"How about Old Bill?"
"Ben, you never call him my dad. I wish you would. When you don't it always reminds me that he's really not my dad."
"Ahuh! Well, well!" replied Wade, with his head bowed. "It is just queer I can never remember.... An' how was he to-day?"
"For a wonder he didn't mention poor me. He was full of talk about going to Kremmling. Means to take Jack along. Do you know, Ben, dad can't fool me. He's afraid to leave Jack here alone with me. So dad talked a lot about selling stock an' buying supplies, and how he needed Jack to go, and so forth. I'm mighty glad he means to take him. But my! won't Jack be sore."
"I reckon. It's time he broke out."
"And now, dear Ben--what have you got for me? I know it's from Wilson," she coaxed.
"Lass, would you give much for a little note from Wils?" asked Wade, teasingly.
"Would I? When I've been hoping and praying for just that!"
"Well, if you'd give so much for a note, how much would you give me for a whole bookful that took Wils two hours to write?"
"Ben! Oh, I'd--I'd give--" she cried, wild with delight. "I'd kiss you!"