“Buenos,” she answered, and, rising hurriedly, she fled to rearrange her hair and dress.
It was nearly a quarter of an hour later that she reappeared, her thick coils of ebon-hued tresses shining 132 in the sun, her skirt smoothed to her satisfaction, and the effects of feminine touches otherwise visible upon her fresh, cool person.
“Breakfast is served,” Norris sang out.
“Dinner would be nearer it,” she laughed. “Why in the world didn’t you boys waken me? What time is it, anyhow?”
“It’s not very late—a little past noon maybe. You were all tired out with your tramp yesterday. I didn’t see why you shouldn’t have your sleep out.”
He was pouring a cup of black coffee for her from the smoky pot, and she looked around expectantly for the others. Simultaneously she remembered that she had not heard the bleating of the sheep.
“Where are the others—Mr. Farnum and Sam? And have you the sheep all gagged?” she laughed.
He gave her that odd look of smoldering eyes behind half-shut lids.
“The boys have gone on to finish the drive for you. They started before sun-up this morning. I’m elected to see you back home safely.”
“But——”