ng the big rancher did seemed appropriate, and,
because removing plates is not a man's task, she wondered at it. They
came back presently, and by that time the girl, who had opened some of
the packages, held a roll of fabric upon her knee.

"If you can find a splash anywhere I'll forfeit a dollar. Charley's
good at mopping up," said Alton gravely. "I'm afraid that stuff's a
little wet, but it was the Cayuse's fault. He started in kicking and
burst the rope, you see."

"It would have been wetter if it had gone into the lake," said Seaforth.

"The lake?" said the girl.

Seaforth nodded. "Yes," he said. "It was on the Tyee trail the pony
commenced kicking."

The girl looked up sharply, and there was a subdued brightness in her
eyes, for she had more than once shivered when leading her horse along
that perilous trail. Alton felt for his comrade's leg under the table
and kicked it grievously.

"There wasn't any trouble, and the snow was soft," said he. "You're
going to make a dress of that stuff, Miss Nellie?"

"Yes," said the girl. "I could, however, wish the stuff was better."

Alton smiled gravely. "Of course!" he said. "Still, it don't count
for much. You would look like a picture in anything."

Nellie Townshead glanced at him sharply, and for a moment there was a
faint sparkle in her eyes, for she had a trace of temper.

"Whatever made you say that?" said she.

Alton laughed. "I really don't quite know. I just felt I had to," he
said with a naive simplicity. "I wouldn't have done it if I had
thought it would vex you."

After this he listened while his comrade talked--and Seaforth on
occasion could talk gracefully--until at last he said, "England's not
so very big, Miss Nellie. I wonder if you know a place called Carnaby."

"Yes," said the girl. "I once went to see rather a fine old hall
there."

"Carnaby Grange?" said Alton quietly.

"Yes," said the girl with a trace of curiosity. "We spent some little
time in the grounds. They lie deep in the woods, and there is a famous
rose garden."

"Yes," said Alton. "All kinds of roses. And the old place? Tell me
about it!"

"Is very picturesque," said the girl. "It looked quiet and grey, and
almost stately under its ivy that autumn day, but I could scarcely
describe it you. You have nothing like it in Canada."

"No," said Alton gravely. "I have seen nothing like it in Canada. But
wasn't there a lake?"

The girl glanced at him cur