s hair said: "Since when, Frieda Ralston, have you developed into
a student? Far be it from you ever to get your lessons for _me_ without
a fuss; something must have come over the spirit of your dreams."

Frieda shook her head impatiently. She was a very matter-of-fact person
at all times. "No such thing, Jean, dreams haven't anything to do with
it, it is only that Olive really takes an interest herself and is
awfully patient and does not laugh--"

But Jean had put her fingers in her ears and slipped out the bedroom
door.

Olive and Frieda were in their own room at a small table drawn up near
the window, and looking out, Jack saw Jim Colter come up the drive to
the door on horseback, leading a horse for her. Jean ran out in the yard
and stood for a moment talking to him.

Jim had been away from Rainbow Ranch since the day of the girls' return,
and Jack could see that he looked tired and serious, not like his usual
self.

Jack kissed Frieda. "Perhaps Jim and I won't be back until late, little
sister, don't worry. You know we are going to ride along the side of
Rainbow Creek to see about some of the cattle and horses. Maybe the poor
ponies and calves haven't any water to drink in some parts of the ranch.
Don't study until your pigtails turn grey."

Frieda laughed, but the Indian girl looked at Jacqueline closely. There
was something odd in Jack's manner, as though she were trying to hide a
secret that she was not sure whether or not she wished to tell.

"Good-bye, Olive," Jack called lightly, "don't talk about our being
ashamed of you, child. If you knew all I do not know, you would be
quite the wisest person in the world. Maybe Jean and I will have news
for you to-night. You have got to think it is good news, for Jean and I
hope it is. Anyhow, you two good, industrious children have made me make
up my feeble mind. _Auf wiedersehen._ That being about all the German I
know, I will translate it for you: 'Till we meet again.'"

Jack stamped out on the porch to Jean and Jim.

"Morning, overseer," she said brightly.

Jim lifted his Mexican hat. "Morning, boss," he returned gravely. "How
is the wounded member?"

Jack shrugged her sprained shoulder the least little bit. "It's not
first class yet, pard," she stammered, mimicking one of the cowboys on
the ranch. "But I think I can get over a good piece of ground by
catching hold on the reins with this here one good arm, if it's the same
to you. Is that the horse you m