Pagina 126 de 439

The door opened and a curly head was thrust in. "Dining-room

closes for breakfast at nine. My clock says it's ten-thirty now.

Pretty near work to keep eating that long, ain't it? And this

Sunday, too! I'll have you put in the calaboose for breaking the

Sabbath."

"We're only bending it," grinned Neill. "Good mo'ning,

Lieutenant. How is Mrs. Collins, and the pickaninnies?"

"First rate. Waiting in the parlor to be introduced to Miss

Kinney."

"We're through," announced Margaret, rising.

"You too, Tennessee? The proprietor will be grateful."

The young women took to each other at once. Margaret was very

fond of children, and the little boy won her heart immediately.

Both he and his baby sister were well-trained, healthy, and

lovable little folks, and they adopted "Aunt Peggy"

enthusiastically.

Presently the ranger proposed to Neill an adjournment.

"I got to take some breakfast down the Jackrabbit shaft to my

prisoner. Wanter take a stroll that way?" he asked.

"If the ladies will excuse us."