“Hurry up, boys, hurry up!” urged Trinidad, though he himself smilingly looked on.
A moment later the Girl, carrying a small book of poems, walked quietly into their midst. She was paler and not as buoyant as usual, but she managed to appear cheerful when she said:
“Hello, boys!”
The men were all smiles and returned her greeting with:
“Hello, Girl!”
Then followed the presentation of their offerings—mere trifles, to be sure, but given out of the fulness of their hearts. Sonora led with a bunch of berries, which was followed by Trinidad with an orange.
“From ’Frisco,” he said simply, watching the effect of his words with pride.
A bunch of berries was also Happy’s contribution, which he made with a stiff little bow and the one word:
“Regards.”
Meantime Nick, faithful friend that he was, went down on his knees and began to remove the Girl’s moccasins. The knowledge of his proximity encouraged the Girl to glance about her to see if she could detect any signs on the men’s faces which would prove that they suspected the real truth concerning her absence. Needless to say adoration and love was all that she saw; nevertheless, she felt ill-at-ease and, unconsciously, repeated: