is. Charley's adoration of her
brother was obvious to the most casual observer. She laughed a little
herself and it occurred to Roger that her laugh was much like Felicia's,
just as innocent and spontaneous.

"I can always get a rise that way, eh, old girl," cried Dick. "And I
know why you're blushing. You hate on top of this, to remind me that I
haven't bedded the horses. Well, I'll attend to it instantly and relieve
your embarrassment. I'll be back in a moment, Roger."

"Dick is in good trim again," said Roger.

"Oh, I do so hope he'll stay well!" exclaimed Charley with a sudden
fervor that surprised Roger. "He's such a dear and he's been so
handicapped! I think it's going to make a big difference to him, having
Felicia and you people here. He's been so lonely."

"Haven't you been lonely?" asked Roger.

"Yes," replied Charley. Then after a pause, "How does your work go?"

"Very slowly! I get half crazy with impatience. Even after all the
warnings I received, I had no idea of the difficulties in the desert. I
realize now that I'm only about half equipped, for desert building."

"You mean mentally or financially?" asked Charley with a quick look.

"Financially, of course--or--what made you ask me that?" Roger's voice
was a little indignant.

"Well, you see," answered Charley, "I've been in the desert longer than
you and I know that impatience leads to madness. And you're an impatient
sort of person."

"Impatient!" Roger burst out. "Impatient! When for ten years I've clung
to one idea, hoping against hope, believing that the impossible would
happen."

"You poor boy! Don't you suppose I know? But now that you're down here
at work, you've got to be even more patient. The desert is cussed mean.
You and Dick have both got to contend with the old vixen for a long time
before you put your dreams through."

"Don't you worry about my impatience," replied Roger. "My middle name is
patience. You'll see!"

Dick's cheerful whistle came up the trail. Charley looked at Roger as he
thoughtfully relighted his pipe. His bronze black hair was ruddy in the
firelight, Charley liked his hair and she liked his square jaw and deep
gray eyes, though they seemed to her a little cold and selfish as were
his lips. Charley had been educated with boys in the big middle western
town whither the Prebles had moved. From the time that she had entered
kindergarten at four until she graduated from college at twenty-two she
had buffeted thr