I wonder?" He drew a match along the arm of the chair where the
varnish was worn off. "They think all a cow-puncher has to do is
eat and sleep and ride fat horses. I'd like to tell some of them
a few things that they don't--"

"I've brought you a caller, Chip. Aren't you glad to see him?"
It was the Little Doctor at the window, and the laugh he loved was
in her voice and in her eyes, that it hurt him to meet, lately.

The color surged to his face, and he leaned from the window, his thin,
white hand outstretched caressingly.

"I'd tell a man!" he said, and choked a little over it. "Silver,
old boy!"

Silver, nickering softly, limped forward and nestled his nose in the
palm of his master.

"He's been out in the corral for several days, but I didn't tell you--
I wanted it for a surprise," said the Little Doctor. "This is his
longest trip, but he'll soon be well now."

"Yes; I'd give a good deal if I could walk as well as he can,"
said Chip, gloomily.

"He wasn't hurt as badly as you were. You ought to be thankful you can
walk at all, and that you won't limp all your life. I was afraid for a
while, just at first--"

"You were? Why didn't you tell me?" Chip's eyes were fixed sternly