David and Polly chuckled, understanding the Colonel better, and Patricia, seeing his laughing eyes, at once recovered herself.
“Who wants to go to ride with Lone Star and me?” Colonel Gresham asked.
There was a duet of “I’s” from the girls. David said nothing.
“Sorry my buggy will permit of only one invitation. We shall have to draw cuts, shan’t we?”
Three lengths of straw were made, the Colonel arranging them as if he were used to the business. The children eyed them with lively interest.
“You choose first, Patricia,” Polly said, and they watched breathlessly while her fingers wavered in front of the big, steady hand before daring to pull.
Finally she plucked at one. It was the longest of all.
“Oh, dear!” she lamented.
“Now, Polly!” bade David.
“That will leave you Hobson’s choice,” she laughed; but he motioned her on, and she caught at the nearest one.