John suddenly laughed. Douglas grinned faintly, then said, "I know now how Jude felt when you shot that little old Swift horse."
"I suppose if you'd been big enough, you'd have treated me as you did
Charleton," said John cheerfully.
"I sure would have tried to," replied Douglas. "Where's Jude?"
"Working on the little wild mare in the corral."
Douglas nodded to his father and went in search of Judith. She nodded gaily from the saddle.
"Why so sober, old-timer?"
"Overwork!" exclaimed Douglas. "Jude, will you come up and help me with the handful of steers I want to dehorn?"
"What's the matter with Old Gentlemen's Home?" asked Judith with her impish smile.
"They are taken up with reforming each other," replied Douglas; adding more seriously, "they are too old to be much help with the rope, Jude."
"I know," she nodded. "I'll come right along."