He had looked upon her as kindly and fatherly as of old, yet with a difference.

She seemed to see him as old Bill Belllounds, pioneer and rancher, of huge frame and broad face, hard and scarred and grizzled, with big eyes of blue fire.
"Collie," the old man had said, "I reckon hyar's news.

A letter from Jack....

He's comin' home." Belllounds had waved the letter.

His huge hand trembled as he reached to put it on her shoulder.