"No doubt of it," assured the younger man, preparing to go. "I hope," he continued, "that you'll call on me at any time—if you need more provisions, say."
Lancaster did not misunderstand the offer of credit. "Thank y'," he replied stiffly, "but we certainly got 'nough t' las' through."
Lounsbury remembered how small—compared with the orders of other wintering settlers—was the Lancaster stock; and thought, too, how likely it was that every passerby would be fed with true Southern hospitality, thus diminishing the supply. But he refrained from making any further suggestion. He bade the family good-by, lingering a little at parting beside the younger girl.
"Miss Marylyn," he said, "before another winter you'll be the belle of the town of Lancaster."
She put her hand in his bashfully.
"And, Miss Dallas?" His voice entreated a little.
"I hope you'll be the biggest storekeeper," she said.
To Lounsbury's surprise, he saw a trace of fun lurking in her eye. "Ah! you've forgiven me!" he declared triumphantly.
But she made no answer as she turned away.
The next moment he was galloping toward the coulée crossing.