Frances of the ranges was more silent than she had been when they rode together the night before. Pratt found it hard to get into conversation with her on any but the most ephemeral subjects.
For instance, when he hinted about Captain Rugley’s adventures on the Border:
“Your father is a very interesting talker. He has seen and done so much.”
“And how adventurous his life must have been! I’d love to get him in a story-telling mood some day.”
“He doesn’t talk much about old times.”
“But, of course, you know all about his adventures as a Ranger, and his trips into Mexico?”
“No,” said Frances.
“Why! he spoke last night as though he often talked about it. About the looting of— Who was the old Spanish grandee he mentioned?”
“I know very little about it, Pratt,” fluttered Frances. “That’s just dad’s talk.”