Publisher's Synopsis
Beatrice took immediate possession of the front seat, that she might comfort her heartbrokenyoung nephew."Never mind, honey. They'll bring the horses back in a minute, and we'll make them run everystep. And when you get to Uncle Dick's ranch you'll see the nicest things-bossy calves, andchickens, and, maybe, some little pigs with curly tails."All this, though alluring, failed of its purpose; the small boy continued to weep, and his weepingwas ear-splitting."Be still, Dorman, or you'll certainly scare all the coyotes to death.""Where are dey?""Oh, all around. You keep watch, hon, and maybe you'll see one put the tip of his nose over ahill.""What hill?" Dorman skipped a sob, and scoured his eyes industriously with both fists."M-m-that hill. That little one over there. Watch close, or you'll miss him."The dove of peace hovered over them, and seemed actually about to alight. Beatrice leaned backwith a relieved breath."It is good of you, my dear, to take so much trouble," sighed his Aunt Mary. "How I am tomanage without Parks I'm sure I cannot tell.""You are tired, and you miss your tea." soothed Beatrice, optimistic as to tone. "When we all havea good rest we will be all right. Dorman will find plenty to amuse him. We are none of us exactlycomfortable now.""Comfortable!" sniffed her mother. "I am half dead. Richard wrote such glowing letters homethat I was misled. If I had dreamed of the true conditions, Miss Hayes, I should never havesanctioned this wild idea of Beatrice's to come out and spend the summer with Richard.""It's coming, Be'trice! There it is! Will it bite, auntie? Say, will it bite?"Beatrice looked. A horseman came over the hill and was galloping down the long slope towardthem. His elbows were lifted contrary to the mandates of the riding-school, his long legs wereencased in something brown and fringed down the sides. His gray hat was tilted rakishly up at theback and down in front, and a handkerchief was knotted loosely around his throat. Even at thatdistance he struck her as different from any one she had ever seen."It's a highwayman!" whispered Mrs. Lansell "Hide your purse, my dear!""I-I-where?" Miss Hayes was all a-flutter with fear.
