"That was runnin’ in my mind while I was eatin’," replied Tex. "Reckon I _did_ get sort of quiet. But I ’m plumb glad th’ right kind of luck came yore way, all right." They rode on for a short time, each busy with his own thoughts, and then Hopalong looked up. "We ’re goin’ up to see Buck just as soon as I feel th’ ranch is in proper shape. I ’ve got to get th’ round-up out of th’ way first. You see, we ain’t had no honeymoon trip yet." "Yo ’re lucky again; I never could see no joy in hikin’ over th’ country changin’ trains, livin’ in hotels, sleepin’ in a different bed every night, each one worse’n th’ one before, lookin’ after baggage, an’ workin’ hard all th’ time. I ’ve often wondered why it is that two people jump into all that trouble just as soon as they get into their own little heaven for th’ first time." Then Tex’s face grew earnest. "Now, look here, Hoppy: You ain’t goin’ up to see Buck till I tell you to come. I know you, all right; just as soon as you land you ’ll be out gunnin’ for th’ bunch that’s tryin’ to bust Buck’s game. You ain’t single no more—yo’re a married man, an’ when a man ’s got a wife like yourn he naturally ain’t got no cussed business runnin’ ’round puttin’ hisself in th’ way of gettin’ killed. You let yore gun get plumb dusty an’ when you want any excitement, go out an’ try to make water run up hill, or somethin’ simple like that. You handle th’ trouble that comes to you, an’ don’t go off a-lookin’ for it." They spent the rest of the time in discussing the status of the married man, and when Mary afterward learned of the stand Tex took she shared more of her husband’s affection for him. After a short stay at the H2 they turned homeward and went thoroughly into the matter of Tex’s ride north. It was agreed that extra precaution would do no harm, and in order to have no blunder on the part of any one, they decided that it was best not to say anything about where he was going. Hopalong was greatly pleased and relieved now that he knew that his old foreman would have some one to help him fight his battles on that cold, distant range; but he did not appear to be as cheerful about it as was his companion. Tex looked forward to the trip with all the eagerness and impatience of a boy and it showed in his conversation and actions. When they reached the ranch house at dusk they found Mary cooking a very small meal, and she waved them off. "You an’ Billy-Red can’t eat here to-night: yo ’re goin’ to eat with th’ boys in th’ bunk-house. I would n’t spoil your fun for anything. Now you get right out—I mean just what I say!" "But, girl—" began Hopalong.