She lay down to rest and think. It was really very pleasant here.
There were birds nesting in the chinks; a ground squirrel ran along
one of the logs and chirped at her; through an opening near her face
she saw a wild rose-bush and the green slope of the gulch; a soft,
warm, fragrant breeze blew in, stirring her hair. How strange that
there could be beautiful and pleasant things here in this robber
den; that time was the same here as elsewhere; that the sun shone
and the sky gleamed blue. Presently she discovered that a lassitude
weighted upon her and she could not keep her eyes open. She ceased
trying, but intended to remain awake--to think, to listen, to wait.
Nevertheless, she did fall asleep and did not awaken till disturbed
by some noise. The color of the western sky told her that the
afternoon was far spent. She had slept hours. Someone was knocking.
She got up and drew aside the blanket. Bate Wood was standing near
the door.

"Now, miss, I've supper ready," he said, "an' I was reckonin' you'd
like me to fetch yours."

"Yes, thank you, I would," replied Joan.

In a few moments Wood returned carrying the top of a box upon which
were steaming pans and cups. He handed this rude tray up to Joan.

"Shore I'm a first-rate cook, miss, when I've somethin' to cook," he
said with a smile that changed his hard face.

She returned the smile with her thanks. Evidently Kells had a well-
filled larder, and as Joan had fared on coarse and hard food for
long, this supper was a luxury and exceedingly appetizing. While she