of the corner of her eye and the repression of
her smile did not seriously affect the witchery of the dimples.

"I was a little afraid that I might become lonesome on this long
journey; but things have turned out splendidly. Don't you think Dr.
Whiting has a very distinguished air?"

"Very; it would distinguish him out of hundreds," replied Tom, scowling
at the timber fringe ahead. "He is quite impressive when he is silent.
It's a pity he doesn't realize it."

He turned in the saddle and looked behind. "What did I say? There comes
Hank, with an antelope slung before his saddle. I doubt if the doctor
would need the red handkerchief; antelope are notoriously affected by
anything curious."

She turned away and regarded the caravan studiously. "Isn't every man
expected to do his share in the general duties?" she asked.

"Yes; but most of them dodge obligations. When we left Council Grove
more than half of the members of the train were friendly to Woodson. By
the time we leave Cimarron his friends will be counted on the fingers of
your two hands. That is only what he expects, so it won't come as an
unpleasant surprise."

"What is the doctor's party supposed to do?"

"Two of them have been assigned to the rear guard; the other four, to
our right flank. They can be excused somewhat because of their
greenness. Besides, they only came along for the fun of it. In the
college of life they are only freshmen. Its seriousness hasn't sunk in
yet. The majority of the shirkers should know better, and have their
fortunes, meagre as they may be, at stake. Well, here we are. You don't
know how much I've enjoyed our ride. Uncle Joe," he said as Patience
settled into the wagon seat, "here she is, safe and sound. I'll drop
around with some antelope meat by the time you have your fire going."

"It's been ten years since I've broiled game over a fire," chuckled the
driver. "I'm anxious to get my hand in again. Thank you, Tom."

Tom fastened the horse to the rear of the wagon, waved to his friends,
and loped ahead toward the nearing creek.

CHAPTER XI

INDIAN COUNTRY

After an enjoyable supper of antelope meat, Hank Marshall drifted over
to visit Zeb Houghton and Jim Ogden, and judging from the hilarity
resulting from his call, it was very successful. The caravan was now
approaching the Indian country and was not very far from the easternmost
point where traders had experienced Indian deviltry. Neither he nor his
friends w