"Here's another," cried Elsie.
"With two such faithful defenders I defy the world!" he shouted, valorously. Thereupon they left off joking him.
As they rose from the table, Curtis turned to Elsie: "Would you like to go with me to make a tour of the camp?"
Her eyes lighted up. "I should like it exceedingly."
"Very well, about three o'clock we will go. You will have time for a siesta. You must be tired."
"Oh no, I am quite rested and ready to go any time," and her bright eyes and warm color confirmed her words.
With military promptness the horses were brought round, and, accompanied by Maynard and Jennie, Curtis, with Elsie by his side, led the way to the camp. She was a confident horsewoman and rode a fine brown pony, and Curtis, who had never ridden with her before, glowed with pleasure in her grace and skill.
As they galloped off up the road a keen twinge of remorseful pity for Lawson touched Elsie's heart. He was grown suddenly older, it seemed to her, as though he had definitely given up the attempt to remain young, and this thought made her rather sober. He was being left out of her plans now almost unconsciously, while the other—
"One of the real heroes in this affair," Curtis was saying, "is Crane's Voice. He has been in saddle nearly thirty-six hours, and is willing to start again to Pinon City if I ask it."
"Of course you will not?"