An expression that was almost bitter flitted over the young man's face, as

of an unpleasant memory forgotten for the instant.

"It really wasn't of much consequence when you think of it," he said with

a shrug of his fine shoulders. "I was merely lost, and was wanting to

inquire where I was--and possibly the way to somewhere. But I don't know

as 'twas worth the trouble."

The girl was puzzled. She had never seen a man like this before. He was

not like her wild, reckless brother, nor any of his associates.

"This is Montana," she said, "or was, when I started," she added with

sudden thought.

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"Yes? Well, it was Montana when I started, too; but it's as likely to be

the Desert of Sahara as anything else. I'm sure I've come far enough, and

found it barren enough."

"I never heard of that place," said the girl seriously; "is it in Canada?"

"I believe not," said the man with sudden gravity; "at least, not that I

know of. When I went to school, it was generally located somewhere in

Africa."

"I never went to school," said the girl wistfully; "but--" with a sudden

resolve--"I'll go now."

"Do!" said the man. "I'll go with you. Let's start at once; for, now that

I think of it, I haven't had anything to eat for over a day, and there

might be something in that line near a schoolhouse. Do you know the way?"

"No," said the girl, slowly studying him--she began to feel he was making

fun of her; "but I can give you something to eat."

"Thank you!" said the man. "I assure you I shall appreciate anything from

hardtack to bisque ice-cream."

"I haven't any of those," said the girl, "but there are plenty of beans

left; and, if you will get some wood for a fire, I'll make some coffee."

"Agreed," said the man. "That sounds better than anything I've heard for

forty-eight hours."

The girl watched him as he strode away to find wood, and frowned for an

instant; but his face was perfectly sober, and she turned to the business

of getting breakfast. For a little her fears were allayed. At least, he

would do her no immediate harm. Of course she might fly from him now

while his back was turned; but then of course he would pursue her again,

and she had little chance of getting away. Besides, he was hungry. She

could not leave him without something to eat.




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