“Did you bring Christine something? If you did and it is prettier than my present I shall never forgive you.” “I brought her some sort of foolishness, embroidery, I believe they call it.” “I think you might tell me what my present is.” “Can’t do it.” “Then you are very mean. You have given Christine hers and you make me wait.” “Suppose I was one of those old-timers, what would you expect me to say?” “I have brought thee an offering, lady fair. I prithee honor thy poor knight by thine acceptance.” Neal threw back his head and laughed. “Did you ever hear such fool talk?” “You shall not make fun of me.” “I’m not making fun of you; I’m making fun of those old gumps. Now, suppose one of them--those knights came to you, what do you reckon you would want him to do?” “Oh, I should want him to go on a quest.” “What’s that?” “Oh, I’d want him to relieve some fair lady in distress, or to kill some ogre, just as I was telling you awhile ago.” “I’m not talking about suppose you lived way back in that time; I’m supposing now. Suppose I wanted to be one of those fellows, what would you say to Neal Jordan, for example?” Alison bent her brows. “I suppose killin’ Injuns wouldn’t count.” “Well, hardly. Any of the boys might do that.” “It isn’t so easy when it comes down to nowadays, is it?” said Neal. “No,” replied Alison, slowly, “but there is a quest I should like some one to undertake.” “What’s that?” “I’d like to send some one to find Steve.” “And if he found him what would you do?” “I would reward him with my hand, of course.” “I’ll go,” said Neal, looking straight ahead. Alison gazed at him in amazement. “What do you mean?” she asked, wonderingly. “Just what I said. If you’ll keep your part of the bargain, I’ll keep mine.” “Do you know where he is?” Alison asked a little suspiciously. “Haven’t the faintest idea.” “Then---- Oh, Neal, you are joking.” “No, I’m not.” “Do you mean--why--I thought----” she paused and looked down steadfastly at Chico’s ears. “What was it you thought?” “That--that----” “Might as well tell me.” “I thought you were in love with Christine.” Alison spoke very low. “Why, you were ’way off, weren’t you?” said Neal without embarrassment. “Was I?” “I should think so. Laws, child, you don’t reckon I’d make love to Steve’s girl.” “I don’t mean that I thought you did, but----” “That I would like to? Well, I never had any such notion. There used to be a little foolish slip of a girl that I used to like to look at and knock around the place with, but she was only a child and, when I told her brother I’d give my two eyes for her, he said she’d not waked up yet, and that I’d better wait till I got back. That was just before we went off to jine the boys. I didn’t get but one letter from her, but it was a good one, especially the last words: ‘May you came back safe to Alison.’” “I said John and Christine, too,” put in Alison, quickly.