eone else I know. I'm just to BE, not to make believe or let on
like I was, but to BE a real lady inside. And then I'm to learn how to
talk and look, like I know myself to be." She drew a long breath as
she rose to go. "It'll be mighty hard, Dad, in some ways; but it'll
sure be worth it all when I get out 'mong the folks. I'm mighty
thankful to you, I sure am. And I hope you won't never be sorry you
promised to help me."

As the girl walked swiftly away through the thickening dusk of the
evening, the shepherd watched her out of sight; then turned toward
the corral for a last look at the sheep, to see that all was right
for the night. "Brave, old fellow," he said to the dog who trotted
by his side; "are we going to make another mistake, do you think?
We have made so many, so many, you know." Brave looked up into the
master's face, and answered with his low bark, as though to
declare his confidence. "Well, well, old dog, I hope you are
right. The child has a quick mind, and a good heart; and, if I am
not mistaken, good blood. We shall see. We shall see."

Suddenly the dog whirled about, the hair on his back bristling as
he gave a threatening growl. A man on a dun colored mule was
coming up the road.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE COMMON YELLER KIND.

Mr. Howitt stood quietly by the corral gate when the horseman rode
up. It was Wash Gibbs, on his way home from an all day visit with
friends on the river.

When the big mountaineer took the short cut through Mutton Hollow,
he thought to get well past the ranch before the light failed. No
matter how well fortified with the courage distilled by his
friend, Jennings, the big man would never have taken the trail by
the old ruined cabin alone after dark. He had evidently been
riding at a good pace, for his mule's neck and flanks were wet
with sweat. Gibbs, himself, seemed greatly excited, and one hand
rested on the pistol at his hip, as he pulled up in front of the
shepherd.

Without returning Mr. Howitt's greeting, he pointed toward the two
empty chairs in front of the house, demanding roughly, "Who was
that with you before you heard me comin'?"

"Sammy Lane was here a few minutes ago," replied the shepherd.

Gibbs uttered an oath, "She was, was she? Well, who was th' man?"

"There was no man," returned the other. "Young Matt and Pete were
here for supper, but they went as soon as the meal was finished,
before Sammy came."

"Don't you try to lie to me!" exclaimed th