"Collie, you run on home," he said, sharply.
"Why? You've complained of not seeing me. Now that I want to be with you ... Ben, you see some one!"
Columbine's keen faculties evidently sensed the change in Wade, and the direction of his uneasy glance convinced her.
"Oh, there's a man!... Ben, it is--yes, it's Jack," she exclaimed, excitedly.
"Reckon you'd have it better if you say Buster Jack," replied Wade, with his tragic smile.
"Ah!" whispered Columbine, as she gazed up at the aspen slope, with eyes lighting to battle.
"Run home, Collie, an' leave him to me," said Wade.
"Ben, you mean he--he saw us up there in the grove? Saw me in Wilson's arms--saw me kissing him?"
"Sure as you're born, Collie. He watched us. He saw all your love-makin'. I can tell that by the way he walks. It's Buster Jack again! Alas for the new an' noble Jack! I told you, Collie. Now you run on an' leave him to me."
Wade became aware that she turned at his last words and regarded him attentively. But his gaze was riveted on the striding form of Belllounds.