"Well, it certainly is a risky business, this pony express," sighed her mother.
"It wouldn't be so risky if it wasn't for those desperate outlaws, and the other men who want Jack's position," Jennie said, her eyes flashing. "It makes me so mad when I think what an unfair advantage they take that I wish I were a man so I could help Jack fight them!"
"My!" laughed Mrs. Blake. "But I guess you're better off inside here, than out on the mountain trail."
"Yes, I suppose so. That's all we women are good for, anyhow, to sit and wait and worry!"
"Any one would think you were twice as old as you are," said Mrs. Blake with a smile at her daughter. "Hark! Is that he coming?"
They both started toward the door, but, with a sigh of disappointment,
Jennie said:
"No, it's only Tim Mullane."
The red-haired, genial Irish lad entered with a grin.
"Jack not here yet?" he asked, with some surprise.
"Oh, I wish you wouldn't say that!" Jennie exclaimed, and her voice was not her usual one.