He was glad enough. He had a vague idea somehow that Miss Holmes rather fenced him out. This time he would have Laverne on the front seat with him. Not that he really was in love with her now, but in time to come——
His plan worked admirably. Laverne was delighted and greeted her new friend cordially. They drove around a little at first, then up to the hill, and now the road was broken up unless one went a long way round.
"I can run up," Laverne said eagerly. "I won't be many minutes," and she sprang out.
"They're going to lower this hill," Dick explained. "They started it once, but land! only a goat can climb it now."
"Say a deer or an antelope," with a light laugh, as both watched the child threading her way in a zig-zag fashion, the shortest.
"It must be awfully lonely up there."
"But the prospect is wonderful. And there is Golden Gate and the ocean. Still, I should like to be more with folks. Chadsey doesn't mind. He's a queer Dick, and his mind is all on making money."
"She is his niece. Are there any others?"
"No, I guess not. I never heard of any. All her folks—family are dead."
"And Miss Holmes isn't related?"