Tom saw and heard other people close by, but he
didnot notice them particularly. He found a seat at the edge of the grove and there
he pondered. Tom listened to this talk, much interested, recording it in
memory.
Reaching thesummit, he dismounted and, elevating a
short telescope, he lookedlong to the southward.
Later, when he returned to the camp, alleyes fixed
upon him. The stout woman left off washing at the tub and came forward,wiping her
red hands on her apron. Both appeared under thirty, stocky fellows, but there
theresemblance ended. The atmosphere of this frontier fort and freighting station
was newto Tom, and affected him deeply.
Some daythese wide lands would respond to
cultivation. My wife had some talk yesterday with a woman who musthave been
Mrs.
Reckon I couldnt say, offhand, replied Pilchuck.
Why had he not detained her,just a moment, to ask for the privilege of seeing her
again?
But at last, toward sunset, a fringe of
windingfoliage marked the course of a stream. Thats more than youll get paid by most
outfits, added Pilchuck. It took an hour for Pilchuck and Hudnallto agree on a horse
that Tom could ride. He wore a leather apron and carried a hammer in his brawny
hand. Tom experienced the most tingling thrill of his life.
Wait till you skin your first buffalo, said the
scout,grinning.
These weary and lost travelers, almost starved,
found inthe oxen succor they so grievously needed. Theres a lot to do, an some one
must see after thewomen folks. Hudnall, and his daughterSally, particularly liked
the horse. The tale ofthis battle was singularly thrilling to Tom Doan. Well, when
you get down on the Staked Plains, youll appreciateMrs.
Her dress of homespunmaterial looked the worse for
wear.
While at breakfast Tom suddenly remembered his
meeting with thegirl, Milly. This is only a little bunch, returned
Pilchuck.
Ill give you a lift, offered Tom, and with one
heave he raisedthe rear end of the wagon.
Hudnall laughed, and was impressed to the point of
placing a kindhand on Toms shoulder.
Tom saw that he could sell ortrade at his
discretion, and so for the time was well pleased. This meeting was not an
ordinaryincident. Youre welcome to cast in your lot with us.