from accompanying the ladies. It added that the horses were at the
disposal of themselves and any escort they might select, if they would
kindly give the message to Whiskey Dick.

The two girls looked at each other awkwardly; Jessie did not attempt to
conceal a slight pout.

"It looks as if they were anticipating us," she said, with a half-forced
smile. "I wonder, now, if there really has been any gossip? But no! They
wouldn't have stopped for that, unless--" She looked curiously at her
sister.

"Unless what?" repeated Christie; "you are horribly mysterious this
morning."

"Am I? It's nothing. But they're wanting an answer. Of course you'll
decline."

"And intimate we only care for their company! No! We'll say we're sorry
they can't come, and--accept their horses. We can do without an escort,
we two."

"Capital!" said Jessie, clapping her hands. "We'll show them--"

"We'll show them nothing," interrupted Christie decidedly. "In our place
there's only the one thing to do. Where is this--Whiskey Dick?"

"In the parlor."

"The parlor!" echoed Christie. "Whiskey Dick? What--is he--"