Fernando, John. Then come and tell me all about it."

Despite her teasing, Corliss was beginning to enjoy the play. As a
rule undemonstrative, he was when moved capable of intense feeling, and
the girl knew it. She saw a light in his eyes that she recognized; a
light that she remembered well, for once when they were boy and girl
together she had dared him to kiss her, and had not been disappointed.

"You are cross this morning," she said, making as though to go.

"Well, I've begun over again, Nell. You wait till I get Chinook and
we'll ride home together."

"Oh, but I'm--you're not going that way," she mocked.

"Yes, I am--and so are you. If you won't wait, I'll catch you up,
anyway. You daren't put Challenge down the cañon trail faster than a
walk."

"I daren't? Then, catch me!"

She wheeled her pony and sped toward the timber. Corliss, running
heavily in his high-heeled boots, caught up his own horse and leaped to
the saddle as Chinook broke into a run. The young rancher knew that
the girl would do her best to beat him to the cañon level. He feared
for her safety on the ragged trail below them.

Chinook swung down the trail taking the turns without slackening his
speed and Corliss, leaning in on the curves, dodged the sweeping
branches.