“But Jonson was a great deal the bigger,” declared Ted.
“Sartain, but without the heart. Steve has the heart, his muscles are steel, and every lumberjack west of the Rockies knows it. There ain’t a foreman from British Columby to ole Mex can git so much work outen his men, and never have no shootin’, as Steve.”
“And he’s jest as kind as he is brave,” added Jennie. “He never goes to the city that he don’t bring me back suthin’, candy or a dress.”
“I should think you would rather have books in a lonesome place like this,” observed Phil.
“I would, only,” and the girl flushed, “I can’t read.”
In amazement the young homesteaders looked at Jennie, for, though they had heard of people who could not read or write, she was the first one they had ever seen.
“Then I’ll teach you,” said Ted, impulsively.
“Honest?” And Jennie’s face shone with delight.
“We’ll begin this very night.”
“I’m afraid we can’t.”