But the girl shook her head at each one, and he went on in a tone of disappointment.
“It’s kind of a pity,” he observed. Then, in answer to the girl’s quick look of inquiry, he added evasively: “You see it’s lonesome for a gal—out in these hills.”
Joan knew that that was not the reason of his inquiry, and she smiled quietly at her horse’s ears.
“Why did you want to know if I had—menfolk?” she asked. “I mean the real reason.” She looked up frankly smiling, and compelled his attention.
Buck was not easy to corner, even though he had no experience of women. Again Joan heard his strange gurgle, and her smile broadened.
“You could sure learn your lessons easier with your menfolk around to help you,” he said.
For a second the girl’s face dropped. Then she laughed good-humoredly.
“You’re smart, Buck,” she exclaimed. “But—but you’re most exasperating. Still, I’ll tell you. The only relative I have in the world, that I know of, is—Aunt Mercy.”
“Ah! she’s a woman.”
“Yes, a woman.”