e
already knew that she had returned to the farm--how, it would have been
impossible to say--but that she should still come to his shack seemed
incredible.

Evidently Seth had held his tongue. Though he wondered a little uneasily
at the reason, he was quick to see his advantage and the possibilities
opening before him. He had passed from the stage when he was content to
avail himself of chance opportunities. Now he would seek them--he would
make opportunities.

"And so you have come back to us again," he said, after greeting the girl,
while Wanaha smiled with her deep black eyes upon them from the table
beyond the stove.

"Couldn't stay away," the girl responded lightly. "The prairie's in my
bones."

Rosebud had never liked Nevil. To her there was something fish-like in
those pale eyes and overshot jaw, but just now everybody connected with
the old life was welcome. They chatted for a while, and presently, as
Wanaha began to put the food on the table, the girl rose to depart.

"It's time I was getting home," she said reluctantly. "I'm not sure that
they know where I am, so I mustn't stay away too long--after the scrape I
got into months ago. I should like to go across to the Reservation, but
I've already promised not to go there alone. Seth warned me against it,
and after what has passed I know he's right. But I would like to see Miss
Parker, and dear old Mr. Hargreaves. However, I must wait."

Nevil crossed over to the table. He looked serious, but his blue eyes
shone.

"Seth's quite right. You mustn't go alone. Little Black Fox is about
again, you know. And--and the people are very restless just now."

"That's what he said. And I nearly frightened auntie to death telling her
she'd get scalped, and nonsense like that."

Nevil laughed in response.

"If you'd like to go----" he began doubtfully.

"It doesn't matter."

"I only meant I've got to go across directly after dinner. I could
accompany you. No one will interfere with you while I am there."

Nevil turned to his food with apparent indifference. Wanaha stood
patiently by. Rosebud was tempted. She wanted to see the Reservation again
with that strange longing which all people of impulse have for revisiting
the scenes of old associations. Always she was possessed by that curious
fascination for the Indian country which was something stronger than mere
association, something that had to do with the long illness she had passed
through nearly seven years