n resented bitterly. On this point cowboys
are particularly sensitive. In the presence of outsiders they are
silent, answering only in monosyllables, never leading in any
conversation, and if any comment is necessary they make it indirectly.

"Well, I ain't no society-bud like you are," laughed Sage-brush. The
others joined with him in his merriment over Fresno's discomfiture.
"Weddin's ain't so frequent where I come from as they is in Californy."

"It's the climate," answered Fresno, with a broad grin.

"So you ain't never been at a weddin'?" asked Allen, who was looking
for another opening to have more fun with Sage-brush.

Again the cowboy became serious and confessed: "Nope; I've officiated
at several plain killin's, an' been chief usher at a lynchin', but this
yere's my first weddin', an' I'm goin' to turn loose some and enjoy it."

Sage-brush grinned in anticipation of the good times that he knew lay
in store for him at the dance.

"You're fixed up as if you was the main attraction at this event," said
Allen, looking Sage-brush over carefully and spinning him around on his
heel.

"Ain't I mussed up fine?" answered Sage-brush.

"You're the sure big turkey," interrupted Parenthesis.

"Served up fine, with all the trimmin's," laughed Fresno, taking
another jab at his friend.

Their sport was broken up for the time being by the appearance of Polly
at the door of the ranch-house. "Hello, boys," she shouted, with the
fascinating cordiality of the Western girl, wherein the breath of the
plains, the purity of the air, and the wholesomeness of life is
embraced in a simple greeting and the clasp of a hand.

The cowboys took off their hats, and made elaborate bows to the young
woman. "Howdy, Miss Polly!" they cried.

"You sure do look pert," added Sage-brush, with what he considered his
most winning smile. Fresno snickered and hastily brushed back the hair
from his forehead.

"Where's Jack?" she asked the two men, who at once ranged themselves
one on each side of her.

"He did not start with the boys," explained Allen. "He'll be along
soon, Polly."

"Well, now when it comes to lookers, what's the matter with Polly
Hope?" exclaimed Sage-brush slyly.

Glances of admiration were cast at the girl, who was dressed simply and
plainly in a little white gown which Mrs. Allen had made for her for
the wedding. Polly's youth, good nature, and ability to take care of
herself made her a favorite on the ranch.