What with watching Nell and trying to catch her glance, and
listening to Belding's talk with the cowboys, Dick was hard put
to it to dictate any kind of a creditable letter. Nell met his
gaze once, then no more. The color came and went in her cheeks,
and sometimes, when he told her to write so and so, there was a
demure smile on her lips. She was laughing at him. And Belding was
talking over the risks involved in a trip to Casita.
"Shore I'll ride in with the letters," Ladd said.
"No you won't," replied Belding. "That bandit outfit will be
laying for you."
"Well, I reckon if they was I wouldn't be oncommon grieved."
"I'll tell you, boys, I'll ride in myself with Carter. There's
business I can see to, and I'm curious to know what the rebels
are doing. Laddy, keep one eye open while I'm gone. See the
horses are locked up....Gale, I'm going to Casita myself. Ought
to get back tomorrow some time. I'll be ready to start in an
hour. Have your letter ready. And say--if you want to write
home it's a chance. Sometimes we don't go to the P. O. in a month."
He tramped out, followed by the tall cowboys, and then Dick was
enabled to bring his letter to a close. Mercedes came back, and
her eyes were shining. Dick imagined a letter received from her
would be something of an event for a fellow. Then, remembering
Belding's suggestion, he decided to profit by it.
"May I trouble you to write another for me?" asked Dick, as he
received the letter from Nell.
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