Columbine always associated with cowboy deviltry.

"Wal, Miss Collie, we reckon the new boss of White Slides rode in
to-day."

"You mean Jack Belllounds came home," said Columbine. "Well, I'll boss
you boys the same as always."

"Thet'd be mighty fine for us, but I'm feared it ain't writ in the fatal
history of White Slides," replied Jim.

"Buster Jack will run over the ole man an' marry you," added Lem.

"Oh, so that's your idea," rejoined Columbine, lightly. "Well, if such a
thing did come to pass I'd be your boss more than ever."

"I reckon no, Miss Collie, for we'll not be ridin' fer White Sides,"
said Jim, simply.

Columbine had sensed this very significance long before when the
possibility of Buster Jack's return had been rumored. She knew cowboys.
As well try to change the rocks of the hills!

"Boys, the day you leave White Slides will be a sad one for me," sighed
Columbine.

"Miss Collie, we 'ain't gone yet," put in Lem, with awkward softness.
"Jim has long hankered fer Wyomin' an' he jest talks thet way."

Then the cowboys turned to the business in hand. Jim removed the saddle,