comes up the ladder and meets me and I carries her out just like a
feather--Well, can't you imagine the rest? I reckon if Miss
Sellimer lives a thousand years she'll never forget the awfulness
of that big Injun and the angel sweetness of the little gal that
saved her. Why, if Lahoma had asked for the rings off her fingers,
she could have had 'em, diamonds and all."

Wilfred rose and went to stare at the darkness from the small square
window. Not a word was spoken for some time. At last the silence
was broken by the Indian-- "UGH!" grunted Red Feather.

"Just so!" remarked Wilfred, with exceeding dryness.

"What are you thinking, Wilfred?" demanded Brick Willock.

"I'd have thought Lahoma would recognize the ladder."

"So she done; but couldn't the Injun have stole my ladder and
carried it to that boulder? Just as soon as Miss Sellimer was well
enough to travel, NOTHING couldn't hold her in these parts, and
that's why your brother had to leave before seeing you--he's setting
to Miss Sellimer, and if Lahoma don't git him away from her, I
reckon he's a goner!"

Bill Atkins spoke vaguely. "It wasn't none of my doings."

Wilfred looked steadily at Willock. "What about your whiskers?"

"Oh, as to them, it was like old times; you takes a cloth and cuts
it out--painted red--Psha! What are we talking of? Bill, let's