"Knight Judson can beat any of the Mexicans at lassoing," Blue Bonnet declared. "He must be a wonder when he has both hands free."
"He doesn't seem in any hurry to discard his sling, I notice," Uncle Joe remarked, winking at Blue Bonnet ostentatiously.
"His wrist isn't well yet," she insisted, ignoring the teasing glance.
"Here they come, now," exclaimed Kitty. "Alec looks as excited as if he'd killed a bear at the very least!"
"We've had a wonderful day," Alec declared, full of enthusiasm, when he and Knight had greeted every one and slipped into their places. Both boys were ravenous; Blue Bonnet and her grandmother exchanged a significant glance as Alec passed his plate for a second generous helping. He looked already a different boy from the pale student who had left Woodford only a few weeks before.
"Guess what we bagged to-day?" he asked.
"A bear!" Kitty said immediately.
"Quail!" Blue Bonnet guessed.
"Shady got some quail, but we didn't do any shooting," replied Alec.
"Maybe you and Knight lassoed some prairie-hens," suggested Uncle Joe, laughing at his own joke.