"I'd bet a horse on that." He recalled how white and soft were Honey's hands, and he swore a little.

"Wouldn't hurt her to get out there in the kitchen and help with the cooking," he criticised.

Then suddenly he laughed.

"Shucks a'mighty, as Pop says! with those two girls on the ranch I'll gamble Dave Truman has a full crew of men that are plumb willing to work for their board!" The stage came, and Bud turned to it relievedly.

After that, here came Dave Truman on a deep-cheated roan.