There was a flagstone
walk, beside which ran a ditch full of swift, muddy water. It made
a pleasant sound. There were trees strange of form and color to
to him. He heard bees, birds, chickens, saw the red of roses and
green of grass. Then he saw, close to the wall, a tub full of
water, and a bench upon which lay basin, soap, towel, comb, and
brush. The window was also a door, for under it there was a step.
Gale hesitated a moment, then went out. He stepped naturally,
hoping and expecting that the cowboys would hear him. But nobody
came. Awkwardly, with left hand, he washed his face. Upon a nail
in the wall hung a little mirror, by the aid of which Dick combed
and brushed his hair. He imagined he looked a most haggard
wretch. With that he faced forward, meaning to go round the corner
of the house to greet the cowboys and these new-found friends.
Dick had taken but one step when he was halted by laugher and the
patter of light feet.
From close around the corner pealed out that sweet voice. "Dad,
you'll have your wish, and mama will be wild!"
Dick saw a little foot sweep into view, a white dress, then the
swiftly moving form of a girl. She was looking backward.
"Dad, I shall fall in love with your new ranger. I will--I have--"
Then she plumped squarely into Dick's arms.
She started back violently.
Dick saw a fair face and dark-blue, audaciously flashing eyes.
Swift as lightning their expression changed to surprise, fear,
wonder.
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