"Hello, rosy-cheeks!" greeted the rancher, with unusual amiability. "Been ridin' ag'in' the wind, hey? Wal, if you ain't pretty, then my eyes are pore!"
"It's cold, dad," she replied, "and the wind stings. But I didn't ride fast nor far.... I've been up to see Wilson Moore."
"Ahuh! Wal, how's the boy?" asked Belllounds, gruffly.
"He said he was all right, but--but I guess that's not so," responded Columbine.
"Any friends lookin' after him?"
"Oh yes--he must have friends--the Andrewses and others. I'm glad to say his cabin is comfortable. He'll be looked after."
"Wal, I'm glad to hear thet. I'll send Lem or Wade up thar an' see if we can do anythin' fer the boy."
"Dad--that's just like you," replied Columbine, with her hand seeking his broad shoulder.
"Ahuh! Say, Collie, hyar's letters from 'most everybody in Kremmlin' wantin' to be invited up fer October first. How about askin' 'em?"
"The more the merrier," replied Columbine.