“But Ira,” began Christine, in spite of Alison’s frowns and shakes of the head, “Bud has taken two chances and you are to have one or both.” “What did you tell him for? I wanted to keep him on the rack for awhile longer,” said Alison. “It is true, Ira; Bud took a chance for you and one for himself. He says you shall have whichever one you choose. It was the best he could do.” “Good for Bud,” said John. “He’s an old trump. I knew we could trust him to look out for our interests.” “He’s been as true as steel,” Christine told them. “He and Hannah Maria could not have done more if they had been our own brother and sister. They will be along directly and we are all to go to the raffle together. The whole countryside will be there. My, what a sensation you two boys will make, just back from the wars.” “And we were so afraid you might not get here in time. I really did not give up hope till to-day, and when it got later and later I did not know what we should do, for I know Louisa pins her faith on Ira. You must make yourself look your prettiest, young man, and if you can’t get Louisa any other way you’ll have to run off with her, and I’ll hold her father to keep him from running after you.” Every one laughed, and Ira vowed he would follow Alison’s suggestion if there were no other way. “She’s got to be saved from Pike Smith,” said John gravely. “Everything right about the place, girls? Pedro still here?” “Yes, and he’s a dear old thing,” Alison told him. “Oh, me, John, there is so much to tell about and we’ve so many questions to ask that we shall never get through.” “Time enough for them,” said John, settling down to the meal now spread before him. “The thing we’ve got to attend to now is this affair of Louisa’s. Comes off this evening, you say?” “This very evening, and here come Hannah Maria and Bud this minute. We’ll go out and speak to them while you and Ira finish eating.” She ran out to meet her friends with the cry, “John’s come, John’s come, and Ira, too.” “Why didn’t they stop by?” said Hannah Maria in an aggrieved tone. “Oh, they were too anxious to get home. They have been traveling night and day.” “Iry might hev come anyhow,” said Bud. “He inside?” “Yes, they are eating. They are mighty hungry after their long ride.” Bud strode into the house, while Hannah Maria occupied herself with Alison. “Ain’t it excitin’?” she said. “I declar’, it’s as good as goin’ to a play. What you reckon is goin’ to happen if Ira’s number don’t drawr?” “He says he’ll carry Lou off rather than let Pike Smith have her.” “Law, did you ever? Ain’t thet interestin’? You reckon he will? I wouldn’t blame him.” “Well, he’s bound to do something or lose her.” “So he is. Did he say he got the ha’r she sent?” “No, but I think he did, for they have been coming just as hard as they could make it, and look worn out.”