but I guess I'll have to give it up. All is that if I ever get a
chance to even the score--"

She waved his thanks aside impatiently "I didn't mean that. You
have forgotten to take my purse.

His gravity was broken on the instant, and his laughter was
certainly delightfully fresh. "I clean forgot, but I expect I'll
drop over to the ranch for it some day."

"We'll try to make to make you welcome, Mr. Bannister."

"Don't put yourself out at all. I'll take pot-luck when I come."

"How many of you may we expect?" she asked, defiantly.

"Oh, I allow to come alone."

"You'll very likely forget."

"No, ma'am, I don't know so many ladies that I'm liable to such
an oversight.

"I have heard a different story. But if you do remember to come,
and will let us know when you expect to honor the Lazy D, I'll
have messengers sent to meet you."

He perfectly understood her to mean leaden ones, and the humorous
gleam in his eye sparkled in appreciation of her spirit. "I don't
want all that fuss made over me. I reckon I'll drop in