So I came here, because it was so far home--and I thought--maybe--" She looked with big, appealing brown eyes at Billy, who felt himself a brute without in the least knowing why.

"I'm Flora Bridger; you know, my father has taken up a ranch over on Shell Creek, and--" "I'm very glad to meet you," said Charming Billy stammeringly.

"Won't you sit down?
I--I wish I'd known company was coming." He smiled reassuringly, and then glanced frowningly around the cabin.

Even for a line-camp, he told himself disgustedly, it was "pretty sousy." "You must be cold," he added, seeing her glance toward the stove.

"I'll have a fire going right away; I've been pretty busy and just let things slide." He threw the un-smoked half of his cigarette into the ashes and felt not a quiver of regret.