"I am afraid it will go ill with him if I do. I heard her say to herself, when she went upstairs after you, that, on the return trip, she meant to fall from the round of the ladder upon him: the result would have been frightful." "Yes; that red man doesn't know all that he escaped." The mutterings of Dinah were still audible overhead, and she was seen the next minute, descending the primitive stairs. The little party smiled, and the captain turned toward her. "Well, Dinah, you didn't find much damage done in your room, did you?" "Humph! 'cause de warmint didn't hab time. I only wish I had a chance to wrung his neck." "No doubt you would have done it, but I think we all have cause for gratitude that things turned out as well as they did." "I guess you didn't notice dat big hole dey come nigh burning frough de roof, did you?" "Oh, yes; I saw it; it would have been much worse but for you; I hope the fire didn't injure your shoe." She turned her foot and looked at the broad sole of the heavy shoe, as though the thought had not occurred to her before. "It am scorchified a little," she said. "Never mind," remarked Ballyhoo gravely; "I'll give out a contract for a new pair for you, when we get into Kansas, and send a couple of the boys back with them, if they don't prove too big a load." "I consider such remarks as onnecessary and slightsome," replied Dinah, with a scornful toss of her head; "I wore number 'lebens, which am just a lady's size; I reckons you can't do much better dan dat." "If my feet keep on growing for a few years, I may get there in time, but you shall have the shoes, Dinah, if the right size can be bought in any of the big establishments." "T'ank you," replied the African, who thought it best not to repel the offer of her friend; "dese am gettin' wored consid'ble, and by de time you got back, I'll need anoder pair." The evening was advancing. In answer to Ballyhoo's inquiries, Captain Shirril looked at his watch, and said that it was nearly eleven o'clock. "I must be off," remarked the tall ranchman, rising to his feet; "we make an early start, and I don't know how the boys have made out with the cattle; they may need my help." "I may as well go with you," said Avon, looking inquiringly at his uncle; "for there is to be no more work here." "It will be just as well," replied the captain. The youth took his saddle and accoutrements from the corner, where they had been lying, and stepping outside, adjusted them upon Thunderbolt, who whinnied with pleasure at the promise of carrying his loved owner on his back indefinitely. The two had become attached by their companionship on the hunt and ranch, and the delight of the youth on recovering his mustang was beyond expression. While he was busy at this brief task, the members of the little family kept their feet, discussing matters in which each was interested. "Well, I'm ready, Ballyhoo," called Avon, in his cheery voice, stepping quickly through the open door.