least one could take up a farm here with, and have a fair
chance of success?"

"One understands it has been done with practically nothing on preempted
land, though I'm rather dubious. In your case, I'd fix five thousand
dollars as the minimum; more would be decidedly better."

"Yes," said Edgar thoughtfully; "that's about my idea; and I suppose it
could be raised, though my share of what was left us has nearly all
been spent in cramming me with knowledge I've no great use for.
Stephen, however, has done pretty well, and I think he always realized
that it would be his privilege to give me a lift; I've no doubt he'll
write to you as soon as I mention the matter, and your answer will have
its effect." He looked at George with anxious eyes. "I venture to
think you'll strain a point to say what you can in my favor?"

"In the first place, I'll ride over to the Butte and have supper with
Taunton, as soon as I can find the time."

"Thanks," responded Edgar gratefully; "you won't have any doubts after
that." Then he broke into laughter. "You'll excuse me, but it's
really funny, George."

"I don't see the joke," George said shortly.

Edgar tried to look serious, and failed.

"I can imagine your trying to weigh up Helen; starting a subtle
conversation to elucidate her character, and showing what you were
after and your profound ignorance with every word; though you mustn't
suppose I'd be afraid of submitting her to the severest test. Why, you
wouldn't even know when a girl was in love with you, unless she told
you so. Perhaps it's some excuse that your mind's fixed on one woman
to the exclusion of all the rest, though one could imagine that, as you
think of her, she's as unreal and as far removed from anything made of
flesh and blood as a saint in a picture. After all, I dare say it's a
very proper feeling."

George left him, half amused and half disturbed. He did not resent
Edgar's freedom of speech, but the latter had a way of mixing hints
that were not altogether foolish with his badinage, and his comrade was
inclined to wonder what he had meant by one suggestive remark. It
troubled him as he strolled along the edge of the tall green wheat, but
he comforted himself with the thought that, after all, Edgar's
conversation was often unworthy of serious consideration.

A week later George rode over to the store at the settlement, feeling a
little diffident, because he had undertaken the visit only from a sense
o