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That done, he stood erect, and, facing the north, he listened Helen re twice before since the arrival at Big Spring It was Roy for who The sun had set and across the open space the tips of the pines were losing their brightness

The caave forth a jangle of iron and tin Next he unrolled a large pack, the contents of which appeared to be numerous sacks of all sizes These evidently contained food supplies The bucket looked as if a horse had rolled over it, pack and all Dale filled it at the spring Upon returning to the ca down to his knees, proceeded to wash his hands thoroughly The act seeazed off into the woods and listened Then he dried his hands over the fire, and, turning to the spread-out pack, he began preparations for the ht of the dalena, on the stage-ride, and last night, she had trusted this stranger, a hunter of the White Mountains, who appeared ready to befriend her And she had felt an exceeding gratitude Still, she had looked at hian to dawn upon her that chance had thrown her in the company of a re fro woman in peril, or that he appeared deft and quick at camp-fire chores Most Western hly kind, and all of them could cook This hunter was physically a wonderful speci leonine about his stature But that did not give rise to her impression Helen had been a school-teacher and used to boys, and she sensed a boyish sior or freshness in this hunter She believed, however, that it was a mental and spiritual force in Dale which had drawn her to think of it

"Nell, I've spoken to you three ti over?"

"I'm pretty tired--and far away, Bo," replied Helen "What did you say?"

"I said I had an e-normous appetite"

"Really That's not remarkable for you I'm too tired to eat And afraid to shut my eyes They'd never come open When did we sleep last, Bo?"