"That's the big reason," he returned. "The other is that I'm here to
sell Gary Warden my cattle."

"I don't like Gary Warden!" she declared.

His eyes twinkled. "I've heard that before--two or three times. By the
time I see him I'll be disliking, him, myself."

The class, Ruth now noted, had departed--undoubtedly to follow Jimmy
Singleton; or perhaps seizing the opportunity so suddenly presented to
play truant. At all events the school was deserted except for
themselves.

But Ruth did not seem to mind, nor did Lawler express any regret for the
absence of an audience. He grinned widely at Ruth.

"You'll not get them back today, I reckon. If you're riding back home
I'd be pleased to----"

"But you have business with Gary Warden!" she reminded him.

"That can wait. Blackburn won't have the herd here until tomorrow."

Her eyes were glowing with pleasure, and the faint flush on her face
betrayed her still more. But she looked at him resolutely.

"I shall stay the day out, whether the children come back or not," she
said. "And you must not permit me to interfere with business."

It cost her something to tell him that, for the lure of him had seized