"I'll have to beat you--sure as you're born." "I heard a horse," came in a lower voice, that was Wilson's.
"Darn me if I'm not gettin' deafer every day," was the reply.
Then Wade appeared in the doorway.
"It's nobody but Miss Collie," he announced, as he made way for her to enter.
"Good morning!" said Columbine, in a voice that had more than cheerfulness in it.
"_Collie!_...

Did you come to see me ?" She heard this incredulous query just an instant before she saw Wilson at the far end of the room, lying under the light of a window.

The inside of the cabin seemed vague and unfamiliar.
"I surely did," she replied, advancing.

"How are you ?" "Oh, I'm all right.

Tickled to death, right now.