couldn’t lift himself. You see, my stepfather — he — he was shot in the arm, and right soon when the misery left him, he died, so I didn’t say much — but on the way home I thought of you, and I came here fast. We know so little here on the mountains,” she added sadly, as she looked earnestly down at him.

“You have acted wisely. Just ride on, Miss Cassandra, and I will follow as soon as — ”

“Come down with me now and have dinnah at our place. Then we can start togethah.”

“Thank you, I will. You are more expert in the art of dinner getting than I am, so we will lose less time.” He laughed and was rewarded with the flash of a grateful smile as she started on without another word.