ho stood
by the teacher's desk getting into his frock coat.

"Hurry up, boys, hurry up!" urged Trinidad, though he himself smilingly
looked on.

A moment later the Girl, carrying a small book of poems, walked quietly
into their midst. She was paler and not as buoyant as usual, but she
managed to appear cheerful when she said:

"Hello, boys!"

The men were all smiles and returned her greeting with:

"Hello, Girl!"

Then followed the presentation of their offerings--mere trifles, to be
sure, but given out of the fulness of their hearts. Sonora led with a
bunch of berries, which was followed by Trinidad with an orange.

"From 'Frisco," he said simply, watching the effect of his words with
pride.

A bunch of berries was also Happy's contribution, which he made with a
stiff little bow and the one word:

"Regards."

Meantime Nick, faithful friend that he was, went down on his knees and
began to remove the Girl's moccasins. The knowledge of his proximity
encouraged the Girl to glance about her to see if she could detect any
signs on the men's faces which would prove that they suspected the real
truth concerning her absence. Needless to say adoration and love was all
that she saw; nevertheless, she felt ill-at-ease and, unconsciously,
repeated:

"Hello, boys!" And then added, a little more bravely: "How's
everythin'?"

"Bully!" spoke up Handsome Charlie, who was posing for her benefit, as
was his wont, beside one of the desks.

"Say, we missed you," acknowledged Sonora with a world of tenderness in
his voice. "Never knew you to desert The Polka for a whole week before."

"No, I--I . . ." stammered guiltily, and with their little gifts turned
abruptly towards her desk lest she should meet their gaze.

"Academy's opened," suddenly announced Happy, "and--"

"Yes, I see it is," quickly answered the Girl, brushing away a tear that
persisted in clinging to her eyelids; slowly, now, she drew off her
gloves and laid them on the desk.

"I guess I'm kind o' nervous to-day, boys," she began.

"No wonder," observed Sonora. "Road agent's been in camp an' we missed a
hangin'. I can't git over that."

All a-quiver and not daring to meet the men's gaze, much less to discuss
the road agent with them, the Girl endeavoured to hide her confusion by
asking Nick to help her off with her cape. Turning presently she said in
a strained voice:

"Well, come on, boys--come, now!"

Immediately the boys fell in line for the open