“You see, Dick and I felt that you belonged to me, by rights. I fell in love with a picture of you, that you sent him--that one taken in your graduation gown--and I told Dick I was going to take the next train East, and carry you off by force, if I couldn't get you any other way. But Dick thought I'd stand a better show to wait till he'd coaxed you out here. We had it all fixed, that you'd come and find a prairie knight that was ready to fight for you, and he'd make you like him, whether you wanted to or not; and then he'd keep you here, and we'd all be happy ever after. And Dick would pull out of the Northern Pool--and of course you would--and we'd have a company of our own. Oh! we had some great castles built out here on the prairie, let me tell you! And then, when you finally came here, you had milord tagging along--and you thinking you were in love with him! Maybe you think I wasn't shaky, girlie! The air castles got awfully wobbly, and it looked like they were going to cave in on us. But I was bound to stay in the game if I could, and Dick did all he could to get you to looking my way--and it's all right, isn't it, Trixie?” Keith kept recurring to the ecstatic realization that it was all right. Beatrice meditated for a minute. “I never dreamed--Dick never even mentioned you in any of his letters,” she said, in a rather dazed tone. “And when I came he made me believe you were a horrible flirt, and I never can resist the temptation to measure lances.” “And take a fall out of a male flirt,” Keith supplemented. “Dick,” he went on sententiously and slangily, “was dead onto his job.” After that he helped her into the saddle, and they rode blissfully homeward. Near the ranch they met Dick, who pulled up and eyed them anxiously at first, and then with a broad smile. “Say, Trix,” he queried slyly, “who does Rex belong to?” Keith came to the rescue promptly, just as a brave knight should. “You,” he retorted. “But I tell you right now, he won't very long. You're going to do the decent thing and give him to Trixie--for a wedding present.” Dick looked as though Trix was welcome to any thing he possessed. CHAPTER 14. Sir Redmond Gets His answer. “Before long, dear, we shall get on the great ship, and ride across the large, large ocean, and be at home. You will be delighted to see Peggy, and Rupert, and the dogs, won't you, dear?” Miss Hayes, her cheeks actually getting some color into them at the thought of going home, buttered a fluffy biscuit for her idol. Dorman took two bites while he considered. “Rupert'll want my little wheels, for my feet, what Mr. Cam'ron gave me--but he can't have 'em, dough. I 'spect he'll be mad. I wonder what'll Peggy say bout my two puppies. I've got to take my two puppies wis me. Will dey get sick riding on de water, auntie? Say, will dey?” “I--I think not, dear,” ventured his auntie cautiously. His auntie was a conscientious woman, and she knew very little about puppies.