"Oh, thought I'd go to work for a change. Just some cattle that I bought to hold for fall shipment." He turned to the man at his side, apologizing, then proceeded to introduce him to his cousin. The girl cut it short by a peculiar brief nod.
"Oh, I've met Mr. Livingston before!"
"Indeed?" said Carter in surprise, looking from one to the other.
"At Harris'" explained the sheep-man. "She gave me one of the sweetest, most refreshing drinks of water it has ever been my privilege to enjoy." He spoke easily, yet was much perturbed. Here was his shy Indian maid, a remarkably prepossessed, up-to-date young woman. It took a little time to get it straightened out in his mind.
"Of course I might have known that you two would have met. There are so few people here." Carter tried to speak indifferently.
"Well, good-by," said the girl, moving away.
"Don't be in a hurry! Where are you going, Hope?" called her cousin.
"Sorry, but can't wait any longer. We're off for a day's exploring. Good-by."
"I'll see you this evening. We're going to camp near Harris'," said Carter.
"No, not this evening," she called back to him as she rode on up the gulch. "I won't be back till late, and then I'll be too tired to see anyone. Good-by, Jim—I'll see you to-morrow." Old Jim watched her until she was lost to sight in the turn of the gulch. Livingston also watched her until she was out of sight. She rode astride, wearing a neat divided skirt, and sat her horse with all the ease and perfection of a young cowboy. Old Jim McCullen went on in trail of the cattle, while young Carter and Livingston followed leisurely.