rich cream, and pastries "such as mother used to make" offered a
challenge to the boys that they gleefully accepted. They ate like
famished wolves, while Mrs. Melton bridled with pride at the tribute paid
to her cooking; and, when at last they had fairly cleared the board, they
sat back with a sigh of content at duty well performed.

"How about those belts?" laughed Melton, as he lighted his pipe.

"Tight as a drum," Tom answered for all. "You called my bluff, all
right."

"Sallie certainly knows how to cook," said Mr. Melton, patting his wife's
hand.

"You mustn't give me all the credit," smiled Mrs. Melton, smoothing out
her apron. "That Chinese cook you brought back with you the last time you
went to Helena is certainly a treasure. I don't know how I'd get along
now without him."

"That reminds me," said Melton, with a quick glance at his wife. "Just
send him in here for a minute, will you?"

She went into the kitchen and a moment later returned, followed by a
Chinaman, who shuffled along in his heelless slippers.

The boys glanced at him indifferently for a moment. Then a startled
recognition leaped into their eyes.

"Wah Lee," they cried in chorus, jumping to their feet.