“Them’s winders in Killock,” said Lance. “We’ll soon be there—and in plenty of time for your train, Miss.”
“Oh, Mr. Lance,” Dorothy said, gratefully, “I don’t know how we can thank you for your kindness.”
“Don’t say a word—don’t say a word,” urged their knight of the lariat. “We know how to treat ladies out yere, I reckon. An’ I ain’t done a thing tuh be thanked for.”
“Are you going on with us to Sessions?” Dorothy asked him.
“I can’t rightly do so,” said the cowboy. “I got to ’tend to some business for my boss here in Killock.”
“Oh! I am so sorry,” said Dorothy. “I want you to meet my Aunt Winnie and my cousins.”
“Mebbe I’ll see yuh at Dugonne—later,” said Lance, bashfully. “The Double Chain Outfit ain’t far from there.”
Dorothy had money enough left to buy tickets to Sessions for herself and Tavia. Lance refused to take anything for the use of the ponies. As the train hooted in the distance for its brief stop at Killock, the girls hugged the ponies, and Tavia kissed Gaby plumb upon her soft nose.
“She’s a dear, Mr. Lance!” she cried. “I hope I shall see her again.”
“You’ll see her if yuh see me,” declared the cowpuncher. “Where I go Gaby goes, too, you bet!”