"It is not all," Jimmy declared. "When we went up the hill in the evening, I asked you to marry me and you promised——"
"I promised we would talk about it," said Margaret. "Before you start from Peter's we will do so; but since you must start soon, we'll go on."
Jimmy saw he could not move her, and they went down the hill. At the ranch fence a man met them and took them to the house. When they went in a woman got up, kissed Margaret, and gave Jimmy a smile. So far as he could see, Mrs. Jardine and her husband did not think it strange he had arrived with Margaret, and he was somewhat comforted, although he noted that Margaret's color rose. Margaret knew her relations. They were primitive, honest folk, and took it for granted Jimmy was her lover.
"Sit right down. Dinner will soon be ready," said Peter Jardine. "How's the old man? Give us your news."
Jimmy narrated his and Margaret's adventures and, until he stopped, his hosts said nothing. It did not look as if they were disturbed, but they were bush folk and the bush is quiet. For all that, Jimmy felt they owned themselves Margaret's relations and for her sake were willing to help him out.
"The trapper's old shack is the spot for you," Peter remarked. "After dinner we'll start. Margaret must stay with us."
Margaret agreed, but Jimmy objected.
"Margaret is going with me to the Mission. The police will soon arrive."
"I reckon they don't know her, and they don't know how many womenfolk I've got. When she puts on Sadie's clothes, she'll look as if she belonged to the ranch. Maybe the police haven't found your trail; but we mustn't bet on that."
Margaret went off with Sadie and Jimmy speculated about their talk. By and by he turned to his host.