tion. To some extent, and so far as she could
ascertain it, it was also in accordance with the taste of the man who
was to accompany her.

It was very still. Nobody moved in the clearing, though from beyond it
rose the faint humming of saws, and the little breeze was heavy with a
resinous fragrance. The log-house was silent save for an occasional
clatter from the kitchen, where Mrs. Margery was apparently busy.
Alice Deringham did not like Mrs. Margery, and had reason to believe
the latter returned the feeling, though she had noticed that the
somewhat grim old lady had a smile that was almost gentle for rancher
Townshead's daughter. Presently the rattle of plates also ceased, and
the girl found the silence exasperating. The time was slipping by, and
there was still no sign of Alton.

At last, however, there was a thud of horsehoofs in the orchard, and a
man rode out from among the trees, but Miss Deringham, who had risen
with a smile, shut the fingers of one hand a trifle viciously when she
saw that it was not Alton. The man sat loosely in his saddle, and his
face was a trifle flushed when he pulled the horse up.

"Is Harry Alton anywhere around, miss?" he said, and the girl noticed
that his voice was uneven.

"He may be here presently," she said. "I don't know where he is."

"I've a long way to ride, and can't wait for him," said the man,
swaying a little as he gathered up the bridle. "There seems to be
nobody around the place, and when he comes you might tell him to go up
to Townshead's as soon as he can. Miss Nellie's wanting to see him,
and it's Thursday."

"Thursday?" said Miss Deringham.

"Yes," said the man. "Harry will understand. There was some more
about it, but I've forgotten it. Well, you'll tell him. I must be
getting on."

He lurched when the horse started, and though most men are abstemious
in that country, Alice Deringham decided that he was under the
influence of alcohol. She also felt distinctly displeased with him for
bringing his message before she and Alton had set out for the lake. It
was a favourable afternoon for fishing, and not pleasant to reflect
that her amusement must be deferred at the bidding of the girl from the
ranch. Then she decided that as Alton would not have received the
message had he come when she expected him, it would not make any great
difference if he did not hear it until their return. Miss Deringham
did not remember by what reasoning she arrived at