“Mountains, woods and valleys. They were well worth looking at in the sunset light.”
“And what else? As you live in this country, you didn’t go up for the view.”
Kermode saw that she was suspicious, and thought her too intelligent to be put off with an excuse.
“I’ll admit that I wasn’t greatly surprised to see three men a long way off. They were riding back to the settlement and I dare say they were angry as well as tired.”
“Ah!” she said. “You wouldn’t light a fire, though you have a package of tea here and there’s a spring near-by. You thought it wouldn’t be prudent?”
“I did think something of the kind; but won’t you begin your supper? What shall I hand you?”
“Wait a little. You haven’t told me very much yet.” Then her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Mr. Kermode, I’d better say that my brother will be responsible for the expenses of this journey. I suppose you haven’t paid for the horse?”
“It’s unfortunately true. The trouble was that your brother lives a long way off, and you led me to believe that your money was running out.”
“I have,” she said calmly, “fifty cents left.”
Kermode began on a sandwich she handed him.