xury of worrying, Ma dear.
That is a mother's divine prerogative, but rest assured Buddy sha'n't
do himself any great harm. Now then, let's get to a long-distance
phone."

It was perhaps two hours before Gray reported to Gus Briskow: "They
don't know much more at the school than was written in that letter. He
has been going a rather lively pace lately, it seems."

"Did you find out anything about the--the woman?"

"Nothing definite. I have put detectives on the case, and they will
report to me at Wichita Falls. As soon as they uncover his trail, I'll
go to Buddy at once."

"You goin' to leave us?"

"I must. I've just received a telegram from my--my agent. About the
purchase of a well. It is a matter that can't wait."

"I can't thank you for all you done for us. We was in bad shape till
you come. Now--"

"Now everything is straight again. That's my job, Gus--to do little odd
favors for those I love. You must stay here, for Ma is happy, and this
place is making a girl of her. Allie is doing wonders with herself,
too. By the way, she needn't be lonely any more; I've talked to some of
the guests, and they want to make friends with her. She'll find them
nice people, and you must make her meet them halfway. Perhaps she'll
become interested in some decent young fellow. I'd like that, wouldn't
you?"

"Would ye?"

The tone of this inquiry caused Gray to glance more keenly at the
speaker, but Briskow's bright eyes told him nothing.

"Why, naturally. Allie is becoming more attractive every day, and she
is going to make something of herself. She is going to 'do us all
proud.'"

As soon as he was alone Gray eagerly reread his telegram from Wichita
Falls. It was from Barbara Parker--the first, by the way, that he had
ever received--and he smiled at the girl's effort to be thoroughly
businesslike, and at the same time to convey the full urgency of her
message. Why had she economized on words when every one was precious to
him? Buy that well? Of course he would, if she so earnestly desired it.
But what was better by far than the prospect of a profitable purchase
was the fact of her personal interest in him. When it came to the last
line of her message, "Bob" had plunged into a ten-word riot of
extravagance.

"The bird is darling. I have named him after you."

Gray wondered if these words really meant what they seemed to imply, or
if it was merely her bubbling, enthusiasm that spoke. Well, he would
soon find out. Alre