Bess arose, dropping her blanket near the seat, and walked deliberately outside the opening of her “den.” Lifting both her hands to brush her hair from her face, then letting them rest, with fingers intertwined about her head, she turned and looked in at the awaiting listener. “On the fifteenth of October I am to be married to Mr. Dave Davis, the Indian agent of this reservation!” Berenice opened her eyes and mouth in wide amazement. Lifting her glasses from her nose and poising them in her fingers, she gazed with astonishment at Bess Fletcher. “Bess! And you never told me a single word of him before!” Bess then told her in as few words as possible of her brief courtship and the reason for the hasty marriage; she also outlined her few plans for the wedding, requesting that Berenice write for her father’s consent to prolong her visit, that she might assist as bridesmaid. Soon busy tongues were planning details, and by the time the sun’s slanting rays lighted up the tiny cavern and warned its occupants of the closing day, every item, each particular, had been planned for the coming nuptials. The following day the girls began to watch early for the advent of James and Henry. Once, as they sighted several horsemen, they ran down the road, only to be disappointed. It was late in the afternoon, nearly dinner time, when at last they came, tired and dirty. Berenice wondered what the large, woolly things were over their trousers; why their boots had such high heels; what all the rope and “fixin’s” about their saddles were used for, as she peered cautiously from the upstairs window. When Bess finally saw them returning she tried in vain to persuade Berenice to go with her to meet them, and now she decided that the “boys” should not be told until dinner time of the presence of the guest. Henry slipped from his saddle when he saw Bess coming toward them, and lifting his big hat and holding the impatient horse with the other, said: “Let me be first to congratulate you. James—” but he was interrupted by James hurrying forward and greeting his sister with, “Congratulations, Sister; met Davis early this morning and he told me all about it.” West had taken the reins of James’ horse and led him on toward the gate. The girl did not see his face pale under the dark skin, nor had she detected any emotion in his voice as he spoke. She felt just a little hurt at his unconcern, for she had thought that he might care. The brother, with his arm placed affectionately about his sister, listened to her brief plans and heartily approved of them all. “I am especially glad, Sister, because I have just made up my mind to return again to my law practice soon. My health seems to be fully restored, and while I enjoy this life, still I believe it to be to my greater interest to return East. And then, too, sometime—I hope—that is—perhaps Ber—” but he was abruptly interrupted by his sister uttering a sudden oh-h-h! and hurrying into the house.