p were taking him away. Well, he
had paid five hundred dollars for Ruby and he would find out if she was
worth it. He used his spurs so sharply that the high-spirited mare
snorted angrily, and plunged away at her most furious pace. It was not
an unpleasant ride. His time had been so fully occupied with the most
wonderful girl, that he had not had one moment to think how really
wonderful she was. This was his chance and he utilized it fully.

His business partner in Brush was shocked at Prince's lack of interest in
a matter of ten thousand dollars. He wondered if perhaps King Devil had
not bounced him up more than people realized. But Prince was pliant, far
more so than usual, accepted his partner's suggestions without dissent,
and grew really enthusiastic when he said finally:

"Well, I guess that is all."

Prince shook hands with him then, seeming almost on the point of kissing
him, and Ruby was whirling down the road in a chariot of dust before the
bewildered partner had time to explain that his wife was expecting Prince
home with them for dinner.

Prince fell from the saddle in front of the Bijou and looked expectantly
at the porch. He was sentimental enough to think it must be splendid to
have a girl waiting on the porch when one got home from any place.
Connie was not there. Well, it was a good thing, he was grimy with dust
and perspiration, and Connie was so alarmingly clean. But Carol called
him before he had time to escape.

"Is it going to storm?" she asked anxiously.

Prince wheeled toward her sharply. "Is Connie out in the car?"

"Yes," said Carol, staring off down the road in a vain hope of catching
sight of the naughty little runaway in the gray car.

"When did she go?" he asked.

"About eleven. She wasn't coming home until after dinner."'

"How far was she going?"

"A long way, she said. She went that direction," Carol pointed out to
the right.

"Is it going to storm?" asked David, coming up.

"Yes, it is. But don't you worry, Mrs. Duke. I'll get her all right.
If it turns bad, I will take her to some little village or farm-house
where she can stay till morning. We'll be all right, and don't you
worry."

There was something very assuring in the hearty voice, something
consoling in his clear eyes and broad shoulders. Carol followed him out
to his horse.

"Prince," she said, smiling up at him, "you will get her, won't you?"

"Of course I will. You aren't worrying, are yo