philosophical and devoted admirer of Miss
Edwards might have said on this, to him, evidently interesting topic,
had he not been interrupted, will never be known. For the lady herself
appeared upon the scene, putting an end to her own praises, and
discovering to us, upon nearer view, that she added youth and grace, if
not absolute beauty, to her other qualities.

Checking the rapid lope of her horse, as she came near where the men
were standing, in attitudes of frank, if awkward, deference, she saluted
them with a cheerful "Good-morning," and drew rein beside them.

"Take Brownie by the head, and walk a little way with me, if you please,
James. I have something I wish to say to you," was the lady's low-voiced
command. A certain flush and pleased expression on honest Jim's ruddy
countenance reminded her instantly of the inherent vanity of man, and
when she next addressed her attendant it was as "Mr. Harris," for such,
indeed, was the surname of our lank Missourian, though not many of his
associates had ever heard it.

"How long have you been on this place, Mr. Harris?"

"Near onto six year, Miss Edwards," replied Jim.

"Did you know Mr. Charles Erskine, my brother's former partner?"

"Just as well as I know your brother, Miss."

"What became of him, after he left this place?"

"I couldn't rightly say, miss. Some said he went to the mines, up in
Idaho, and other folks said they'd seen him in 'Frisco: but I don't know
nary thing about him."

"He must be found, Mr. Harris. Do you think you could find him, if I
were to send you on such a mission? It is a very important one, and it
is not every one I would intrust it to."

The flush and the pleased look returned to Jim's face. "I'd do the best
I could, miss; and, mebbe, I'd do as well as another."

"That is what I was thinking, Mr. Harris. You have been a long time
here, and you are prompt and capable about your own business; so I
concluded I could trust you with mine. I am sure I was quite right."

Jim was going on to "swar she was," when Miss Edwards interrupted him,
to enlighten him further as to the requirements of "her business:" "I do
not wish my brother to know what errand I send you on. They had a
dreadful quarrel once, I believe; and he might not agree with me as to
the wisdom of what I am about to do. It will, therefore, be necessary
for you to ask John's permission to go on a visit to San Francisco, as
if it was for yourself you were going. The drought