don't care at all about Indians. Go on."
+
+"Alaric dressed my arm with leaves and stuff and fed me the best he
+could, but after I'd got that basket sent to you with the lamb and the
+stones--Did you get it? Did you understand?"
+
+"Yes, I understood--part. I knew that only Jim Barlow could make such a
+curious D as was on the stone and the basket. I supposed you were alive
+somewhere and I tried to think you were all right. By the way, the
+lambkin is thriving and we've named it after you--Netty!"
+
+"What? Why Netty, if you please?"
+
+Dorothy laughed and explained. She was ready now to laugh at anything
+and so was he: she made him finish his story, which he promptly did.
+
+After he had sent the basket-message he had grown worse. He was
+delirious and did not know what went on about him. He thought it was
+the bad water from the old tank that increased his fever, and was sure
+it was that which had made the sheep herder himself fall ill. So before
+his strength came back he had to turn nurse himself and attend upon
+Alaric. He had now recovered enough to go away to his employer's ranch
+for a few days. Meanwhile Jim was keeping the sheep for his host with
+little Jose for company.
+
+Dorothy listened, asking questions now and then, and finally inquired:
+
+"Is this Alaric an Indian?"
+
+"No. A Mexican, a Greaser. He married an Indian princess, the sister of
+White Feather."
+
+"How came you by that Indian rig? costume, I mean."
+
+Jim laughed. "White Feather again. At first I hadn't anything to wear
+but a ragged pair of trousers which Alaric lent me, though he hated to,
+and a blanket for a coat. But a few days ago White Feather and his
+braves came this way again. He brought quite a collection of old duds
+and gave 'em to Alaric. That paid him for what he'd lent me, I guess.
+And some of White Feather's folks have always given little Jose his
+Indian fixings, too. Else--Well, he wouldn't have had much to wear.
+Ain't he cute?"
+
+"Indeed, he is. Looks exactly like a tiny White Feather himself. The
+dear!" answered Dorothy, helping herself to another piece of bread and
+breaking it in bits to feed the child, who smiled and swallowed in great
+glee. "But your suit? You haven't told about that yet."
+
+"Isn't it fine? I begin to feel like a red man myself, wearing it. White
+Feather gave this to me with his own hands. It looks as if it had been
+worn a long time but it's a mighty comfortable rig, especially after a
+fellow's had--nothing at all."
+
+Then Dorothy talked, her words fairly tumbling over each other in her
+haste to tell all that had happened at San Leon while he was gone. She
+ended with the question:
+
+"Will you go back with me now, Jim? or with all of us, when we find
+them! My heart! How glad, how glad they'll be!"
+
+Jim shook his head.
+
+"I can't, Dolly, not yet. I've got to stay till Alaric comes. Nobody
+knows when that'll be, he's so lazy; and so sure now that I'll do his
+work for him. Besides--I've got something on my mind. Even if--even
+if--Well, I shan't go back to San Leon till I take a peace offering with
+me. I think--anyway I hope--I've--No matter. Where are the others, do
+you think? How did you get so far away from 'em, alone?"
+
+"I don't know. But I wish--I wish they'd come. Ah! Hark!"
+
+Dorothy stood up and listened. They could hear a horse moving
+somewhere, the dull thud of hoofs on soft ground, and a whinny of
+recognition to Zaraza feeding near. A moment later Silent Pete came into
+sight, and in another moment had dismounted beside them.
+
+He hadn't a word to say but stared at Jim with what would seem reproach
+except for a kindly gleam in his blue eyes. Up and down the lad's tall
+form the old man's eyes roved many times and then he gave one of his
+rare laughs.
+
+"Fits good, hey?"
+
+"First class! Did you ever wear an Indian costume?" asked Jim.
+
+"Huh! I've wore that one more years 'n you're old," said the ex-hunter,
+and sitting down helped himself to the bread.
+
+Perhaps the man had never talked so freely as he did now. Of hunting, of
+savage fights, and of mining--of anything and everything connected with
+Colorado's past as he had known it. Because he had never had such
+interested listeners. Jim's eyes shone, and when the subject touched on
+mining, he got up and went into the shack, coming back a moment later
+with some bits of stones lying on his palm. He held these out to Silent
+Pete who accepted them with sudden interest. Until he finally exclaimed:
+
+"Glory! Where?"
+
+Jim walked a little distance from that point of the mesa and the others
+followed him wondering. Then digging away some earth from the small
+hillock where he had paused, pointed downward.
