reen, slimy
water that edged the road; then, seizing the quirt and the opportunity
at the same time, he belabored Billy without mercy as that individual
climbed up the slippery embankment, blubbering and whipped. Still
sobbing, he climbed upon his patient pony, which stood waiting, and
galloped off down the lane. The other pony followed and the little
conqueror was left afoot.

Mrs. O'Shaughnessy was beaming with delight. "Sure, 'twas a fine
fight, a sight worth coming all this way to see. Ah! but you're the
b'y. 'Tis a dollar I'd be givin' ye, only me purse is in me
stockin'--"

"Oh," the boy said quickly, "don't let that stop you. I'll look off
another way."

I don't know if she would have given him the money, for just then some
men came into the lane with some cattle and we had to start. The boy
got up on the back end of the buckboard and we drove on. We could hear
our wagons rumbling along and knew they would soon catch up.

"Where is your home, b'y?" asked Mrs. O'Shaughnessy.

"Oh, just wherever Aunt Hettie has work," he said. "She is at Mr.
Tom's now, so I'm there, too,--me and Baby Girl."

"Where are your folks?" Mrs. O'Shaughnessy went on.

"Ma's dead, an pa's gone to Alasky. I don't know where my brothers
are. Baby Girl an' me are with Aunt Het, an' that's all there are of
us." He grinned cheerfully in spite of the fact that one eye was fast
closing and he bore numerous bumps and scratches on his face and head.

Just then one of the men with the cattle galloped up and shouted,
"Hello!" It was Mr. Burney! "Where'd you get that kid? I guess I'll
have to get the sheriff after you for kidnapping Bud. And what have
you been doing to him, anyway?"

Mrs. O'Shaughnessy entered delightedly into a recital of the "mixup,"
and it turned out that Mr. Tom and Mr. Burney were one. It was like
meeting an old friend; he seemed as pleased as we and insisted on our
going up to his ranch; he said "the missus" would feel slighted if we
passed her by. So we turned into another lane, and presently drew up
before the ranch house. "The missus" came dancing out to meet us, and
right welcome she made us feel. Mr. Burney went back to bring the
rest, but they were already setting up the tents and had supper almost
ready. However, we stayed and had supper with the Burneys.

They are powerfully happy and talked eagerly of themselves and their
prospects. "It's just grand to have a home of your own and some one to
do for. I just _