Trueman sallied forth into the sunlight like a man
possessed. When we first come hyar, aboot five years ago, Slagle, as you know,lived
down below.
Hes a greatrider of the range in all pertainin to
that, hard game. Onthe opposite side, however, opened a break in the
brush.
Whereupon Thiry appeared in the door in a long blue
apron that scarcelyhid her graceful symmetry. Slowly he rode up and entered the
beautiful open park. He watched them pass by, out of theshade, it seemed, into the
past forever. I never saw his beat, Dabb has beenhagglin with Leslie over the
price.
I like what Thiry calls him, she said,
shyly.
Black leather an silver trimmings, said, the
rancher, admiringly. Its wild, perhaps, to let yourself go over this girlall in a
minute. Some of the cabins were weathered and grey, with moss green on thesplit
shingles. Alices place was next to Rock, and she most solicitouslyserved
him.
An I shore knowed you jest from the way
youstraddled him. Mr Rock, would you like to walk with me to my cabin? Some of the
cabins were weathered and grey, with moss green on thesplit shingles.
But you mustnt judge us other Prestonsby him. Son,
Ive a hunchyour comin back means a lot.
He halted for camp near a rugged little creek. But
it had been Rocks wayto come, not knowing; and that hazard was past.
He saw only the gravel sides and theblack
hole.
Wal, Rock, all the Prestons home, if youre so set
on knowin, returnedAsh. He, was coming back to thevalleys and hills that he now
discovered he had loved. Well, I wouldnt give two bits for you if she hadnt. The
girl had suddenly covered her face withher hands. Rock made short work of his
breakfast, and hurried away down toward thecorrals. Wal, Id shore hate to leave it
myself, returned the other tersely.
It wasnt much, certainly nothin to offend Miss
Thirysbrother. Theres only one thing that could stump me.
Rock gave her one long look as she stood now in the
moonlight.
Dismounting, Rock went to the door and
knocked.
He saw only the gravel sides and theblack hole. But
it had been Rocks wayto come, not knowing; and that hazard was past. Well, son, Im
sure curious to ask you that same question, repliedWinter.