Later, when she went out to ride, she saw the cowboy Lem working in the blacksmith shop.
"Wal, Miss Collie, air you-all still hangin' round this hyar ranch?" he asked, with welcoming smile.
"Lem, I'm almost ashamed now to face my good friends, I've neglected them so long," she replied.
"Aw, now, what're friends fer but to go to?... You're lookin' pale, I reckon. More like thet thar flower I see so much on the hills."
"Lem, I want to ride Pronto. Do you think he's all right, now?"
"I reckon some movin' round will do Pronto good. He's eatin' his haid off."
The cowboy went with her to the pasture gate and whistled Pronto up. The mustang came trotting, evidently none the worse for his injuries, and eager to resume the old climbs with his mistress. Lem saddled him, paying particular attention to the cinch.
"Reckon we'd better not cinch him tight," said Lem. "You jest be careful an' remember your saddle's loose."
"All right, Lem," replied Columbine, as she mounted. "Where are the boys this morning?"
"Blud an' Jim air repairin' fence up the crick."