"Have you ever thought that perhaps you have heard more than the truth?"
"Of course; I know that men are usually painted worse than they are."
"That's true. It's especially true with regard to myself."
For a moment Ted said nothing. He was running over in his mind several of the stories he had heard about this handsome and daring young fellow.
"Well, I'll take your word for it because it's Christmas," he said at last.
"I'll make you believe that I'm telling the truth before our acquaintance ends," said Farnsworth. As Ted looked into his eyes he saw that they had changed in expression. Now they were bold and brave and truthful, where before Ted had seen only a cold, cruel, relentless look.
Ted threw back his head, and the Moon Valley yell issued from his mouth.
It instantly transformed the slumbering ranch house. Out of doors, from around corners, and even as if they sprang out of the ground, appeared the broncho boys, and the air fairly rang with their shouts of welcome.
"That's the way I'd like to be greeted," said Farnsworth, a little bitterly.
"Then why don't you fix it so that you are?" asked Ted, smiling.