"Have I not always been an obedient wife?" she asked, with mock humility.
"No man was ever blessed with a better helpmate," was the reply.
"I await your commands, my lord."
Instead of passing the child to her, he reached up his rifle.
"What is the meaning of that?" she asked wonderingly.
"Lay it across the saddle in front, where its weight will not discommode you. I shall carry Dot."
"But think, George, of the risk it involves. I assure you that it will be no task for me to take care of her now that I am in the saddle again."
"All discussion is ended," he replied, with a severity which she well knew was assumed, though she did not dispute him. She accepted the weapon and placed it in position as he directed. Then supporting the precious child with one arm, he mounted his pony and placed himself by her side.
"We will ride abreast; if any emergency calls for the use of my gun, I can pass Dot to you in an instant; you must remember too, that I have a revolver, which may serve me better in any sudden peril."
"I obey," she replied, "but you will not deny me the right to think you are committing a mistake; since, however, it is actuated by love, I appreciate it."