Belden fixed a pair of cold, gray-blue eyes on his tormentor, and said: You be careful of your tongue or Ill put you on the slant.
Im her own cousin, retorted Frank. I reckon I can say what I please about her. I dont want that dude Easterner to cut you out. She guided him over here, and gave him her slicker to keep him dry, and I can see shes terribly taken with him. Shes headstrong as a mule, once she gets started, and if she takes a notion to Norcross its all up with you.
Im not worrying, retorted Belden.
Youd better be. I was down there the other day, and it peared like she couldnt talk of anything else but Mister Norcross, Mister Norcross, till I was sick of his name.
An hour later Belden left the mill and set off up
the trail behind Norcross, his face fallen into stern lines. Frank writhed in delight. There goes Cliff, hot under the collar, chasing Norcross. If he finds out that Berrie is interested in him, hell just about wring that dudes neck.
Meanwhile Wayland was riding through the pass with lightening heart, his thought dwelling on the girl at the end of his journey. Aside from Landon and Nash, she was the one soul in all this mountain world in whom he took the slightest interest. Her pity still hurt him, but he hoped to show her such change of color, such gain in horsemanship, that she could no longer consider him an invalid. His mind kept so closely to these interior matters that he hardly saw the path, but his horse led him safely back with precise knowledge and eager haste.
As he reached the McFarlane ranch it seemed deserted of men, but a faint column of smoke rising from the roof of the kitchen gave evidence of a cook, and at his knock Berrie came to the door with a boyish word of frank surprise and pleasure. She was dressed in a blue-and-white calico gown with the collar turned in and the sleeves rolled up; but she seemed quite unembarrassed, and her pleasure in his coming quite repaid him for his long and tiresome ride.
Ive been wondering about you, she said. Im mighty glad to see you. How do you stand it?
You got my letter?
I did and I was going to write and tell you to come down, but Ive had some special work to do at the office.
She took the horses rein from him, and together they started toward the stables. As she stepped over and around the old hoofs and meat-bones which littered the way without comment, Wayland again wondered at her apparent failure to realize the disgusting disorder of the yard. Why dont she urge the men to clean it up? he thought.
This action of stabling the horses a perfectly innocent and natural one for her led one of the hands, a coarse-minded sneak, to watch them from a corral. I wonder how Cliff would like that? he evilly remarked.
Berea was frankly pleased to see Wayland, and spoke of the improvement which had taken place in him. Youre looking fine, she said, as they were returning to the house. But how do you get on with the boys?
Not very well, he admitted. They seem to have it in for me. Its a constant fight.
How about Frank?
Hes the worst of them all. He never speaks to me that he doesnt insult me. I dont know why. Ive tried my best to get into his good graces, but I cant. Your uncle I like, and Mrs. Meeker is very kind; but all the others seem to be sworn enemies. I dont think I could stand it if it werent for Landon. I spend a good deal of time with him.
Her face grew grave. I reckon you got started wrong, she said at last. Theyll like you better when you get browned up, and your clothes get dirty youre a little too fancy for them just now.
But you see, he said, Im not trying for their admiration. I havent the slightest ambition to shine as a cow-puncher, and if those fellows are fair samples I dont want anybody to mistake me for one.
Dont let that get around, she smilingly replied. Theyd run you out if they knew you despised them.
Ive come down here to confer with you, he declared, as they reached the door. I dont believe I want any more of their company. Whats the use? As you say, Ive started wrong with them, and I dont see any prospect of getting right; and, besides, I like the rangers better. Landon thinks I might work into the service. I wonder if I could? It would give me something to do.
She considered a moment. Well think about that. Come into the kitchen. Im cook to-day, mothers gone to town.
The kitchen was clean and ample, and the delicious odor of new-made bread filled it with cheer. As the girl resumed her apron, Wayland settled into a chair with a sigh of content. I like this, he said aloud. Theres nothing cowgirl about you now, youre the Anglo-Saxon housewife. You might be a Michigan or Connecticut girl at this moment.
Her cheeks were ruddy with the heat, and her eyes intent on her work; but she caught enough of his meaning to be pleased with it. Oh, I have to take a hand at the pots and pans now and then. I cant give all my time to the service; but Id like to.
He boldly announced his errand. I wish youd take me to board? Im sure your cooking would build up my shattered system a good deal quicker than your aunts.