Virginia looked troubled. “Oh brother, are you going away again? Surely not today.”
“Not until morning,” he replied. “We’ll both be better fit after a good night’s sleep.” Then at the kitchen porch, she left him and walked slowly back to the summer house. The three girls eagerly awaited her.
“Did Malcolm tell you the clews?” Of course this was from Betsy. “Why, no,” Virginia declared. “I was so concerned about my brother that I forgot to ask him where he had been or why.” Then Margaret had an inspiration.
“It’s after five by my little wrist watch and so I suggest that we put away the tea things and have our supper of nice frijolies and bread in the kitchen with the boys. They can tell us the clews while we’re eating, for I am sure they will want to tumble into bed as soon as they can.”
Virginia looked at her other guests to see if the plan met with their approval. She was not long left in doubt. “Oh, goodie, I’d love to have supper with a real cowboy. My Cousin Bob will be green with envy when I write him about it.” Betsy was gathering up the spoons as she spoke. Soon the little procession approached the house.
Malcolm saw them coming and smiled. “I tell you, Lucky, it seems mighty nice to see that sister of mine once more. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I hope she won’t want to go away again.”
Lucky, having finished his supper, rose as the girls entered the long kitchen that was flooded with the late afternoon sun.
The middle aged cowboy spoke apologetically: “Miss Virginia, if yo-all will excuse me, Ah’ll turn in. Ah reckon Ah cain’t keep awake, an’ Malcolm here and me’s figgerin’ on hittin’ the trail again come sunup.”
When he was gone, Sing Long served the girls to heaping plates of steaming frijolies, generous slices of cornbread and tumblers brimming with creamy milk. This fare greatly delighted Betsy for it was very different from that to which she was accustomed.
Malcolm told Sing Long that he, too, might go, as they no longer needed him. When they were alone, the giant of a lad smiled about at the girls, who were eagerly awaiting the beginning of his story.