"When I left home, I flung myself into the life of a cow-puncher and
did all I could to keep from thinking. So my heart's rather callous by
this time. I don't seem to mind like I thought I would if I should sit
down to think about it. That's what I've avoided like the
plague--sitting down to think about it. But I believe I could sit down
and think about it now, pretty calmly."

"Then that's what I'd do," Lahoma cried. "I'd just face it. She isn't
worthy of you if she'd rather have a fortune than the man she loves.
I'd just sit down and face it."

"I will!" He had never before thought it could be easy. It seemed
very easy, now.

"Maybe I could help you," Lahoma suggested earnestly. "When Mrs.
Featherby lived near, I asked her all about such cases and got her
advice and experience. Change of scene and time are the greatest
remedies. You've had both. Then you must tell yourself that she isn't
worthy. And then you'll remind yourself that there are OTHER girls in
the world. Then you keep your mind occupied,--that is a great thing.
If you come to the cove to visit us, we will try to occupy your
mind--won't we Brick?--and Bill?"

Bill looked at Wilfred glumly. "It's too occupied now, I'm afraid."

"Bill, this is a-growing on you," Brick expostulated. "I like the
young chap first rate. He's open and free. Bill, you are hampering,
at times. I would go to my dugout if I was you, and cool my head."

"Your head'll be hot enough," growled Bill, "when this has gone too
far."

Lahoma opened her eyes wide. "What do you mean?" she demanded,
sincerely perplexed.

"Bill," cried Brick warningly, "you're a-going to start up a fire where
they ain't even been no kindling laid."

Wilfred rose hastily. "I should like dearly to come, and come often,"
he exclaimed, "but I couldn't force myself where I'm not wanted."

"In that case," remarked Bill inflexibly, "you're seeing me for the
last time, and may look your fill!"

Wilfred smiled at him tolerantly and turned to Willock. "I ought to go
to my work, Brick. I won't try to explain what this hour has meant to
me for I believe you understand. I'm like a man crossing the desert
who finds a spring and gets enough water to last him till the next
oasis."

He held out his hand to Lahoma who had risen swiftly at these signs of
departure. "God bless you, little girl!" he said cheerily. "A man's
fortunate who finds such oases along his desert-trail!"

It was no