Dorothy on a Ranch

arm around the lady's shoulders and wondering if she had suddenly become ill. She was slender but had never complained of any weakness, nor shown the leas

ot soon found, all would have to know it. Indeed, it might be better that they did so now. They knew him better than his hosts did and possibly might give a clue to his whereabouts. So she told them

d. Longer than she had known any of these here about her she had known poor Jim. He had saved her life, or she believed so, in her childhood that now seemed far away. But for Jim, the poorhouse boy, she had never escaped from Mrs. Stott's truck-farm

her little foot she defied even death to hurt poor Jim, good Jim

razy, suffering-not knowing where he was or what he was doing! And we strolling around, looking at old 'Barracks' and things, and telling silly

hing save beautiful in her sight; and, turning, she saw the lake, gleaming in th

s where he is, our Jim! In the

e pond and to a little boat that was moored there. Both lake and boat were merely toylike in proport

y, Dolly Doodles! I'm sick! It makes me feel terrible queer!" w

that rope. Get in. Take an oar. Row-row,

my life. Not in my whole life long, and-I-I shan't do

Only that was too horrible. Such a thing would not have been permitted! Yet Herbert, as the best oarsman there and also as the loyal friend of the missing lad, assumed the place Alfy would not take. Without a word he

y. Dorothy was utterly quiet now but her searching gaze never lifted from the water, as Herbert patiently rowed around and ar

criss-crossed in obedience to Dorothy's nod, Herbert brough

Gray Lady. May I

will nothing else be done at San Leon until he is. Both my husband and myself agree on that point-t

d for 'near at hand,'

when they failed to find him on the home-grounds, the searchers spread out in

you,

toward them and Dor

have you f

long could a sick boy live exposed to the night air, as Jim had been; without food or medicine;

upon her head a

r brother,

Jim, that has known me always, seems if, and-and

looked up piteously into his face, an

harp lookout, but it is Mr. Ford's wish that I do not leave the home-place till-at present. If he is found, I mean when he is foun

expected the speedy return of the lad and all were relieved,

but folks gettin' lost and other folks searching for 'em.

by all the rest; the

n rifle-firing." She assumed a cheerfulness she did not really feel, but fel

ou practice with us?"

any of you. In my busy life I've not had much time for 'playing' but I mean to make

ok at El Paraiso! How odd that yours should have the same nam

is regret for his behavior at Mrs. Calvert's home. And my good Daniel can never turn his back upon any penitent; so the resul

se he was one more familiar acquaintance but because she wished to settle a few old scores. "I'm so glad!

the thoughts of all. So, at a nod of consent, the girls sped along the cloi

e around your same old shiny black head! Same old nasty messes cooking! and same old Alf

had never been his before. Leslie went through some formal introductions, beginning wit

umbled compliments to the most gracious and honorable visitors; but a look of rea

n the mountains! I declare, it does beat the Dutch!" and to th

orgive him for running away and stirring up all this mess, sending Dad off on a tiresome ride and spoiling sport

s he stood beside her, his hand upon her shoulder, in tha

on he could have lunch ready, and he repli

my honorable forefathers it is

ty room where the meal would be served, and which because of its

ng, anticipating, wondering over the things they meant to do and to learn; while a man was sent acro

on account of their previous long jour

ked Helena, burying her nose in a beautiful bunch o

ppy as she ever could be anywhere. Her one comp

ed ranch on a mountain, so how could you expect daily papers, visitors, and such things? You've always said you loved quiet and, now yo

e something happened? Illness

e speech. It was her first and last advice, or request

if 'anything happens' we shall hear of it all too soon. And now I have but one suggestion to make for our life together, and I mean to apply it to myself first of all. It is: Let us put everything unpleasant under our feet, as far as possible, and each do his and her share to make this a wholly joyous summer. I'm incli

spicion of tears in her long-lashed eyes, but they did not fall,

and her maiden speech! All in favo

mitted were as flattering as confusing to the "speech" maker. Then she wa

d that the lady's suggestion was meant for her most of all; yet she bravely tried to smile at every witticism made by her mates and to respond in sort as far as she could. They had been a little company of eight and b

ight away, you won't let them give up

d close into her arms a

sure to be found near home and soon. Now, my dear little girl, shorten up that long face and trust to older heads to do the right thing. Your business now, as it has always seemed to be, is to make your playmat

hing, but the few who were left soon had a row of benches set out, a target placed, and the finest guns available stacked in readiness. It was really a very business like arrangem

n't look it, Ma'am!-she'll begin. Nobody can have more 'n two tries to a round. Then Number Two takes it. The schoolma'am next, an' mebbe I mistook in that matter of age. But that's not here nor there. Mrs.

ried his bent shoulders with a military precision that quite transformed him. He gave G

eye. Keep your eye on that, allowin' for a little play

med, and threw it as far from her as she could. What became of the bullet she never

ispered Herbert to Molly

s my turn, I'll sh

to hide his look of disgust by turning his back

o take a try? The school

oothe that now abashed person for her failure. Captain Le

olly, fairly dancing a

at the discharge, and she came within a hundred feet of the target. The lads applauded, noisily, and she mocked

ing! And I mean to try again, to-mor

so we can see how it's done. Or you, C

carried that much further back. He longed for a target bearing an arrangement of letters that he could h

nto position, muttered something about the sun in his

least. All unconsciously, h

slowly, and faced his laughing audience; but he rallied after

as fancied. Then began an indiscriminate firing till Mrs. Ford grew frightened and implored them to stop. They did so, all but Alfar

down on our tummy, same'

ger for their success as they were, old L

lver dollar to th

ht hands succeeded where greater skill had failed. Her bul

Glory be!" shouted the excited ranchman, fairly dancing in his pride and glee. Then he helped Alfy up from th

you see it? T

. I got scared and shut my eyes

e had been hit instead of the

shut! She-done-it-with-her-eyes-shut! Some

her attention was claimed by Molly's expression. That ambitious young person was looking

r?" cried Alfy, shaking

king finger and poin

somethi

pointing finger and a groan of hor

surely, Molly had