When I left home,I flung myself into the life of a cow-puncher and did all I could to keep from thinking.So my heart's rather callous by this time.I don't seem to mind like I thought I would if I should sit down to think about it.That's what I've avoided like the plague--sitting down to think about it.But I believe I could sit down and think about it now,pretty calmly.
Then that's what I'd do,Lahoma cried.I'd just face it.She isn't worthy of you if she'd rather have a fortune than the man she loves.I'd just sit down and face it.
I will!He had never before thought it could be easy.It seemed very easy,now.
Maybe I could help you,Lahoma suggested earnestly.When Mrs.Featherby lived near,I asked her all about such cases and got her advice and experience.Change of scene and time are the greatest remedies.You've had both.Then you must tell yourself that she isn't worthy.And then you'll remind yourself that there are OTHER girls in the world.Then you keep your mind occupied,--that is a great thing.If you come to the cove to visit us,we will try to occupy your mind--won't we Brick?--and Bill?
Bill looked at Wilfred glumly.It's too occupied now,I'm afraid.Bill,this is a-growing on you,Brick expostulated.I like the young chap first rate.He's open and free.Bill,you are hampering,at times.I would go to my dugout if I was you,and cool my head.
Your head'll be hot enough,growled Bill,when this has gone too far.
Lahoma opened her eyes wide.What do you mean?she demanded,sincerely perplexed.
Bill,cried Brick warningly,you're a-going to start up a fire where they ain't even been no kindling laid.
Wilfred rose hastily.I should like dearly to come,and come often,he exclaimed,but I couldn't force myself where I'm not wanted.
In that case,remarked Bill inflexibly,you're seeing me for the last time,and may look your fill!
Wilfred smiled at him tolerantly and turned to Willock.I ought to go to my work,Brick.I won't try to explain what this hour has meant to me for I believe you understand.I'm like a man crossing the desert who finds a spring and gets enough water to last him till the next oasis.
He held out his hand to Lahoma who had risen swiftly at these signs of departure.God bless you,little girl!he said cheerily.A man's fortunate who finds such oases along his desert-trail!
It was not Bill's gruffness,but Lahoma's charm that warned him to flee lest he break his promise to her guardians.
But you can't go,yet,cried Lahoma,not taking his hand,there are a thousand things I want to do with you that I've never had a chance to do with anybody else--strolling,for instance.Come and stroll--I'll show you about the cove.Brick and Bill don't know anything about strolling as they do in pictures.Hold out your arm with a crook in it and I'll slip my hand just inside where you'll hold it soft and warm like a bird in its nest....Isn't his noble?And I holds back--excuse me--I HOLD back my skirts with my other hand,and this is the way we stroll,like an engraving out of the history of Louis the Fourteenth's court.Do,oh,do!Her bright eyes glowed into his like beckoning stars.
We stroll,he gravely announced,responding to the pressure of her fingers,but at the same time feeling somewhat guilty as Bill rolled his eyes fearfully at Brick.
When they were a few yards from the trees Lahoma whispered,Make for the other side of Turtle Hill.I want to feel grown up when I do my strolling,but I'm nothing but a little barefooted kid when Brick and Bill are looking at me!
Hidden by the shoulder of the granite hill island she stopped,withdrew her hand,and stood very straight as she said,with breathless eagerness,Answer me quick!Wilfred:ain't I old enough to be a sweetheart?
Oh,Lahoma,he protested warmly,please don't think of it.Don't be anybody's until--until I say the word.You couldn't understand such matters,dear,you wouldn't know the--the proper time.I'll tell you when the time comes.
She looked at him keenly.Am I to wait for a time,or for a person?I wish you'd never met that girl back East I think you'd have filled the bill for me,because,having always lived here in the mountains,I've not learned to be particular.Not but what I've seen lots of trappers and squatters in my day,but I never wanted to stroll with them.I don't see why that eastern girl ever turned you loose from her trap.I think a man's a very wonderful thing;especially a young man--don't you,Wilfred?
