d with anxiety that she welcomed a chance to talk to somebody.
"I've often heard him speak of you," she ventured, searching the dark
eyes, and watching the open, kindly smile characteristic of the man.
Scott put his right hand out at his side. "I've ridden with that boy
since he was so high."

"I know he thinks everything of you."

"I think a lot of him."

"You don't know me?" she said tentatively.

His answer concealed all that was necessary. "Not to speak to, no."

"I am Nan Morgan."

"I know your name pretty well," he explained; nothing seemed to
disturb his smile.

"And I came in--because I was worried over something and wanted to see
Mr. de Spain."

"He is buying horses north of Medicine Bend. The rain-storm yesterday
likely kept him back some. I don't think you need worry much over
anything though."

"I don't mean I am worrying about Mr. de Spain at Medicine Bend,"
disclaimed Nan with a trace of embarrassment.

"I know what you mean," smiled Bob Scott. She regarded him questioningly.
He returned her gaze reassuringly as if he was confident of his ground.
"Did your pony come along all right after you left the foot-hills this
afternoon?"

Nan opened her eyes. "How did you know I came through the foot-hills?"

"I was over that way to-day." Something in the continuous smile
enlightened her more than the word. "I noticed your pony went lame.
You stopped to look at his foot."

"You were behind me," exclaimed Nan.

"I didn't see you," he countered prudently.

She seemed to fathom something from the expression of his face. "You
couldn't have known I was coming in," she said quickly.

"No." He paused. Her eyes seemed to invite a further confidence. "But
after you started it would be a pity if any harm came to you on the
road."

"You knew Uncle Duke was in town?" Scott nodded. "Do you know why I
came?"

"I made a guess at it. I don't think you need worry over anything."

"Has Uncle Duke been talking?"

"Your Uncle Duke doesn't talk much, you know. But he had to ask
questions."

"Did you follow me down from the hospital to-night?"

"I was coming from my house after supper. I only kept close enough to
you to be handy."

"Oh, I understand. And you are very kind. I don't know what to do
now."

"Go back to the hospital for the night. I will send Henry de Spain up
there just as soon as he comes to town."

"Suppose Uncle Duke sees him first."

"I'll see that he doesn't see him first."

"Where