d again if I do not like him."

They had intended camping on Poor Fork at the camp site of the preceding
summer; but as each would have his own horse, and the fishing was better
just at that time five miles from town than near the head of the river,
they concluded to remain at home, spending the mornings fishing and the
afternoons boating, swimming or mountain-climbing. At least this was the
agreed programme until Duffield should complete surveying the Lockard
grant in Leslie County, when his vacation commenced.

The next morning Cornwall sent Dorothy a note, telling her of his
guest's arrival and asking permission to bring him around that evening.
She answered: "You are to come at six and dine with us, remaining for
the evening. I have a surprise for you, John. It is unnecessary to
answer unless you find my invitation impossible. Dorothy."

At six o'clock the young men, looking fresh and comfortable in their
white flannels walked over to the Neal home. Mrs. Neal and Dorothy were
sitting on the porch and after greetings all found seats. Rosamond Clay,
Dorothy's guest, came out and joined them.

She was a tall, athletic, strikingly handsome brunette, just eighteen
and, as the boys subsequently found out, a better shot, swimmer and
mountain-climber than either of them. In disposition and appearance she
seemed the very antithesis of Dorothy, though Dorothy enjoyed an
open-air life, and her wiry, little body was capable of withstanding
great physical strain.

"Mr. Bradford, this is Miss Clay, and, John, this is Rosamond. She had
just gotten in when I received your note and is the surprise I
mentioned. She is to remain a month and I am counting on you helping to
entertain her."

"May my surprises always be as agreeable. With Miss Clay's permission I
shall do all in my power to make her visit a pleasant one. If she is
fond of out-door sports, riding, fishing, boating and mountain-climbing,
which we have a right to assume since she has come to the mountains, we
can promise her a good time."

"That is just what I adore. I have brought my own saddle, fishing tackle
and swimming suit. I wanted to bring a canoe, but Bradford said I could
easily procure a dug out and refused to express anything but the
paddles. I even thought of sending my horse, but father said that would
scare Mrs. Neal to death, as she was expecting a visitor and had not
offered to adopt me. I understand you have a fine saddle mare; I shall
ride her and