“Let’s go home!” cried the girl, running to the Zaraza’s side and trying to saddle her.
But Jim would not let her do that, though he did not seek to hinder her from going, and when she had sprung to her seat upon the filly’s back, he held out his hand, saying:
“I’ll come soon’s I can, Dolly Doodles! This is a big day for me!”
“Why—why—aren’t you coming too? You can ride part of the way and I part.”
“No, girlie. I promised Alaric I’d take care of José and the sheep. I’ve got to—duty, you know.”
“Oh! Duty! I hate duty! Oh! Jim, you ought to be the one, the very one to carry the good news straight to ‘Boss Dan!’ It should be you to send this glorious message!”
But Jim shook his stubborn head.
“I’d like to—shucks! But I ain’t never seen how neglectin’ the duty ’t lies to hand helps a fellow to do the one ’t is further off. It’s all right, Dolly. You speed the good word and watch out for Jim. He’ll be coming—sure. Good-by—good-by.”
Meanwhile Peter had placed the lunch baskets on the ground, leaving them for Jim and the child.
Not until they had passed out of sight and were well on the downward trail did Dorothy remember her absent mates and to ask how Silent Pete had chanced to find her. He scarcely paused to reply; for though he spoke no word, except to answer her questions, he was fairly quivering with excitement. It isn’t every day one stumbles on a silver mine, even in Colorado!