“Sure! And rosebuds ain't in it with you, Colonel.” Billy was from the land of colonels. “You've got a whole garden with you this trip, eh?”
“My wife, Billy,” replied Cameron, presenting her.
Billy pulled off his Stetson.
“Proud to meet you, madam. Hope I see you well and happy.”
“Yes, indeed, well and happy,” cried Mandy emphatically.
“Sure thing, if looks mean anything,” said Billy, admiration glowing in his eyes.
“Take the horses, Billy. They have come a hundred and fifty miles.”
“Hundred and fifty, eh? They don't look it. But I'll take care of 'em all right. You go right in.”
“I shall be back presently, Billy,” said Cameron, passing into the dingy sitting-room that opened off the bar.
In a few minutes he had his wife settled in a frowsy little eight-by-ten bedroom, the best the hotel afforded, and departed to attend to his team, make arrangements for supper and inquire about the incoming train. The train he found to be three hours late. His team he found in the capable hands of Billy, who was unharnessing and rubbing them down. While ordering his supper a hand gripped his shoulder and a voice shouted in his ear: