"You are such a considerate little body I should have thought some enterprising man would have captured you years ago," ventured Chiquita.
"There was one, but he was stricken with fever and after that I never have had a desire to become married. Think I would like to run a ranch, though, now I am getting old and need some one to take care of me," she playfully added, causing a genuine ripple of merriment.
"Miss Asquith, you are all right," said Hazel. "Don't let these carping critics cause you to forego any fun there is in life, even to playing tag with a cattle king," which, of course, produced another burst of laughter.
"I shall have to insist upon your accompanying us to 'Buena Vista,' Miss Asquith. I think you can spare the time and positively we can not get along without you," said Chiquita.
"I shall have to give up that pleasure. I must go on my journey." The reply was rather sad, but she quickly recovered her usual vivacity. "I want another trial at those fish. I suppose I will have to leave Saturday, and this is Wednesday—"
"Well, well, who are these girls conspiring against now?" said Cal, as he drove up with Jack.
"We have just talked Miss Asquith to death and tried to get her to go with us to 'Buena Vista.' You will go, won't you, Cal?" said Chiquita.
"Oh, you bet, I'd never lose such an opportunity. Guess you will change your mind, Miss Asquith. In fact we will have to take you prisoner."
"I want to catch a fish before I leave Estes. Now, be good and go down in the meadow and tie one somewhere to the bank so I can find it," banteringly replied Miss Asquith.
"We will go Friday and I pledge the fish, a big one," said Cal.