"How long do you think you can ride on the back of Sally?"
"Just as long as she can carry me."
"That's good," laughed the parent, who could not help reaching across from the saddle and pinching the chubby cheek; "I want to give you a good long ride, and we may keep it up after dark."
"That don't make any difference to me, for I can sleep here as well as in my bed at home. Mamma will take care of me, won't you?" she asked, twisting her head about and looking up in the face of her parent.
The latter leaned down and kissed her, murmuring:
"Yes, with my life, precious one; but we are in the keeping of God, and he is always merciful and kind."
"I know that," said the child thoughtfully, "for hasn't He given me the best parents in the world? Oh, look! papa and mamma!" she added, forcing her head farther out of its environments, and pointing to the top of the elevation they were approaching.
The sight was a pretty one indeed. A noble buck had arrived first, from the other side of the ridge, and paused on the highest point. With his head erect, he looked down in wonderment at the party approaching him. He made a fine picture, with his antlers high in air and his whole form thrown in relief against the leaden sky beyond.
"What a fine mark," said the rancher admiringly; "I never saw a larger buck."
"You don't intend to shoot him?"