June slid her hand into his. “I'm so glad you come back.” They were approaching the gate now. “June, you said you weren't going to cry any more.” June's head drooped. “I know, but I jes' can't help it when I git mad,” she said seriously. “I'd bust if I didn't.” “All right,” said Hale kindly. “I've cried twice,” she said. “What were you mad about the other time?” “I wasn't mad.” “Then why did you cry, June?” Her dark eyes looked full at him a moment and then her long lashes hid them. “Cause you was so good to me.” Hale choked suddenly and patted her on the shoulder. “Go in, now, little girl, and study. Then you must take a walk. I've got some work to do. I'll see you at supper time.” “All right,” said June. She turned at the gate to watch Hale enter the hotel, and as she started indoors, she heard a horse coming at a gallop and she turned again to see her cousin, Dave Tolliver, pull up in front of the house. She ran back to the gate and then she saw that he was swaying in his saddle. “Hello, June!” he called thickly. Her face grew hard and she made no answer. “I've come over to take ye back home.” She only stared at him rebukingly, and he straightened in his saddle with an effort at self-control--but his eyes got darker and he looked ugly. “D'you hear me? I've come over to take ye home.” “You oughter be ashamed o' yourself,” she said hotly, and she turned to go back into the house. “Oh, you ain't ready now. Well, git ready an' we'll start in the mornin'. I'll be aroun' fer ye 'bout the break o' day.” He whirled his horse with an oath--June was gone. She saw him ride swaying down the street and she ran across to the hotel and found Hale sitting in the office with another man. Hale saw her entering the door swiftly, he knew something was wrong and he rose to meet her. “Dave's here,” she whispered hurriedly, “an' he says he's come to take me home.” “Well,” said Hale, “he won't do it, will he?” June shook her head and then she said significantly: “Dave's drinkin'.” Hale's brow clouded. Straightway he foresaw trouble--but he said cheerily: