but no one noticed anything wrong with her eyes, for they were all
down in the Bad Lands, watching an old range cow defend her calf.

"Bennett, do the two go together?" asked the senator, at last.

"I don't know--I painted it for Miss Whitmore," said Chip, a dull glow
in his cheeks.

The Little Doctor glanced at him quickly, rather startled, if the truth
be known.

"Oh, that was just a joke, Mr. Bennett. I would much rather have you
paint me another one--this one makes me want to cry--and a doctor must
forego the luxury of tears. I have no claim upon either of them, Mr.
Blake. It was like this. I started 'The Last Stand,' but I only had
the background painted, and one day while I was gone Mr. Bennett
finished it up--and it is his work that makes the picture worth anything.
I let it pass as mine, for the time, but I never intended to wear the
laurel crown, really. I only borrowed it for a little while. I hope
you can make Mr. Bennett behave himself and put his brand on it, for if
he doesn't it will go down to posterity unsigned. This other--'The Spoils
of Victory'--he cannot attempt to disown, for I was away at Great Falls
when he painted it, and he was here alone, so far as help of any kind
is concerned. Now do make him be sensible!"

The senator looked at Chip, then at the Little Doctor, chuckled and sat
down on the couch.

"Well, well! Kid Bennett hasn't changed, I see. He's just as ornery
as he ever was. And you're the mysterious, modest genius! How did you