ing--for a while," he admitted. "But you see,
that saddle now, scarred up that way--why, they'll think the eohippus
wasted me and then dragged the saddle off under a tree. Leastways,
they'll say they think so, frequent. Best not to let on and to make no
excuses. It'll be easier that way. We're great on guying here. That's
most all the fun we have. We sure got this joshing game down fine. Just
wondering what all the boys'd say--that was why I didn't get out of the
water at first, before--before I thought I was asleep, you know."

"So you'll actually tell a lie to keep from being thought a liar? I'm
disappointed in you."

"Why, ma'am, I won't say anything. They'll do the talking."

"It'll be deceitful, just the same," she began, and checked herself
suddenly. A small twinge struck her at the thought of poor Maud, really
sketching on Thumb Butte, and now disconsolately wondering what had
become of lunch and fellow-artist; but she quelled this pang with a sage
thought of the greatest good to the greatest number, and clapped her
hands in delight. "Oh, what a silly I am, to be sure! I've got a lunch
basket up there, but I forgot all about it in the excitement. I'm sure
there's plenty for two. Shall I bring it down to you or can you climb up
if I help you? There's water in the canteen--and it's beautiful up
there."

"I can make it, I guess," said the invited guest--the consummate and
unblushing hypocrite. Make it he did, with her strong hand to aid; and
the glen rang to the laughter of them. While behind them, all unnoted,
Johnny Dines reined up on the hillside; took one sweeping glance at that
joyous progress, the scarred hillside, the saddle and the dejected
eohippus in the background; grinned comprehension, and discreetly
withdrew.

CHAPTER III

MAXWELTON BRAES

"Oh the song--the song in the blood!
Magic walks the forest; there's bewitchment on the air--
Spring is at the flood!"

--_The Gypsy Heart._

"Well, sir, this here feller, he lit a cigarette an' throwed
away the match, an' it fell in a powder kaig; an' do you know,
more'n half that powder burned up before they could put it out!
Yes, sir!"--WILDCAT THOMPSON.

Ellinor opened her basket and spread its tempting wares with pretty
hostly care--or is there such a word as hostessly?

"There! All ready, Mr.----I declare, this is too absurd! We don't even
know each other's names!" Her conscious