me of our pranks. But--Ah! there she is now! You can't
lose that woman! Mrs. Montaigne told her that 'the lives of her precious
children were entrusted to her hands,' and the governess feels her
responsibility to the full, I tell you. Even Helena--"

"Dinner for the newcomers!" called Mr. Ford, interrupting, as a fresh
meal was placed upon the table and they were invited to their seats. The
zeal with which they accepted and the fine appetites they displayed sent
a satisfied smile to their host's lips, and he nodded merrily to his
wife:

"No invalids among them! Glad of that! But youngsters, eat first,
chatter afterwards! The wagons will be at the door very soon and I want
to get in a good thirty miles before bedtime!"

They tried to check their eager talk but they were all too excited for
quiet, and presently rose from the table, ready for the ride, while Mr.
Ford said:

"Now, Erminie, wife, you do the pairing off of the youngsters, and
arrange how we shall divide. First, count noses! Eight youngsters, three
oldsters, two 'boys'--thirteen passengers in all! Miss Milliken, did you
ever 'cross the plains' before?"

The prim little lady, who had been standing beside Mrs. Ford, appeared
not to hear the gentleman's question, but turned with an air of anxiety
to ask in turn:

"Madam, did I hear there were 'thirteen,' THIRTEEN?"

"Yes, Miss Milliken. Why?"

"Then I think you'll have to excuse me. I might follow you later if
there were some way but I positively decline to make the thirteenth of
any party."

There certainly was nothing wormlike, or undecided, about the governess,
whose lips had closed in such a thin line of obstinacy as changed her
whole appearance, while her would-be hostess inquired with amusement:

"Are you superstitious, Miss Milliken? Surely, with your culture and--"

Helena advanced with an air of authority:

"Milliken, this is absurd! Please get back your common sense. Remember
we are guests and have no right to object to anything."

The chaperon bridled, but kept silence, till Mr. Ford explained:

"Thirteen doesn't mean the whole party. There'll be three drivers,
besides. Possibly more men picked up along the road. Moreover, thirteen
is my 'lucky number,' if 'luck' is anything. Well, Mrs. Ford, have you
arranged the company?"

"No, I cannot. I know them so slightly, as yet, and the best way is to
draw lots. How many will the first buckboard carry?"

"Eight, all told. A dozen, if need