with the Samuelsons, just as
soon as she can 'fix to go.' Mrs. Samuelson is a really superior old
lady, refined and lovable in every way. You'll like her immensely. I'm
sure. And I know she will enjoy you."

"Thank you," Patty bowed elaborately. "Poor thing, she must be
frightfully lonely."

"Yes. Of course, the neighbors do all they can. But neighbors are few
and far between. Vil Holland has been over a couple of times, and Jack
Pierce stopped work right in the middle of his upland haying to go to
town for some medicine. I tell you, Miss Sinclair, a person soon
learns who's who in the mountains."

Christie pushed back his chair. "I must be going. I hate to hurry off,
but I want to see Vil and caution him to have an eye on the old man's
stock--you see, there are some shady characters in the hills, and old
man Samuelson runs horses as well as cattle. It is very possible they
may decide to get busy while he is laid up.

"By the way, Miss Sinclair, may I ask if you are making satisfactory
headway in your own enterprise?"

Patty shook her head. "No. I'm afraid I'm making no headway at all.
Sometimes, I think--I'm afraid--" she stumbled for words.

"Is there anything in the world I can do to help you?" asked the man,
eagerly. "If there is, just mention it. I knew your father, and
admired him very much. I'm satisfied he made a strike, and I do hope
you can locate it."

The girl shook her head. "No, nothing, thank you," she answered and
then suddenly looked up, "That is--wait, maybe there is something----"

"Name it." Christie waited eagerly for her to speak.

"It just occurred to me--maybe you could help me--find a school."

"A school!"

"Yes, a school to teach. You see, I have used nearly all my money. By
the end of next month it will be gone, and I must get a job." The man
noticed that the girl was doing her best to meet the situation
bravely.

"Indeed I will help you!" he exclaimed. "In fact, I think I can right
now promise that whenever you get ready to accept it, there will be a
position waiting."

"Even if it is only a country school--just so I can make enough money
this winter to come back next summer."

"I couldn't think of letting a country school get you. We need you
right in town. You see, I happen to be president of the school board,
and if I were to let a perfectly good teacher get away, I'd deserve to
lose my job." Stepping to the door, he whistled shrilly, and a moment
later the piebald cayus