Rupert scanned her critically, but he was unable to return the compliment. Her face was thin and sallow, and the only feature that was passable was her bright black eyes.
The next morning, when Rupert was ready to start, Sal showed an inclination to kiss him again, but he hurried off with the Indian, and escaped this affectionate demonstration.
"You'll come back some time?" said Sal, anxiously, as she looked after him.
"Yes, some day."
Rupert hoped that before he saw Sal again she would have secured a husband in her own station in life.
Rupert found the Indian a very satisfactory companion. Compared to Ben he was silent and reserved, but he was willing to answer questions, and the young traveler managed to extract considerable information from him.
There was no unnecessary delay. Rupert had no desire to remain longer in the wilderness. So on the evening of the third day he reached Red Gulch and sought out his friend Giles Packard.
The cattleman eyed his companion with surprise.
"Where have you left Ben?" he said.