what sort of a trick," she
rushed on, "was that to play? Do you call it a manly thing to frighten
and distress women because you--for no reason at all? I should never
have imagined it could be the act of a person who wears a big pistol and
rides a big horse. I should be afraid to go riding with such an immature
protector."

"Yes; that was awful childish. Your words do cut a little; for maybe
there's been times when I have acted pretty near like a man. But I
cert'nly forgot to be introduced before I spoke to yu' last night.
Because why? You've found me out dead in one thing. Won't you take a
guess at this too?"

"I cannot sit guessing why people do not behave themselves--who seem to
know better."

"Well, ma'am, I've played square and owned up to yu'. And that's not
what you're doin' by me. I ask your pardon if I say what I have a right
to say in language not as good as I'd like to talk to yu' with. But at
South Fork Crossin' who did any introducin'? Did yu' complain I was a
stranger then?"

"I--no!" she flashed out; then, quite sweetly, "The driver told me it
wasn't REALLY so dangerous there, you know."

"That's not the point I'm makin'. You are a grown-up woman, a
responsible woman. You've come ever so far, and all alone, to a
rough country to instruct young children that play games,--tag, and
hide-and-seek, and fooleries they'll have to quit when they get old.
Don't you think pretendin' yu' don't know a man,--his name's nothin',
but him,--a man whom you were glad enough to let assist yu' when
somebody was needed,--don't you think that's mighty close to
hide-and-seek them children plays? I ain't so sure but what there's a
pair of us children in this hyeh room."

Molly Wood was regarding him saucily. "I don't think I like you," said
she.

"That's all square enough. You're goin' to love me before we get
through. I wish yu'd come a-ridin, ma'am."

"Dear, dear, dear! So I'm going to love you? How will you do it? I know
men think that they only need to sit and look strong and make chests at
a girl--"

"Goodness gracious! I ain't makin' any chests at yu'!" Laughter overcame
him for a moment, and Miss Wood liked his laugh very much. "Please come
a-ridin'," he urged. "It's the prettiest kind of a day."

She looked at him frankly, and there was a pause. "I will take back two
things that I said to you," she then answered him. "I believe that I do
like you. And I know that if I went riding with you, I should not
hav