"His grandfather Douglas!" cried John. "Why, the old man would kick the stones off his grave if he knew what his grandson was up to. He used to boast that he came West just to get rid of the Presbyterians and the Allopaths. Nothing he hated like a sky pilot!"
Douglas rose and shrugged his shoulders. "Well," he said, "if I'm as popular with the rest of the Valley as I am with my family, I'm liable to have my head turned before this thing is over," and he went out to attend to his chores.
As he paused by the corral fence to watch the little wild horse standing motionless over the untasted hay, Judith joined him.
"Looks as if Dad might be right about her," he said.
"I'd like to try my hand at her, Douglas." Judith's voice was eager.
"You may have her, Jude. I was hoping to bring you in two or three, but
Fate said otherwise."
"I'm much obliged to you, Douglas," said Judith soberly. "You are always mighty generous—" She hesitated for a moment. "I wish you weren't going in for this thing with the preacher, Doug."
"O well, let's drop the matter!" said Douglas wearily, and without a word further Judith turned away.
The next morning at breakfast, John was irritable and would not let the subject of Fowler's coming rest.
"What did Charleton say?" he asked.