When Euchre had shuffled into the house Mrs. Bland turned to Duane with curiosity and interest in her gaze.
“Bland told me about you.”
“What did he say?” queried Duane, in pretended alarm.
“Oh, you needn't think he's done you dirt Bland's not that kind of a man. He said: 'Kate, there's a young fellow in camp—rode in here on the dodge. He's no criminal, and he refused to join my band. Wish he would. Slickest hand with a gun I've seen for many a day! I'd like to see him and Chess meet out there in the road.' Then Bland went on to tell how you and Bosomer came together.”
“What did you say?” inquired Duane, as she paused.
“Me? Why, I asked him what you looked like,” she replied, gayly.
“Well?” went on Duane.
“Magnificent chap, Bland said. Bigger than any man in the valley. Just a great blue-eyed sunburned boy!”
“Humph!” exclaimed Duane. “I'm sorry he led you to expect somebody worth seeing.”
“But I'm not disappointed,” she returned, archly. “Duane, are you going to stay long here in camp?”