"What'll your dad say?"
"I don't know. That worries me. He's coming to visit me. I heard from him again lately, and he means to take stage for Kremmling soon."
"Wal, that's fine. I'll be glad to see him.... Wils, you're goin' to be a big cattleman before you know it. Hey, Collie?"
"If you say so, dad, it'll come true," replied Columbine, with her hand on his shoulder.
"Wils, you'll be runnin' White Slides Ranch before long, unless Collie runs you. Haw! Haw!"
Collie could not reply to this startling announcement from the old rancher, and Moore appeared distressed with embarrassment.
"Wal, I reckon you young folks had better ride down to Kremmlin' an' get married."
This kindly, matter-of-fact suggestion completely stunned the cowboy, and all Columbine could do was to gaze at the rancher.
"Say, I hope I ain't intrudin' my wishes on a young couple that's got over dyin' fer each other," dryly continued Belllounds, with his huge smile.
"Dad!" cried Columbine, and then she threw her arms around him and buried her head on his shoulder.