The eyes of the Little Doctor clung greedily to the lines.

"It is reported that 'The Last Stand' has been sold. The painting,
which has been on exhibition in the lobby of the Summit Hotel, has
attracted much attention among art lovers, and many people have viewed
it in the last week. Duncan Gray Whitaker, the well-known mine owner
and cattleman, who brought the picture to Butte, is said to have
received an offer which the artist will probably accept. Mr. Whitaker
still declines to give the artist's name, but whoever he is, he
certainly has a brilliant future before him, and Montana can justly
feel proud of him. It has been rumored that the artist is a woman,
but the best critics are slow to believe this, claiming that the work
has been done with a power and boldness undoubtedly masculine. Those
who have seen 'The Last Stand' will not easily forget it, and the price
offered for it is said to be a large one. Mr. Whitaker will leave the
city to-morrow to consult the unknown artist, and promises, upon his
return, to reveal the name of the modest genius who can so infuse a bit
of canvas with palpitating life."

"What do you think of that? Isn't the 'modest genius' rather proud of
the hit she has made? I wish you could have seen the old stockmen stand
around it and tell wolf stories to one another by the hour. The women
came and cried over it--they were so sorry for the cow. Really, Miss
Della, she's the most famous cow in Butte, just now. I had plenty of
smaller offers, but I waited till Senator Blake came home; he's a crank
on Western pictures, and he has a long pocketbook and won't haggle over
prices. He took it, just as I expected, but he insists that the artist's
name must be attached to it; and if you take his offer, he may bring the
picture down himself--for he's quite anxious to meet you. I am to wire
your decision at once."