“Decidedly. Now, what sort of a girl do you admire most?”
“I—I’m sure I—I don’t know,” stammered Jack.
“There must be some girl somewhere who is your ideal. Think of her. Describe her.”
The face of the Virginian grew crimson, and he betrayed himself by his confusion.
“Really, Miss Mitshef,” he said, “I think the others are wondering where we are. I see them looking back.”
“It’s Wallace and Woodock who are looking back. Woodock annoys me and Wallace bothers Hattie. They will not let us alone.”
Then Jack suddenly straightened up, grimly saying:
“If they dare to annoy you during this ride, Miss Mitshef, they shall answer to me! A fellow who forces his attentions on a lady is no gentleman, and he deserves to be soundly whipped. If you need my assistance, I shall be ready to aid you in any manner possible.”
“Thank you, Mr. Diamond,” she said, with sincere gratitude. “I shall not forget your kindness.”
And then, strange to say, she was ready to ride forward and overtake the others.