Grace wondered, and did the same several times, observed questioningly by her companion.
“What is it?” whispered Miss Briggs.
“I—I’m not certain,” answered Grace a little lamely.
“This suspense is killing me,” cried Emma, joining the two girls. “Unless my curiosity is gratified, I surely shall expire.”
“Why don’t you do what you threatened to do, demonstrate over the situation?” demanded Elfreda laughingly.
“Hamilton doesn’t like me to,” returned Miss Dean flushing.
“So? That is the way the wind blows,” chuckled Elfreda, and the girls laughed heartily.
“Hamilton!” murmured Grace. “It seems to me that matters are progressing rather rapidly, Emma dear. Here we have been out less than two days on our annual vacation in the saddle, and you are calling our handsome guide by his first name. I am amazed at you. I—”
Ham White threw up a hand as a signal that they were to halt. Day was dawning, and the waving plumes of the tall pines were now quite plainly visible from below.
“Stop here and take a light breakfast. Better not unpack anything. I will be back in a few minutes,” said the guide. “These are orders,” he flung back over his shoulder as he rode rapidly away.