+
+Silent Pete gazed without speaking for a full moment. Then he stooped
+and gathered a few fragments of insignificant stone, while Dorothy
+watched him wondering. Presently the hunter looked up--his face
+transformed--the brilliancy of youth restored to his faded eyes.
+
+"Silver! by gum! And--and--_all the land this side that shack belongs to
+San Leon_! Of all the dum luck--Let's go home! Let's go home!"
+
+He couldn't move fast enough. The youngsters followed him at an equal
+pace so excited that they scarcely knew what they were doing. Jim had
+found silver! Jim had discovered a mine! This meant untold wealth to
+their beloved host!
+
+There was no thought in their minds of a possible mistake. It could not
+be. It was all as clear as daylight to Dorothy, whose reverent heart
+always traced "leadings" in that chain of events which we call life.
+
+Jim had been "led" to all and through all that had happened. If he
+hadn't wandered here--no use thinking about that. He _had_ wandered, he
+_had_ found the silver, it _had_ been ordered, even the pain and
+suffering and grief. Oh! to get back to where they could send the good
+news flying to the absent owner of San Leon!
+
+"Let's go home!" cried the girl, running to the Zaraza's side and trying
+to saddle her.
+
+But Jim would not let her do that, though he did not seek to hinder her
+from going, and when she had sprung to her seat upon the filly's back,
+he held out his hand, saying:
+
+"I'll come soon's I can, Dolly Doodles! This is a big day for me!"
+
+"Why--why--aren't you coming too? You can ride part of the way and I
+part."
+
+"No, girlie. I promised Alaric I'd take care of Jose and the sheep. I've
+got to--duty, you know."
+
+"Oh! Duty! I hate duty! Oh! Jim, you ought to be the one, the very one
+to carry the good news straight to 'Boss Dan!' It should be you to send
+this glorious message!"
+
+But Jim shook his stubborn head.
+
+"I'd like to--shucks! But I ain't never seen how neglectin' the duty 't
+lies to hand helps a fellow to do the one 't is further off. It's all
+right, Dolly. You speed the good word and watch out for Jim. He'll be
+coming--sure. Good-by--good-by."
+
+Meanwhile Peter had placed the lunch baskets on the ground, leaving them
+for Jim and the child.
+
+Not until they had passed out of sight and were well on the downward
+trail did Dorothy remember her absent mates and to ask how Silent Pete
+had chanced to find her. He scarcely paused to reply; for though he
+spoke no word, except to answer her questions, he was fairly quivering
+with excitement. It isn't every day one stumbles on a silver mine, even
+in Colorado!
+
+"Oh! I saw where you'd passed by the trompled brush. I knew the calico's
+tread. I saw 't you was off the line an' I blazed that so's the rest'd
+see and not get scared. We shan't see no more o' them till nightfall,
+only you an' me--we must get home. Don't waste breath talkin'--_just
+travel_."
+
+Travel they did and, their own dispatches sent from San Leon, another
+came flashing back--crossed each other on the way, so to speak.
+
+"Reach the ranch to-morrow. D. F."
+
+Well, this story is about told. Such a wonderful home-coming that was!
+Messengers had been quickly sent to the sheep herder's hut to act as
+substitutes for Jim in his "duty" and to bring him and Jose "home,"
+where he found himself welcomed as a hero--he who had thought himself
+despised.
+
+Thus was discovered the famous "Bygum Mine," so named for the first
+words uttered by Silent Pete, when Jim showed him the site. Those who
+remember the energy of "Dan Ford, Railroad Boss" will understand how
+promptly matters were set in motion for the opening of "Bygum;" and
+those who know his generosity will guess how he made each young guest a
+sharer, to some degree, in this fresh prosperity. All except Jim Barlow:
+for that too independent youth promptly refused any further benefit
+from his great discovery than a simple "Thank you." How that refusal
+affected the lad's pursuit of "knowledge" will be told in another story
+of "Dorothy's House Boat," upon which, a few weeks later, he had to
+"work his passage."
+
+But now, with Lady Gray's dear presence among them and the master's hand
+at the helm, there was nothing but happiness for all at San Leon: until,
+all suddenly it seemed, the three months of their stay had passed and
+the parting came. If there was sadness in their hearts that morning,
+when they mounted the buckboards for their journey back to Denver, there
+was also anticipation and delight; for, to quote the words of their
+genial host:
+
+"The world is but a little place. We have met and loved each other--we
+shall meet and love again."
+
+                              THE END
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+
+Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author' words and
+intent.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dorothy on a Ranch, by Evelyn Raymond
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