They had eaten by the light of the lantern, when they heard Kate coming.
She lifted the flap of the tent and smiled her friendly smile upon them.
“Goodness, but I’m glad I don’t have to cook supper! I haven’t had anything warm since morning.”
Bowers stood with the broom in his hand, staring, while Kate removed her cap and jacket. Then he cast an evil look upon the deputy, a look which said, “You liar!”
As she made to get the food from the stove he interposed hastily:
“You set down, Ma'am.”
Lingle gave him a look which was equally significant, a jeering look which said ironically, “Woman hater!”
Bowers colored with pleasure when she lauded his “cowpuncher potatoes” and exclaimed over the biscuits.
When Kate had finished she looked from one to the other and beamed upon them impartially.
“It’s nice to see people. I haven’t seen any one for six weeks except Uncle Joe,” wistfully. “I wish he had come back with you—it’s so lonesome.”