They met Ben Sturt, who was lounging about by the gate in the homestead fence; he had never seen Mariquita with just that light of happiness upon her.
"Here," he said to Gore, "let me take the horse; I'll see to him."
He knew that Mariquita would not come to the stables, and he wanted Gore to be free to stay with her to the last moment.
As he led the horse away he thought to himself: "It has really begun at last;" and he loyally wished his friend good luck.
Within a yard or two of the door they met Don Joaquin.
"Father," she said at once, "Mr. Gore didn't go to Maxwell this time. He went all the way to Denver—to Loretto. And see what a lot of presents he has brought me from them!"
Gore thought she looked adorable as, like a child unused to gifts, she showed her little treasures to the rather grim old prairie dog.
He looked less grim than usual. It suited him that she should be so pleased.
"Well!" he said, "you're stocked now. Mr. Gore had a long ride to fetch them."
"Oh, yes! Did you ever hear of anybody being so kind?"