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

"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."