“Oh, no, we wouldn’t do anything like that--specially Alta. She don’t believe in fellers.” “Don’t, eh? Well, they seem to b’lieve in her the way they keep shinin’ ’round.” “Yes, but she--” “Sally, please don’t,” pleaded Alta; “what can we do to help you, Aunt ‘Liza?” “Jest pitch in brisk. We got to git this cookin’ goin’ lively, or we’ll never be ready fer that bunch o’ fellers that’s comin’ to-night. It flusters me to think about it. You wash this rice and get it cookin’, Sally; and Alta, you skip over to Willis’s and git some eggs; I ain’t found half enough. Tell her to let me hev all she kin spare. I’ll git the pie crust ready while you’re gone. Missus Moffat says she’ll bring her girls over this afternoon and give us a lift. Goodness knows we need it.” By the time she had finished her speech, Alta was at the corral, bridling Eagle. Leaping on him, she galloped off briskly along the winding trail that lay like a loose flung rope across the meadow. She was glad to be alone for a moment. “What’s all this feller talk about?” was Aunt ‘Liza’s prying question when Alta had gone. “Don’t know as I ought to tell,” Sally replied. “Tell? Well, I guess you orter. Ain’t I that little gal’s protector and confider?” “Then why ain’t she told you?” “I dunno. The little puss has been kind o’ sly lately. There’s somethin’ worryin’ her mind and she ain’t so free with me as she was. What’s she been tellin’ you?” “Oh, jist ’bout Dick Davis tryin’ to kiss her.” “When?” “Night of the Pioneer Dance.” “And she wouldn’t let him?” “No, she snubbed him for it.” “Huh! so thet’s the reason Dick quit comin’ here so sudden. And thet’s what’s worrying her, I know, cause she likes Dick.” “Yes, and he’s gone on her, too.” “Well, they’ll hev to untangle their own yarn. I’ve got plenty o’ troubles of my own to look after,”--and Aunt ‘Liza began to rattle the pots and pans. Sally pitched into the work with vigor. “Beats me, though, how the fellers flock round Alta when she acts so independent. I guess it’s true that the meaner you treat ’em the better they like you,” said Sally. “Yes, but it won’t allus work. I’ve seen many a smart girl who might a had her pick of all of ’em, and hev to take some scrub at last. Girls mustn’t be too particular.” “You bet I--” “Here are your eggs,” said Alta, tripping through the door; “and here come Mrs. Willis and Mary to help out.” “Good fer us!” exclaimed Aunt ‘Liza; “we need their help. Come in, Marthy.” “I thought you’d have your hands full trying to get ready for the crowd that’s coming. What can we do?” said Mrs. Willis, a motherly, helpful spirit, with a touch of refinement in her voice and manner. She had recently come from the city to try ranching, her husband’s health having begun to break at too close work in the store.