He was only joking, but there was no answering glint of humor in Kit’s eyes as she said, “I’ll never, never even think of you as a berry thief again, Frank. I didn’t know you were planning to go away off over there, and I’m willing now to say I am sorry for the first day, and Tommy locking you up, and Mr. Hicks coming to arrest you.”
“I do believe you’re trying to forgive me, Kit,” Frank said teasingly. “Is this a truce, or a lasting peace? You see, I want to know for sure, because I haven’t any sisters, or mother, or anyone who cares a rap whether I go or stay, and you’re the first person I’ve even told.”
“It’s peace,” Kit answered, firmly.
Frank was very busy pulling a small box out of his pocket. In it was a silver bracelet on which was engraved a tree. “Keep this so you won’t forget me. It’s an Indian bracelet I brought from New Mexico, and the tree is alive and growing. It isn’t a sunken snag.”
Kit was obviously very pleased and tried to thank him for it but she stopped as Ralph and Jean came slowly up the drive together.
Ralph came up the porch steps and sat down beside her. “Jean told me you guessed our surprise. How do you like your new brother, Kit?”
“I approve,” answered Kit, solemnly. “You know I’ve always liked you, Ralph. Are you going to let her keep on painting?”
“She can do anything she likes,” Ralph promised. “And if she can find any more beautiful scenery than we have in Saskatchewan and through Northwest Canada, she’ll have to show it to me.”
Jean smiled happily but said nothing. She was looking out at the hills but what she really saw was a ranch in Saskatoon.
