“Ma’am? Like to see where the boys hang out? Well, come along. If things ain’t the way I’d like to have ’em, you c’n allow ’t I’m the only one’s been in the ranks. Yes, Ma’am. I have that. Used to belong to a crack comp’ny out home and was one the picked men to shoot at Seagirt, New Jarsey. The National Rifle Range, Ma’am, as maybe you know. I’ve scored highest, more ’n once. That’s how I come to sort o’ set up in business out here. Shootin’ an’ hosses; them’s my business; and every tenderfoot strikes S’ Leon comes under my teachin’ first or last.”
With that remark he cast a critical eye upon the assembled young folks and noted the kindling gleam of seven pairs of eyes. Only Jim Barlow’s blue orbs were missing; but, of course, that nurse or doctor had made him stay in bed, which was a shame, the others thought, and Dorothy loyally expressed:
“Course! That’s one the things we’re all wild to do—learn to handle a rifle. But don’t let’s begin till Jim gets well.”
A curious expression passed over Mrs. Ford’s face. She was the only one present who knew of Jim’s midnight escape. The knowledge had almost miraculously been kept from Lemuel and by the master’s express orders. Whatever that talkative ranchman knew, all the world knew, as fast as his tongue could tell it.
All had been so quiet in the sick room that the nurse had supposed her patient fallen asleep; and it was not till daybreak that she discovered his absence. She had immediately informed Dr. Jones, and he, in turn, the “Boss,” who understanding the shy nature of the truant and knowing how he would dislike to be talked about, had instituted a quiet but thorough search. Only the trustiest men had been set upon this search, Mr. Ford taking the most active part in it. By his request the matter had been kept from his young guests, also; and they were to be made as happy as possible in their ignorance. As he said to Lady Gray, before leaving her:
“Of course, we shall find him in a very little while. He can’t have gone far afield, and we’ll have him back in bed before any of those youngsters get wind of his performance. Nurse says he was flighty and feverish and I don’t wonder. Doctor claims he’d rather have had a clean, sharp break to mend than all those bruised and torn ligaments. However, don’t you worry. This party is going to be a success—don’t doubt. Sorry to leave you with seven young folks on your hands—a little world in themselves, of varying ideas and wills. They can easily spend this first half-day in inspecting the ranch and, if they’re as healthy and happy as they seem, will be too interested to give much thought to Master James. Good-by, don’t worry.”
However, although they felt it would be well to wait for the injured Jim before beginning their lessons in shooting, Lemuel himself took the matter out of their hands, explaining:
“I’ve lived long enough to know there ain’t never but one time to do one thing, an’ that if a feller don’t snatch it then, afore it gets out o’ reach, he’ll be sorry forever atterwards. We’ll go inspect the boys’ quarters first hand. That’s a part o’ my business, anyway. Makes ’em mad, sometimes, but it’s for their good. Nothin’ like the army for trainin’ folks right, an’ so I tell ’em. Get jawed for it a pretty consid’able, but Lemuel G. W. Hunt—I’m named for the Father of my Country, Ma’am—Lemuel G. W. Hunt always does his duty, let come what follers atterwards. Right this way, Ma’am. Hep, hep, hep, right face!”
The odd fellow led off with a military step and catching his humor the boys did likewise. Then, the girls laughed and marched, Herbert gallantly escorting Mrs. Ford, as the eighth of the little “Company A,” as Leslie immediately named the new “awkward squad.”
“And I say, Lem, it’ll be just rippin’ if you’ll drill us in regular ‘tactics.’ Once a day, anyhow. I’ll get Dad to furnish the uniforms and it’ll be a help because, you know, I’m bound for West Point sometime,” cried Leslie.