"I guess you are right, pard, so draw up, and I'll take a seat inside the coach, and tell her the news."
"Be very gentle, Doc, for I have an idea she loves that young man."
"I'll break it to her as gently as I can," was the response, and as Harding drew rein a moment after, Doctor Dick sprang down from the box, and said:
"May I ride with you, Miss Seldon?"
"Certainly, sir, if you desire."
"I have something to talk to you about," said Doctor Dick, as he entered the coach and took the front seat.
"I shall be glad to hear what you have to say, sir, and I desire now to thank you for your very great kindness toward me, while you risked your life in coming out here to serve me."
"Do not speak of it, Miss Seldon, for the miners all chipped in and made up a purse for your ransom, while they are now anxiously awaiting your coming to give you a right royal welcome, for you will be the first lady who ever came to our camp."
"Indeed! this will be an honor; but do you mean that there are none of my sex there?"
"Not one, only rough men, but with noble hearts many of them, so that you will be made to feel at once at home."