Oh! the rarity of that early June morning when a trio of happy beings mounted their eager horses. The dawn was still in the east, where roseate clouds hung soft and low on the crests of the mountains. In the shadows the blueness of the fleeing night still lingered. The air was unusually soft for the early hour and birds twittered to arouse their tardy nest-mates.
The tamaracks were now the softest, tenderest green, and in the dawning light seemed like soft billows of sea foam which had been flung through the miles of space and caught in the outstretched arms of the tall monarchs of the hills. It was only a little after five o’clock, but the long ride of twenty-five miles to St. Ignatius Mission demanded an early start, so that the horses might be well rested before returning to HW ranch.
Henry West was cramming into the pockets of his mackinaw what later proved to be some appetizing sandwiches; for he knew Fletcher’s returning health and vigor caused insatiable demand for “grub.” Mrs. West had thoughtfully prepared the lunch as they were hurrying to get started. Now she stood in the open doorway, smiling good-byes to her family.
Bess looked beautifully charming in her well-fitted jacket and divided skirt of reseda green. A filmy white veil was tied over her sombrero and floated over her shoulder in long loops like a fleecy cloud nestling against her soft, brown tresses. At her throat showed the soft whiteness of her shirt waist, for, “was it not Sunday, and were they not going to church, and ought they not to be dressed in their best?” she argued when James asked why she had not worn her corduroy suit for the long, dusty ride. Bess wished secretly that she, too might wear the leathern “chapps” like the boys; as they seemed so much more comfortable than a lot of useless cloth about one. She vowed inwardly that some day, when no one was looking, she would try the “chapps,” and if they proved satisfactory why should she not wear them too?
The horses made good time at a steady gait, and all were so preoccupied that only a few desultory remarks were exchanged. As the miles grew in number the dawn became brighter and brighter, till now old Sol shot forth his streaming gold and a new and glorious day began.
“This will be a very warm day,” remarked Henry West, after a deliberate survey of the sky. “It feels like a weather-breeder and I think we’ll have a heavy rain by night.” He unfastened his mackinaw, and the breeze blew out his soft, white, silk shirt in little fat puffs.
They passed groups of fine, sleek cattle and horses, the HW brand being the most conspicuous among them. Suddenly Henry West gave Eagle a swift turn on the bridle and sped across the grass till he came upon some strange calves. From the distance intervening Bess and James watched him wonderingly and with interest. When he returned to them his face was lowering. James was about to ask what was wrong, but thought if it were anything of interest to him that Henry would tell him.
On and on they rode, now in a swift gallop, for the road was smooth and hard, and by this time the horses had their “second wind.”
Bess’ inquisitiveness got the better of her, and she cried: “For pity’s sake, Henry, do tell me what is wrong! Can’t you see I’m just bursting to know?” And she gave her contumacious hair a vigorous thrust under her sombrero.